Layoffs confirmed in BNSF Logistics brokerage unit’s sale to J.B. Hunt

‘Some employees with duplicative responsibilities may not move over’

Parent company BNSF confirmed that some layoffs will occur as BNSF Logistics' brokerage unit transfers to J.B. Hunt. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

An unspecified number of employees are expected to lose their jobs as the brokerage operations of BNSF Logistics transfer to J.B. Hunt Transport Services.

J.B. Hunt (NASDAQ: JBHT) announced on Sept. 14 that it would be acquiring the brokerage operations of BNSF Logistics, a subsidiary of BNSF Railway.

As reported by FreightWaves then, BNSF Logistics provides a full suite of 3PL services through employees and agents. J.B. Hunt is acquiring the truckload, drayage, expedited and less-than-truckload platform. BNSF Logistics will retain the portion of the business that handles warehouse, specialty retail, heavy-haul and project-related services. Financial terms of the transaction were not provided at the time.

Parent company BNSF (NYSE: BRK-B) told FreightWaves the layoffs are due to duplicate roles within the companies.

“Some employees with duplicative responsibilities may not move over to J.B. Hunt upon the conclusion of the sale of BNSF Logistics’ brokerage operations to J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.,” BNSF said. “Affected employees will be offered severance packages, including continuing healthcare and placement assistance.”

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7 Comments

  1. John

    Corporate world is always spinning. There is always a comment about driver wages. More driver positions in the trucking field. At least the BNSF customer’s who stay with Hunt will find an operation that may show no signs of strain. Hunt and BNSF brokered to equipment under our over sight. Only difference was rate tender conformation with each of the 3PL’s heading.

  2. Uninformed Customer

    No notice to customers on support changing. Left us hanging with scheduled pickups today and no information. We prodded JB Hunt and they got with BNSF which finally pushed someone to contact us. They claim all is set and we will see no interruptions. on the daily runs they do for us. We are working on setting up alternatives just incase we have issues. They handle 1,600 loads for us a year.

  3. Jim

    Laid off about 150 people that had families, children, bills, etc. So glad you think this is a huge win @kaldetay. Hope you get laid off one day so you know how a “huge win” feels. Just like everything else JB Hunt/BNSF does this was handled about as poorly as one would expect.

Comments are closed.

Joanna Marsh

Joanna is a Washington, DC-based writer covering the freight railroad industry. She has worked for Argus Media as a contributing reporter for Argus Rail Business and as a market reporter for Argus Coal Daily.