CHICAGO — AZA Transportation, a Chicagoland-area trucking firm, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it looks to restructure over $826,000 in liabilities and remain operational despite mounting financial pressure.
According to court filings with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the company hopes to reorganize while continuing business operations. AZA is led by President Azamat Sadyrbaev and reported 70 power units as of October 2024.
Key Creditors and Debts
The company’s top creditors include:
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Keystone Equipment Finance (owed $82,905): Financing for one Freightliner Cascadia and two Volvo trucks.
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Transportation Alliance Bank (owed $67,055): Financing for another Freightliner Cascadia and two trailers.
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U.S. Small Business Administration (owed $24,500): From an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which no longer has hardship accommodations as of early 2025.
AZA lists $403,432 in personal property assets, which will be part of the reorganization process under Chapter 11 to resolve debts.
Source: Trucking Dive and court documents.
Industry Context: Freight Market Challenges
AZA’s financial troubles come as part of a larger trend impacting small and mid-sized trucking firms across the U.S. The industry has struggled with:
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A contracted freight market
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Ongoing tariff uncertainties
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Rising equipment and insurance costs
In recent months:
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Davis Express ceased operations after 44 years.
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Jack Cooper, a vehicle carrier, shut down after losing automaker contracts.
According to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, tariffs are further straining small trucking firms, and many may not withstand the extended freight recession.
What Chapter 11 Means for AZA Transportation
Filing under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows AZA to:
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Continue operating during restructuring
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Renegotiate or reduce debt with creditors
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Present a long-term financial recovery plan to the court
This step is considered a last resort lifeline for businesses attempting to survive after exhausting other options.
Do you work in the freight or logistics industry in Illinois? Have you seen similar impacts on local carriers due to tariffs or low freight demand? Share your views in the comments.
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