Strafford trucking business, sister company file for bankruptcy

Last edited 2:19 p.m., Dec. 23, 2024 [Editor's note: Exact asset figures have been added.]

A Strafford trucking business and a sister company have filed for bankruptcy reorganization.

RBX Inc. and the related company, Humper Equipment LLC, announced the Chapter 11 petitions in a news release. Humper Equipment owns trucks and leases them to RBX.

The petitions were filed Dec. 12 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri in Springfield. RBX's petition lists liabilities in the range of $10 million to $50 million, along with 100-199 estimated creditors. Humper Equipment has $10 million to $50 million in estimated liabilities and up to 49 creditors, according to its filing. An RBX official said the company's assets are $17.9 million, with assets at Humper Equipment of $23.3 million.

The release, which notes St. Louis-based Carmody MacDonald PC is representing the companies, states the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings "were forced" by disputes with Bellevue, Washington, trucking manufacturer PACCAR Inc. The release cites "units powered with PACCAR engines causing excessive downtime, loss of revenue and personnel issues because of equipment quality."

“The companies remain very profitable and expect to be able to generate sufficient cash from operations to meet the expenses of running our business during the Chapter 11 proceedings," said Jim Keltner, CEO of RBX and Humper Equipment, in the release. "The companies are committed to our customers, our employees and our vendors to move ahead in the future, with the best possible service in the transportation industry. We value and protect our long-standing relationships and will continue to be a partner as we work through this time of reorganization."

With its headquarters in Strafford, RBX has connections in 24 states and a terminal in Macon, Georgia, according to its website. The website notes the company's specialty is same-day delivery in a 250-mile radius.