📉 Paccar Layoffs in Quebec: Another Sign the Industry’s in Flux

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

💥 Introduction: The Big News from Sainte-Thérèse

Paccar, the powerhouse behind Kenworth and Peterbilt, just dropped some heavy news—**175 workers will be laid off** at their **Sainte-Thérèse plant in Quebec** next month. The reason? A drop in demand for **medium-duty trucks**.

Now, this ain’t just a Canadian problem. It’s a ripple that hints at deeper shifts happening in the industry—less freight, fewer trucks moving, and more questions about how small fleets and blue-collar workers fit into an economy leaning harder on automation and efficiency than ever before.

Let’s unpack what this means for the average trucker and shop worker trying to make a living in 2025.

🔧 What’s Behind the Layoffs?

Medium-duty trucks don’t get the same spotlight as OTR big rigs, but they’re the backbone of **regional delivery, vocational hauling, and city logistics**. Think beverage trucks, moving rigs, dump trucks—everything in that Class 5 to Class 7 range.
But demand has cooled. Why?

Here’s what’s causing the slowdown:

Inflation & high interest rates are making truck purchases harder for small businesses

Freight volumes are down, especially in local delivery sectors

Electrification transitions are causing some buyers to hold off, waiting for newer tech

Overstock from 2022–2023 orders has left lots full

For Paccar, this means fewer orders, which means fewer hours needed at the plant. And unfortunately, that means 175 hard-working folks are about to be sent home.

🏭 Sainte-Thérèse: A Community Hit Hard

This ain’t just a factory story—it’s a **local economy gut punch**. The Sainte-Thérèse plant has been a cornerstone of the community since the '90s. It’s where generations have built not just trucks, but careers.
Layoffs mean:

Families scrambling to cover rent and bills

Union negotiations heating up

Local businesses (cafes, stores, gas stations) losing regular customers

Morale taking a serious hit

This kind of news hurts more than just the workers—it sends a message that even strong brands like Paccar are feeling the squeeze.

🗣 Multiple Perspectives from the Industry

The Worker’s View:
“Feels like we’re just numbers to them. One month we’re working OT, next month they’re cutting us loose. Where’s the loyalty?”

The Executive’s View:
“We have to make hard decisions to keep the company stable. Demand has dropped, and we need to stay lean.”

The Analyst’s View:
“This is part of a broader correction in the post-COVID economy. Medium-duty trucks saw a boom, and now they’re balancing out.”

The Trucker’s View:
“I might not work the plant, but if demand’s down, that affects us all. Less freight, fewer jobs, tighter budgets.”

🚚 Medium-Duty Trucking in a Strange Spot

These trucks are often overshadowed by their big brothers, but they matter—a lot. Cities, contractors, delivery companies… they all need this class of vehicle. But with inflation biting and tech changing, the segment’s in limbo.
Things affecting medium-duty trucking right now:

Transition to electric drivetrains (many buyers hesitant)

Government incentives that don’t always match real-world needs

Competition from newer upstart brands and used truck sales

Tighter profit margins for small regional carriers

And while demand is down now, it could bounce back—but only if Paccar and others adapt fast.

🧠 What This Means for the Future of Work

This isn’t just a story about trucks—it’s about what kind of jobs will exist in the trucking world five years from now.
If you're in the game right now, here's what to keep in mind:

Upskill now – Learn more than just one task at the plant or in the cab

Pay attention to EV and AI trends – They’re not going away

Consider off-duty income – Side hustles or remote gigs can be lifesavers

Union support matters – Use your voice before your job’s gone

Adaptability will separate the drivers (and builders) who thrive from those left behind.

💬 Bottom Line: It’s Time to Prepare, Not Panic

This layoff notice might not hit every driver or plant worker directly, but it’s a **warning shot**. It says: “The game is changing. Fast.”
Companies are downsizing, automating, and shifting strategy. But there’s still room for real workers who bring skills, hustle, and resilience to the table. Don’t wait until a pink slip lands on your locker to start thinking ahead.

📣 Call to Action

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