Decker Truck Line Inc., a family-owned company based in Fort Dodge, Iowa Confirmed that it has permanently closed its terminal in Missoula, Montana, and said that a comprehensive review of its operations and freight network found that this was the primary reason for the closure.

"This decision was not taken lightly, but was necessary due to changes in the freight network model and the costs associated with operating an underutilized terminal," Chief Executive Officer Dale Decker said in a statement about the closure on Tuesday.

NBC Montana reported that 18 jobs were being cut at the Missoula Marina.

Decker said a small number of drivers were also affected by the shutdown, but added that the company would continue to use Montana's truckers to move goods.

The trucking company said it plans to work with employees at the now-closed terminal to "explore relocation options" if employees still want to remain with the Decker Truck Line.

"As our business continues to grow, our focus will shift more to our core regions. This strategy is designed to increase density in our mature areas, "Decker said. "However, we will still need drivers who live in the Montana area, but we no longer see a strategic advantage in having a terminal in Missoula and the associated overhead."

The 94-year-old trucking company has about 790 drivers and the same number of power units. The company transports general cargo, refrigerated foods and construction materials, according to the SAFER website of the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

In addition to its main terminal in Fort Dodge, which employs about 190 people, Decker Truck Line has terminals in Meadapolis, Iowa; Bessemer, Alabama; and Hammond, Indiana, as well as maintenance facilities in Des Moines, according to the company's website.

"While this location is no longer valuable enough to secure the terminal, expansion in other areas may prompt new investment in areas that do offer clear benefits to our network," Decker said.