May 21st, 2009
Truckers go weeks without pay; company under bankruptcy
Boyd Logistics is one of two more trucking companies that closed their doors for business, due to the economic situation. Many drivers for Boyd had been working for weeks without pay, and now after filing bankruptcy, there is very little chance that the drivers will ever receive that much needed paycheck.
The other one, Eagle Express Trucking, cited state of the national economy, slow consumer spending and stalled manufacturing activity as the prime reasons for shutting down their trucking business, founded in 1981.
By ABC-7 Anchor/Reporter Celina Avila
EL PASO -- In the midst of our nation's economic turmoil, it's impossible to imagine working without pay. But that's the harsh reality for some borderland truckers who say they've been working for weeks - essentially for free.
For years Boyd Logistics -- or B-L-I trucking -- has been hiring truck drivers to deliver loads all across the country. Recently, the company filed for bankruptcy and forgot to tell everyone they do business with, including all of the drivers who say they need their money.
"I have high blood pressure and don't have money to buy medicine, " said Fernando Razo, who says he's been struggling for the last few months. "The first check they gave me, it bounced."
"I pay child support, I owe money to the IRS, what am I going to tell them?, " and it hasn't gotten any better, "The last check they gave me it bounced."
Many who work for BLI tell ABC-7 they haven't been paid in weeks. They're not the only ones.
The ABC Seven I-Team found Boyd's Logistics filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy last April and their list of creditors is four pages long.
"They knew it was coming but they hired more trucks and I was one of them. They knew their checks were bouncing and they still hire more trucks," said Christian Simental.
Despite the bankruptcy filing, Simental he was hired last month. "I have no money to feed my daughters, I have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old."
Despite working for free - the owner, Keith Boyd is demanding they keep delivering loads. "He wants me to start working and if I don't, I'm not going to see a check on Monday when we're supposed to get paid," said Simental.
Royal Jones, president of Mesilla Valley Trucking says he's had dealings with Boyd. "Check your calendar, what's next Monday? You think he's going to be there? I know this because I went through this last year trying to collect for truck payments," said Jones.
Now, BLI has a $300 thousand debt with Mesilla Valley Trucking. "You would think he could pay the truck drivers since he didn't pay me or them," added Jones.
Meanwhile these men say they just want to be paid for their hard work. "I've never been in this situation, where I'm basically driving for free," said Simental.
ABC Seven repeatedly tried contacting Keith Boyd, the owner of B-L-I Trucking but he never returned our call. Finally, someone who answered the phone in his office said quote--"no comment."
A long-established Elk County-based trucking company closed its doors at midnight Wednesday.
Owner Albert A. Prechtl said multiple factors led to his decision to phase out Eagle Express Trucking, the trucking portion of his business. Those factors included the state of the national economy, slow consumer spending and stalled manufacturing activity in the local area that "really took a toll on the trucking industry." Other factors included declining freight rates and his desire to retire. At 78, he said he felt the time is right to finally relax and spend time with family.
The closure of Eagle Express Trucking will add about 120 workers to Elk County's jobless rolls.
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