FedEx will close two facilities in Temple, Texas, and Macon, Georgia, laying off about 120 employees on Sept. 4, according to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notices.
The Temple notice said about 48 couriers, two managers, two service agents, five handlers and a dangerous goods agent would be laid off. In Macon, approximately 59 couriers and three managers will be cut.
"Employees included in the layoff will be provided options to consider, including relocation, severance, or a leave of absence during which they may pursue other positions with the company," the two June 6 notices said.
Some employees working at the Temple and Macon facilities, both listed as FedEx Ship Centers, will remain employed after the closure and work at nearby FedEx locations. In Temple, employees will shift to a FedEx Ground station in the Temple Industrial Park.
The notices outline similar situations as FedEx's upcoming closure of a Richland, Mississippi, facility that will result in about 77 employees being laid off.
“FedEx regularly evaluates its networks and makes adjustments based on changing customer demand, market conditions, package characteristics and other factors to enhance service, improve operational efficiencies and lower the cost to serve,” the company said in an emailed statement.
FedEx also noted in its statement that as part of its ongoing Network 2.0 initiative, Ground contractors, rather than its own Express couriers, will deliver Ground and Express packages in some locations as it seeks to trim long-term operating costs.
Other locations, like Alaska and Hawaii, will see Express handle deliveries. Network 2.0 is expected to lead to 100 fewer stations and 10% fewer pickup and delivery routes by FY2027.
"Couriers, package handlers, dock workers, other frontline positions, and managers, as well as the service provider model, will continue to play critical roles within the U.S. operations network," FedEx said. "This transition will be seamless to customers, who can expect the same reliable service they receive today.”
