Davis Express Announces Closure After 44 Years in Business
Davis Express, a family-owned refrigerated trucking company based in Starke, Florida, has announced it will be shutting down operations after more than four decades in the transportation industry. Known for specializing in the delivery of grocery items and consumer products across the Southeast, the company operated 160 trucks and employed around 140 drivers at its peak.
Why Davis Express Is Closing
Owner Jimmy Davis cited a combination of financial, legal, and personal reasons behind the difficult decision to close:
- Ongoing Financial Challenges: Since early 2023, the company has been operating at a loss. Rising fuel and insurance costs, along with stagnant freight rates, made it increasingly difficult for Davis Express to remain profitable.
- Legal Pressures: Davis expressed growing concern over the heightened risk of litigation in the trucking industry. He described the current legal climate as increasingly hostile, noting that every driver’s trip could carry significant financial risk in the event of an accident or claim.
- Personal Decision to Retire: After spending 50 years in the trucking industry, Davis decided it was time to retire. His children, though involved in the business, chose not to continue running the company due to the demands and stress associated with managing a trucking operation.
What Happens Next
Although the company is shutting down, it is not filing for bankruptcy. Davis Express has enough reserves to pay off its debts and support its employees during the transition. Operations are scheduled to continue through April 23, with all trucks and equipment expected to return to headquarters by April 30.
Employees will continue to receive pay and benefits through mid-June, and layoffs will be rolled out in phases, ultimately affecting 163 staff members, including drivers, office staff, and mechanics.
A Reflection of Industry-Wide Struggles
The closure of Davis Express highlights the broader challenges facing small and mid-sized carriers in today’s freight economy. A long-lasting freight recession, increasing operating costs, insurance hikes, and legal liabilities have created a difficult landscape for trucking companies across the country.
In a farewell message, Davis Express expressed heartfelt appreciation to its loyal employees, long-time customers, and the community that supported them throughout their 44-year journey.
