I just learned today that Lanier Brugh in Portland Oregon is closing their doors July 31st. Employees were notified about the middle of June of this closing. Didn't give them the mandatory 60 day notice. Brugh has about 100 trucks and 150 trailers and had several mail contracts on the west coast. They started hauling mail 85 years ago. No reason was given, but when I worked there last year during Christmas, they were having problems hiring drivers in Portland. They wanted me to come to Portland and work out of a motel. The US mail contract mandatory scale for drivers is $31.00/hr. This will be a big hit to local 81 in Portland. Also just learned that trucking mail contractor RB Matheson has also filed for chapt 11 bankruptcy protection as of May 5th. They are a large national mail contractor. This will have a dramatic impact on mail carrier contract service in the west. Not sure of all the implications of this, but I will try to get more info. If anyone else has any info, please weigh in. Hauling mail is a lot easier work than bucking freight, (I've done both) and if no one appears interested at $31.00 /hr ....?.