Schneider cuts workforce

Schneider cuts workforce    Trucking and logistics powerhouse Schneider National said it is eliminating 170 jobs and relocating another 85 workers as it streamlines operations following several recent acquisitions.
   Schneider in February acquired American Overseas, a Southern California freight forwarder and in August 2005 bought ocean container delivery and transloading company American Port Services. American Overseas had about 50 employees at the time of the takeover. American Port Services manages about 1,500 workers, but many are independent subcontractors hired as truck drivers and warehousemen.
   Schneider has also shed workers with the sale this summer of its Freight Payment Services unit to U.S. Bank and its specialized flatbed division to Maverick Transportation. About 200 freight payment specialists transferred to U.S. Bank. Schneider Specialized had 425 drivers.
   Schneider said the workforce adjustment affects less than 1 percent of its 22,300 employees. About 120 of the positions are located at the company’s Green Bay, Wis. headquarters and cut across all departments.
   The company continues to hire people, primarily truck drivers, and expects its total payroll to increase by the end of 2006.