Job cuts surge in January, weighing on transportation

Cuts in the transportation industry

The transportation sector was not immune to these layoffs in January and continues to navigate an environment that could extend into February. In this context, International Motors announced the elimination of 300 corporate and salaried positions, citing sustained weakness in truck orders and purchases at the start of the first quarter of 2026, according to Transport Topics. No hourly employees at the production plant will be affected, a company spokesperson said.

International’s sales volume fell 34% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2025, declining from 23,800 trucks and buses in the same period a year earlier to 15,800. For 2025 as a whole, International Motors’ truck and bus sales dropped 30%, from 90,600 vehicles to 63,700.

Meanwhile, A.P. Moller–Maersk announced it will cut 1,000 jobs and strengthen its cost discipline throughout the year. The move comes amid deteriorating freight rates following the reopening of Red Sea shipping routes. According to the company, the decision aims to protect the profitability of the world’s largest container carrier in a more challenging maritime trade environment.

Maersk plans to cut the equivalent of 15% of positions in its corporate functions, though less than 1% of its total workforce. Annual cost savings are expected to reach $180 million, the company said. Maersk expects to grow broadly in line with global container trade.