Standard Forwarding Freight has decided to temporarily suspend its day-to-day operations and reduce its workforce, following a strategic review, according to a Dec. 29 announcement.
The move to the unionized carrier surprised the Teamsters, which described the change as the business entirely shutting down its operations.
“Standard Forwarding had never previously communicated with our union any challenges or difficulties or attempted to work to avoid this outcome,” according to a statement shared by the Teamsters Local 710.
The Teamsters Freight Division added that it received messaging on the matter Dec. 28.
The East Moline, Illinois-based carrier’s assets include 14 terminals across 14 Midwest states, according to its website. Standard Forwarding Freight provided LTL services, cross-docking in Chicago and TL brokerage services.
The business reported having 307 power units and 230 drivers as of Sept. 15, according to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database.
The carrier, nearly a century old, was acquired by Sakaem Holdings and a subsidiary in early 2025 from DHL. Sakaem’s CEO is Sarah Riggs Amico, according to a business filing in a Georgia database.
Sakaem Holdings’ brands also include Sakaem Logistics, Sherpa Auto Transport, Auto Export Shipping and American Forwarding & Logistics, per its website.
Amico took over the role as CEO of Jack Cooper Transport Co. in October 2024 from her father, Michael Riggs. That business began a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in March 2025, identifying at least $100 million in assets and liabilities. The case is ongoing.
