Even in good times trucking companies go under, but when the economy and trucking takes a downturn it’s certain we will see more of this.

4 firms file for receivership
Franklin trucking companies’ debts total $31 million
By RICK ROMELL
rromell@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Oct. 2, 2007
Four Franklin-based trucking companies that together employ more than 400 people sought protection from creditors Tuesday in a state court proceeding similar to bankruptcy.

They are probably one of many trucking firms facing the same decision, maybe there’s a bright spot.

The largest of the companies, JDC Logistics, is a freight hauler concentrating on the automobile manufacturing industry. The firm has an extensive record of violations of regulations on drivers’ hours and has been fined more heavily for such rule-breaking than almost any trucking company in the country.

Which is good news. Get the unsafe and rule-breaking companies off the road.

“The businesses will continue to operate in the ordinary course with the support of our secured creditor, and we’re optimistic that we will be able to make the best of the situation,” he said.

But they’re not really getting off the road or out of business. Now, like the airlines that file bankruptcy, they are able to operate with even lower costs because someone else will be paying their bills. as if we don’t have enough carriers not paying their drivers and not paying their bills and undercutting each other.

I’m not an accountant or a lawyer, so it’s never made sense to me why companies that are in bankruptcy are still able to operate. Airlines fly in and out of bankruptcy like it’s a normal part of doing business.

Someone care to explain why this company is still hauling freight with all of their violations and now that they’re bankrupt?