GUILFORD – Parallel Transportation, a major hauler for Guilford of Maine, is downsizing because of the overall economy.

Andy Cohen, company owner, confirmed Thursday that 15 of his 23 employees – mostly long-haul truckers – have been laid off. He said he expects that further layoffs will be made. But, he added, the doors to the company still are open.

“It’s not an easy thing to do; to take people’s livelihoods is very, very difficult,” Cohen said. He said the downsizing was the result of the poor economy, the high cost of fuel, insurance and equipment. In addition, customers are finding it difficult to pay their bills, he added.

The trucking company has been in business for 11 years.