On April 16, Davis Express, a family-run refrigerated trucking company out of Starke, Florida, declared they will wind down operations after 44 years in business.
The main reasons: Owner Jimmy Davis cites tough market conditions and higher legal risks as a few reasons behind the decision to close.
- Davis Express has been running at a loss since early 2023, with no signs of recovery in 2025.
- Increasingly, the trucking industry has been targeted by aggressive legal actions, which Davis likens to "Russian Roulette" for his life’s work.
- After 50 years in trucking, Davis is looking to retire without waiting for conditions to improve or selling the business.
- The younger generation, Josh, Kayla, and Joel, choose not to take over, seeking separate careers outside the challenging logistics world.
Bright side: Despite the financial challenges, Davis assures that all employees and vendors will be paid, and operations will end smoothly by April 30.
- Drivers will receive full pay and benefits through June 15, and mechanical staff will stay employed as equipment is phased out.
- Deliveries will continue until April 23, and all trucks and trailers will return to the Starke terminal by the end of the month.
Jimmy Davis expressed gratitude to everyone who played a part in the company's success over the years.