LCT Transportation, formerly Lester Coggins Trucking, a 25-year-old, 500-employee Okahumpka, FL-based firm, is recruiting some of the laid-off drivers but is showing no initial interest in taking over AG's estimated five-year lease at Southridge Park, according to a published report.

The 275-vehicle fleet is owned by Richard Baugh of nearby Eustis, FL and is part of Asche Transportation Services Inc. based in Shannon, IL. AG Carriers merged with Asche Transportation last year. Asche directors ousted chairman/CEO Larry Asche and vice president Diane Asche earlier this year after auditors alleged the pair misappropriated $1 million, according to Solid Waste Report, a trade publication.

Asche officials blamed its bankruptcy protection filing on an economic slowdown, driver shortages, higher fuel prices and rising insurance and bank interest rates, according to a published report. AG operates its 125 tractor trailers and 150 refrigerated trailers along the East Coast.