Sources reached out to FreightWaves on the afternoon of July 11 to report that less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier LME has suddenly and abruptly shut its doors, notifying shippers they were ceasing operations.
LME is a regional LTL carrier, based in Minnesota, that operates throughout the Midwest. According to the company’s website, LME has terminals in 30 locations across the U.S. and through interline agreements services all of North America. The site also lists some of the carrier’s major accounts, including 3M, John Deere, Osram Sylvania, Brake Parts and Toro.
The company claimed that the team included “over 600 men and women.” Saferwatch lists the company having 382 power units and 1,228 trailers, with 424 truck drivers.
LME has been caught up in litigation with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over disputes related to Lakeville Motor Express, which also abruptly shut down right before Thanksgiving in 2016. According to the Minnesota newspaper, StarTribune, LME was described by the NLRB as an “the alter-ego” of Lakeville Motor Express.
In an article on June 17, 2019, the Star Tribune described the circumstances behind a $1.25M back-pay ruling.
About 95 Lakeville Motor Express truckers and dockworkers were abruptly locked out of their Roseville job site without notice or pay just before Thanksgiving 2016. While Lakeville Motor Express filed for bankruptcy, affected workers claimed the entity actually continued to operate, just at a different location in the Twin Cities and under the new name LME Inc.
Numerous articles related to the Lakeville Motor Express bankruptcy suggest that the owners bankrupted the union carrier, resurfacing as a non-union carrier under LME and Finish Line Express brands. The NLRB ordered the $1.25 million in backpay to be paid starting within 60 days from April 30, 2019, or the amount would double to $2.4 million. It is not known if the backpay or fines were the cause of the sudden closure.
This evening, the corporate website has a notice that says “effective immediately LME will no longer be accepting any pickups.” The Facebook page also linked to the company’s website was also down.
This is the fifth major closure in 2019. The others were NEMF, Falcon, Williams Trucking of Dothan, Alabama, and Indiana-based A.L.A.
This is a developing story.
Trip Kutt
Bunch of Burrheadd’s trying to get out of paying overweight drivers.
Renee
I’m so sorry that you all have had to experience such a devastating hardship! My name is Renee and I am a Driver Recruiter for WEL Companies, a refrigerated company based out of Wisconsin. We are looking for qualified drivers to help grow our business. Please give me a call for more information about opportunities out of your area – hopefully we can help you bridge the gap and get you running again! My direct line is 920-278-4353
Stephanie
Everyone should send a post to Shari Wilsey’s Facebook page and tell her what scum she and her husband are!
Jake
The Wilsey’s are the scum of the earth! They made sure they got theirs and then screw the hard working employees! Karma is a bitch and the Wilsey’s will get paid back tenfold! Two incompetent boob lazy ass sons as VP’s who would not have had jobs unless daddy owned the company! These people are pure evil!
Paula Fleming
This is crazy! My company uses LME all the time to cover our freight. What a sad loss.
The ugly Truth
Another mediocre company run out of business by poor management and big unions, when will you sheepole ever learn? You can’t keep spending money on shit to keep up with the neighbors then cry that you’re not making enough money. This just ends in a problem as you have now!
Kim Davis
If some of these drivers would start working for smaller companies and have some dedication instead of going from job to job maybe they would be in a better position. Most drivers don’t even consider small companies because they cannot afford all the luxuries that they want. Most of the small companies help their employees out and you’re not a number. Maybe if some of these drivers would consider it’s not all about them when they’re looking for a job! Instead of asking what can you do for me maybe they should say what can I do for you!
bobby's girl
My husband has been a trucker for almost 40 years. He’s worked for a number of smaller companies, which eventually get eaten up by the big guys. He’s ready to retire and take a permanent rest from the dog-eat-dog business of trucking. He’s been a loyal and hard-working employee. It’s the guys/gals behind the wheel that keep it all going and our commerce depends on them.
Travis
Ain’t that the truth! What a family of scumbags!!!