The behind-the-scenes crews that help keep Publix shelves stocked are in for a major shakeup. Freight Handlers, the contractor that unloads trucks for the Lakeland-based grocer, is cutting 168 warehouse jobs at distribution centers in Lakeland and Sarasota, according to company notices filed with government officials. The letters say the separations are permanent, take effect Sept. 19 and will wipe out dozens of frontline roles across five Publix distribution centers that have long anchored the region's grocery logistics network.
Notices Name Five Publix Distribution Centers
According to Business Observer, Freight Handlers notified state and local officials in WARN letters that it will no longer perform "third party unloading services" at the centers beginning Sept. 19. The filings list 168 affected employees, including 127 warehouse handlers, 30 handler leads, five department managers, four assistant production managers and two orientation coordinators, and state that all separations will be permanent.
Vendor Contract Ended After Grocer Moved On
As reported by Tampa Bay Business Journal, Freight Handlers LLC is cutting more than 150 positions across five locations after Publix ended the vendor's contract. That outlet noted the layoffs are expected to be permanent and will affect several warehouse roles that support store deliveries. Local coverage indicates four of the affected distribution centers are in Lakeland and one is in Sarasota.
Publix Defers To The Vendor
Publix is keeping its distance from the employment fallout. A company spokesperson told reporters that questions about the workers should go straight to Freight Handlers. "It is more appropriate for FHI to respond as the employees are employed by FHI," the spokesperson said, according to Business Observer. Freight Handlers did not return requests for comment cited in local coverage.
Who Is Freight Handlers?
FHI (Freight Handlers) is a Fuquay-Varina, N.C.-based logistics firm that sells managed-labor, contingent-staffing and 3PL warehouse services to supermarket chains and other distributors. The company's FHI site highlights labor and unloading solutions it says it has delivered for more than three decades. Trade reporting and company materials describe FHI as a provider of frontline dock crews and short-term labor to distribution centers around the country.
WARN Notice Triggers Job Services
The federal WARN Act generally requires covered employers to give 60 days' notice to affected employees, state dislocated worker units and local officials before a plant closing or mass layoff. The idea is to give workers and communities some runway to prepare. Employers typically file WARN notices so rapid-response teams and career centers can coordinate reemployment assistance, training opportunities and job-search support. The Department of Labor's guidance outlines what notice employers must provide and what displaced workers may be entitled to receive.
Local Ripple Effects
Publix, headquartered in Lakeland, operates a major logistics footprint in Polk and Sarasota counties, so the cut to Freight Handlers' crews represents a real hit to the local supply-chain workforce. Displaced employees will likely turn to state reemployment benefits, staffing agencies and community hiring events. Resources such as Florida's reemployment assistance portal and local CareerSource centers can help with claims, training and job searches. Local workforce boards and community partners commonly organize rapid-response outreach after WARN filings to connect laid-off workers with their next steps.
