Schneider National announces workforce reductions

Green Bay, Wis.– Following recent acquisitions that increased its global workforce by more than 1,100 associates, Schneider National Inc., a provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, has announced staff cuts.

According to company officials, the cuts will impact less than one percent of the company’s 22,300 associates worldwide. Approximately 170 positions are being eliminated and an additional 85 associates are being redeployed to growth areas of the business. Approximately 120 of the eliminated positions are located at the company’s Green Bay, Wis., headquarters.

“Like any growing, dynamic company, we regularly review and adjust our staffing levels to most efficiently meet our strategic business objectives,” said Schneider National Executive Vice President of Human Resources Tim Fliss. “A recent review led to the redeployment of a number of associates, scaled back hiring in some departments, and certain role reductions,” he said.

At the same time, Fliss noted, Schneider is actively recruiting in areas of the company, and will continue to do so. “Even after these changes, our total workforce will grow by the end of 2006 and beyond,” Fliss said. “This is about aligning the organization with our strategy and improved operational efficiencies.”

Impacted associates were informed of the job changes Wednesday morning. Job changes are effective immediately, with impacted associates coming from departments across the organization. Company support for non-redeployed associates includes salary continuation packages, career transition services
and an extended Employee Assistance Program. “We are doing everything possible to assist impacted associates, consistent with our core value of respect,” Fliss said.

According to CEO and President Chris Lofgren, the workforce realignment is another aspect of Schneider’s evolving global strategy. In June, the company announced plans to divest its Specialized and Payment Services divisions, and within the last year has acquired two new subsidiaries, American Port Services and American Overseas Air Freight in support of its international strategy.