I'm not able to post in the Fedex Forum, and this isn't necessarily specifically geared toward Fedex anyway, so started a new post.
Just wanted to say that first, that's great that Fedex is opening this up more, as an option for its contractors! And even better that they've supplied a list so there is no confusion as to which companies qualify to do business with Fedex.
If a company has a 'backhaul department' to help get out of an area, or a discounted load towards home, that's great. Even if an independent carrier were to hire the services of another, to find freight, that's a great timesaver too.
That would be great if nobody had to spend the money on the various load board options, or spend the time building relationships with those who need freight hauled. However, I can see a potential conflict which may make it worthwhile to in fact, do those things.
If you're going to count on someone to find your 'backhaul' freight, who will they also be finding freight for? How many? For which type of equipment.. the same? Or different? Out of which area(s)? Heading where? I could see it becoming just the same as being leased onto a carrier in the first place, in waiting your turn, sharing what's out there, and reducing your options.
If there happen to be 3 trucks which can take the perfect 'backhaul' load which comes up at the right time, with all 3 in the general area, all 3 with the correct capacities, who will get the load? I'm sure it would work out fine if said dispatcher was only doing this for a few, but when it becomes many, it's probably worthwhile to help yourself instead. Otherwise, we'll start hearing about first-out policies, favored trucks, discrimination, bribery, etc.
On the other hand, just because you may choose to go it alone, and go head-to-head with a backhaul department or a dispatcher known to various brokers, you may not get said load anyway. Might be worthwhile to try both ends tho.
Just wanted to say that first, that's great that Fedex is opening this up more, as an option for its contractors! And even better that they've supplied a list so there is no confusion as to which companies qualify to do business with Fedex.
If a company has a 'backhaul department' to help get out of an area, or a discounted load towards home, that's great. Even if an independent carrier were to hire the services of another, to find freight, that's a great timesaver too.
That would be great if nobody had to spend the money on the various load board options, or spend the time building relationships with those who need freight hauled. However, I can see a potential conflict which may make it worthwhile to in fact, do those things.
If you're going to count on someone to find your 'backhaul' freight, who will they also be finding freight for? How many? For which type of equipment.. the same? Or different? Out of which area(s)? Heading where? I could see it becoming just the same as being leased onto a carrier in the first place, in waiting your turn, sharing what's out there, and reducing your options.
If there happen to be 3 trucks which can take the perfect 'backhaul' load which comes up at the right time, with all 3 in the general area, all 3 with the correct capacities, who will get the load? I'm sure it would work out fine if said dispatcher was only doing this for a few, but when it becomes many, it's probably worthwhile to help yourself instead. Otherwise, we'll start hearing about first-out policies, favored trucks, discrimination, bribery, etc.
On the other hand, just because you may choose to go it alone, and go head-to-head with a backhaul department or a dispatcher known to various brokers, you may not get said load anyway. Might be worthwhile to try both ends tho.
