Workers at Pave It Forward Logistics showed up expecting another routine day delivering Amazon packages in Lebanon. Instead, on March 31, they found their delivery hub shuttered, their jobs gone, and, according to several former staffers, their final paychecks missing.
The abrupt closure of the facility at 1000 Richard Petty Way left about 100 drivers and warehouse employees suddenly out of work. Former workers say many had no warning, no severance, and no clear answers, a combination that has families scrambling and state workforce officials now involved.
What the official filing says
An official WARN notice filed on April 15 with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development states that the Lebanon site closed permanently on March 31 and lists 100 affected employees. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Northern Middle Local Workforce Development Area rapid response team has been alerted to coordinate services for laid-off workers, and the company notified the state’s Dislocated Worker Unit on April 2.
Workers say they were left unpaid
Dozens of former drivers have told local reporters they never received pay for their final weeks on the job. Several say company owner Jerame Stout went silent or responded with profanity when they pressed him about missing wages.
"We shouldn't have to fight for the money that we already worked for," driver Amber Letendre told FOX 17. The station reports some employees are preparing legal action after Stout told workers he lacked funds because Amazon allegedly withheld roughly $600,000 in receivables.
Amazon's role and the DSP program
Pave It Forward Logistics operated as part of Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner program, which launched in 2018. Under the DSP model, independent small-business owners run last-mile delivery operations, while Amazon provides routing technology, training, and certain support services.
According to Amazon, the company has invested more than $12.3 billion in DSP rate increases, safety initiatives and other value-added services since the program began.
Legal options and next steps
Employment attorneys told FOX 17 that workers are legally entitled to be paid for every hour they worked. In Tennessee, employers generally have up to 21 days to issue final paychecks, but unpaid wages can be pursued as potential wage theft if they never arrive.
Lawyers interviewed by the station said former employees may have legal claims against Stout and, depending on the terms of any contracts in place, could also explore possible claims involving Amazon.
Local response and what to watch
The WARN filing notes that Northern Middle’s rapid response team and the state Dislocated Worker Unit are coordinating outreach to affected employees. The state memo includes contact information so laid-off workers can seek immediate help with job searches and related services.
Officials and former employees say they are watching closely for any bankruptcy filings or other court actions that could determine whether unpaid workers ever see the wages they say they are owed. The state’s documentation and local reporting are expected to be the clearest guides to what happens next. According to Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Dislocated Worker Unit was formally notified on April 2.
