Freight Handlers to cut 168 logistics and warehouse jobs at Publix

Freight Handlers, a logistics company based in North Carolina, has announced the layoff of 168 workers across five distribution centers in Florida. These facilities are owned by the grocery chain Publix and operate in Lakeland and Sarasota. The job cuts stem from Publix terminating its contract with Freight Handlers for third-party unloading services.

The terminations are scheduled for September 19. According to state filings, the affected roles include warehouse handlers, leads, assistant production managers, and department managers. Freight Handlers issued formal notices under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to confirm these positions are being eliminated permanently.

The impact is concentrated at major logistics hubs, including four locations in Lakeland and one in Sarasota. Publix spokespeople have remained quiet on the reasons for ending the contract and have not confirmed if they plan to move this work in-house or seek a new service provider. Freight Handlers has not provided specific details regarding the sudden end of the partnership.

For the employees at these centers, the news signifies a shift in operations for one of Central Florida's largest distribution networks. Industry observers continue to monitor whether this indicates a larger change in how Publix manages its supply chain and third-party labor contracts moving forward.