YRC Worldwide

Financially struggling YRC Worldwide Inc., parent of the second-largest LTL carrier in the nation that has lost more than $2.6 billion in the last six years, has initiated discussions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in seeking another round of wage and benefit concessions.

Late last week, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed the lower court’s decision to dismiss a complaint by less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight System against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and various subsidiaries of less-than-truckload transportation services provider YRC Worldwide, ABF said today.

ABF Freight System, the nation’s sixth-largest LTL carrier, has a framework for a new five-year labor agreement with the Teamsters union. Neither side is discussing details of the deal, which still must be ratified by between 6,000 and 7,500 ABF workers.

ABF says it is focused on its ongoing labor negotiations and other strategic and operational initiatives and that a transaction with YRC is not appropriate at this time.

Following February’s announcement that it had achieved a positive annual operating income in 2012 for the first time in six years, the Overland Park, Kan.-based carrier said today it had a positive first quarter operating income—also for the first time in six years.

LM Group News Editor interview James Welch, CEO of YRC Worldwide, about the LTL market, the company’s recently approved change of operations for YRC Freight, its national LTL entity, regional LTL, and YRCW’s plans to continue improving its bottom line, among other topics.

YRCW officials said that that the network optimization is a key component of YRC Freight's strategy to continuously improve customer service by reducing the handling of shipments and excess time in transit.

YRC Freight, the largest subsidiary of less-than-truckload transportation services provider YRC Worldwide, said this week that it completed an agreement with Clean Energy Fuels Corp. in which it will buy four liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks to be used in Southern California.

Posting sharply improved third quarter operating results in the 15th month under new CEO James L. Welch, YRC Worldwide reported Friday an operating profit of $27.3 million on top of a $15.5 million operating profit in the second quarter.

Based on today’s second quarter earnings announcement from less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider YRC Worldwide, business conditions are continuing to gradually improve for the Overland Park, Kan.-based carrier.

Company officials said this GRI, which takes effect on July 9, will cover non-contractual shipments in United States, Canada and Mexico, with rates increasing by an average of 6.9 percent, varying by lane and shipment type.

YRC Freight President Jeff Rogers said the decision to add drivers is due to the fact that “YRC Freight is growing and our volumes are building.”

The Overland Park, Kan.-based carrier reported that its quarterly consolidated operating revenue—at $1.194 billion—was up 6.4 percent annually, while its consolidated operating loss—of $48.8 million—included an $8.4 million loss on asset disposals.

YRC Freight, a subsidiary of less-than-truckload transportation services provider YRC Worldwide, recently had its proposed change of operations plan approved by the Teamsters Union, according to a trucking industry message board and Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU).

With a close eye on regaining North American market share, less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider YRC Worldwide (YRCW) said yesterday it has sold its interest in Shanghai Jiayu Logistics Co. Ltd. to its 35 percent joint venture partner.