The UPS Baltimore Customer Service Center is set to close its doors on August 23, resulting in the layoff of 540 employees, as confirmed by the Maryland Department of Labor. This closure follows a previous round of layoffs in March, which saw 118 employees let go from the same department of the center.
This decision is part of UPS's broader strategy to modernize its operations, with plans to close up to 200 facilities over the next five years. This initiative is projected to yield annual savings of $3 billion by 2028. Despite the closure of the Vero Road center, UPS is committed to supporting its employees by offering temporary positions at the temporary hub or other nearby facilities. The company reassures customers that service in Baltimore will continue, with an expanded center slated to reopen in late 2025.
Regional Rail LLC has strengthened its presence in the Midwest with the recent acquisition of the 70-mile Ohio line of Cincinnati Eastern Railroad. With this acquisition, Regional Rail LLC now boasts ownership of seven railroads in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, providing freight hauling and storage services to a diverse range of customers in various industries such as aggregates, food & agriculture, and paper products. According to Regional Rail LLC's President and CEO, the acquisition of Cincinnati Eastern Railroad will not only enhance the services offered to existing customers but also pave the way for new growth opportunities for the company. This strategic move aligns with the company's goal of expanding its market reach and enhancing its service offerings.
Under the partnership with investment firm 3i Group, Regional Rail LLC has experienced significant growth, expanding from 3 railroads in the Northeast to a total of 16 operations nationwide. The company specializes in rail transportation, storage, and transloading of automobiles across the United States and western Canada.
Corn growers, in collaboration with various agricultural groups, are working alongside the oil industry in an effort to challenge a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation aimed at limiting truck emissions. The National Corn Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation have taken legal action against the EPA's emissions standards for automobiles, arguing that the agency has shown preference towards battery-powered vehicles over alternative fuel options.
The EPA's finalized emissions regulations, which were recently introduced, are intended to decrease the environmental impact of greenhouse gases by phasing out conventional transportation fleets. According to Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, heavy-duty battery-powered vehicles are limited in range and require extended charging times, presenting logistical challenges for the agricultural sector as a whole.
The latest data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals that on-highway diesel prices have recently hit a two-year low, dipping below $3.66 per gallon. Current prices are significantly lower than initial projections made in January, with the Midwest region experiencing the most notable decline of 8 cents per gallon within a week.
The significant decrease in diesel prices, with a 6.8 cent drop on a weekly basis, has had an impact on the operations of certain fleets. Inflation remains a concern, affecting consumer behaviors, while persistent weak demand is posing challenges for fleet operators.
Get highlights and special offers twice a month
We use a tool to capture how users interact with our websites so we can analyze and improve the user experience. Clicking “Accept” allows us to use this tool when you visit our websites. For more information, read our Privacy Center article on Cookies and tracking.
