DHL, the global logistics and shipping company, is set to lay off 364 workers and shut down a major package- handling facility in Ontario, California. The decision, disclosed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed with the state, is tied to changes in one of DHL’s client’s distribution strategies.
The Ontario facility, which supports various warehousing operations, will begin phasing down operations starting 1 July, 2025. A complete shutdown is expected by the end of August. Employees have been affected across several roles, including managers, supervisors, mechanics, inventory clerks and warehouse workers.
The closure is directly linked to a shift in a client’s distribution model. DHL has stated that the client is relocating part of its operations, making the Ontario facility redundant. While the client’s identity hasn’t been disclosed, what is known is that the move has forced DHL to align its operations accordingly.
This development is part of a broader shakeup in the logistics industry. Companies are facing rising operational costs, global trade uncertainty, and changing customer demands. Many are now consolidating facilities and reevaluating their workforce needs.
California, being near major ports, plays a critical role in national logistics. The closure of DHL’s Ontario site is a significant withdrawal from this key region. For the hundreds of affected employees, the coming months will bring uncertainty as they seek new roles in a challenging job market.
The move also highlights a shift toward automation and digital integration in logistics. As companies invest in technology, traditional roles face increasing risk. The DHL layoffs draw attention to the employment issues rising from innovation in the supply-chain sector.
