Layoffs, bankruptcies batter U.S. logistics and manufacturing at start of 2026

U.S. logistics, manufacturing and supply-chain firms opened 2026 under pressure from a wave of layoffs, facility closures and bankruptcy filings affecting thousands of workers across sectors like rail support, parcel delivery, packaging and last-mile delivery as companies grapple with lost contracts, high costs and weak demand.

These disruptions highlight strain in core parts of the economy, underscoring why brands tied to supply-dependent markets may need to sharpen messaging around resilience, efficiency and cost-savings to stay top of mind with cautious buyers and partners.