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And What size Unit are you. Sounds like a Cargo Van. If so, You should Explain that To everyone.
FECC Contest - PITIFULL !!!
- Thread starter TeamDrivers2
- Start date
TeamDrivers2
Expert Expediter
>And What size Unit are you. Sounds like a Cargo Van. If so,
>You should Explain that To everyone.
Now in a "C" after 4 months in a "D"
2003 Century w/17' dry box.
I've got $70,000 of my hard earned $$'s invested into this unit. I paid cash.
Therfore , might explain why i'm extremly concerned in regards to any aspect of "our" company's policies which can/might affect revenue generation.
In NO way am i taking a "bashing" stance towards FEDCC. I did my homework years ago, before i invested in my initial "D" unit. I'm quite happy in my 1st years ROI. The points are good and have seen steady improvement in the numbers.
>You should Explain that To everyone.
Now in a "C" after 4 months in a "D"
2003 Century w/17' dry box.
I've got $70,000 of my hard earned $$'s invested into this unit. I paid cash.
Therfore , might explain why i'm extremly concerned in regards to any aspect of "our" company's policies which can/might affect revenue generation.
In NO way am i taking a "bashing" stance towards FEDCC. I did my homework years ago, before i invested in my initial "D" unit. I'm quite happy in my 1st years ROI. The points are good and have seen steady improvement in the numbers.
bigjoep89
Expert Expediter
Concrete truck driver 15 years
Concrete sales mgr, 13 years.
Expediter 6 full mo.
First I would like to thank all of the good contractors of FedEx that has helped me over the past six months.
As I am still learning I may be off base, but here is my opinion of the contest and acceptance rates.
I understand parts of the motive for the contest. If the load offers would be decent where we could maintain acceptance it would be a lot more fun. As of now I gave up on participating because I have not figured out how to make money accepting that high of a percentage of loads offered to me. My first month leased on, my acceptance was high and my avg-$-per mile was very low. Last month my acceptance was low and avg-$-mile where much higher. This month I feel like my balance is much better. However this balance is still not anywhere where I can maintain contest requirements.
I do know this. If I would had continued to accept the cheep freight I would not still be in business today. If I continued to only take loads at $1.30 per mile I will probably lose my lease because of low acceptance rate. If I have to pick it will be the low acceptance rate because I will still have the truck and there are a lot of companys that want our truck and team.
Please do not take this wrong I really like working for FedEx. I think this company has a lot to offer. I will search for that perfect balance of profitability and acceptability. As I struggle, remember it may just be that I have not mastered the art of the business well enough to balance these two.
Concrete sales mgr, 13 years.
Expediter 6 full mo.
First I would like to thank all of the good contractors of FedEx that has helped me over the past six months.
As I am still learning I may be off base, but here is my opinion of the contest and acceptance rates.
I understand parts of the motive for the contest. If the load offers would be decent where we could maintain acceptance it would be a lot more fun. As of now I gave up on participating because I have not figured out how to make money accepting that high of a percentage of loads offered to me. My first month leased on, my acceptance was high and my avg-$-per mile was very low. Last month my acceptance was low and avg-$-mile where much higher. This month I feel like my balance is much better. However this balance is still not anywhere where I can maintain contest requirements.
I do know this. If I would had continued to accept the cheep freight I would not still be in business today. If I continued to only take loads at $1.30 per mile I will probably lose my lease because of low acceptance rate. If I have to pick it will be the low acceptance rate because I will still have the truck and there are a lot of companys that want our truck and team.
Please do not take this wrong I really like working for FedEx. I think this company has a lot to offer. I will search for that perfect balance of profitability and acceptability. As I struggle, remember it may just be that I have not mastered the art of the business well enough to balance these two.
Team, it sounds like you are doing fine with yer revenue increasing over last year but just find the "contest" irritating. I really don't think that the object is to get drivers to take cheaper loads. The problem is shortage of trucks in prime areas. {A 400 mile load from Chicago for $650 is OK if you are there, but when there are no trucks in the area and they hit you from 300 miles away its a clunker.
It seems you are proud of yer high acceptance rate and don't like refusing loads, I am like that also but if the load don't make sence and FECC won't raise the rate for me I just have to say, sorry.
I think maybe in you're case you may be in an unlucky streak as far as location. Boils down to right place right time often in this business. I also see you have a "C" unit which increases you're chances of being offered "B" loads. (If we are side by side you will be offered a "B" load before me in my "D".
Just for reference sake I will share my numbers for 2 weeks from Sept 6th to Sept 21 since the "contest" started. 9 surface expedite and 3 white glove loads, 3 refusals (2 were decent loads and 1 was a clunker) loaded miles 3817, revenue $8342.34 average per loaded mile $2.19
Disclaimer... This is all on the West Coast and its a different ballgame out here. Higher rates but more d/h. I pay my co-driver 25%
and he seems content making $750 to $1000 a week without having to run too hard.
As far as accceptance, if you maintain 60% Fedex is happy. I know some under 50%, which might get you a phone call but thats about it.
I have a friend in Pa. that had a 20% acceptance over 6 months and they didn't pull his contract (of coures he didn't really want to work too hard} and now has a driver in his truck
It seems you are proud of yer high acceptance rate and don't like refusing loads, I am like that also but if the load don't make sence and FECC won't raise the rate for me I just have to say, sorry.
I think maybe in you're case you may be in an unlucky streak as far as location. Boils down to right place right time often in this business. I also see you have a "C" unit which increases you're chances of being offered "B" loads. (If we are side by side you will be offered a "B" load before me in my "D".
Just for reference sake I will share my numbers for 2 weeks from Sept 6th to Sept 21 since the "contest" started. 9 surface expedite and 3 white glove loads, 3 refusals (2 were decent loads and 1 was a clunker) loaded miles 3817, revenue $8342.34 average per loaded mile $2.19
Disclaimer... This is all on the West Coast and its a different ballgame out here. Higher rates but more d/h. I pay my co-driver 25%
and he seems content making $750 to $1000 a week without having to run too hard.
As far as accceptance, if you maintain 60% Fedex is happy. I know some under 50%, which might get you a phone call but thats about it.
I have a friend in Pa. that had a 20% acceptance over 6 months and they didn't pull his contract (of coures he didn't really want to work too hard} and now has a driver in his truck
TeamDrivers2
Expert Expediter
>Team, it sounds like you are doing fine with yer revenue
>increasing over last year but just find the "contest"
>irritating. I really don't think that the object is to get
>drivers to take cheaper loads. The problem is shortage of
>trucks in prime areas. {A 400 mile load from Chicago for
>$650 is OK if you are there, but when there are no trucks in
>the area and they hit you from 300 miles away its a
>clunker.
>
>It seems you are proud of yer high acceptance rate and don't
>like refusing loads, I am like that also but if the load
>don't make sence and FECC won't raise the rate for me I just
>have to say, sorry.
>
>I think maybe in you're case you may be in an unlucky streak
>as far as location. Boils down to right place right time
>often in this business. I also see you have a "C" unit which
>increases you're chances of being offered "B" loads. (If we
>are side by side you will be offered a "B" load before me in
>my "D".
>
>Just for reference sake I will share my numbers for 2 weeks
>from Sept 6th to Sept 21 since the "contest" started. 9
>surface expedite and 3 white glove loads, 3 refusals (2 were
>decent loads and 1 was a clunker) loaded miles 3817, revenue
>$8342.34 average per loaded mile $2.19
>
>Disclaimer... This is all on the West Coast and its a
>different ballgame out here. Higher rates but more d/h. I
>pay my co-driver 25%
>and he seems content making $750 to $1000 a week without
>having to run too hard.
>
>As far as accceptance, if you maintain 60% Fedex is happy. I
>know some under 50%, which might get you a phone call but
>thats about it.
>I have a friend in Pa. that had a 20% acceptance over 6
>months and they didn't pull his contract (of coures he
>didn't really want to work too hard} and now has a driver in
>his truck
Thanks for the reply [always lessons learned from others experiences]
Indeed location is the key as i've managed to skirt "luckily" the dead zones. Your explanation of the long dead-heads make sense in the more popular shipping lanes. But , i guess i gotta get used to saying no without the un-easyness. [thats hard] To take a professional attitude onto the field and then "being forced" to not being a TEAM PLAYER...... is just hard to swallow.
Also, I only made the move to a "C" because of what i experienced my first four months (--as a "D"--). I was constantly sitting in hot express centers and seeing the "C's" yanking loads out from under me on a daily basis. I figured to go ahead and bite the bullet and quickly sold my rig and upscaled to a class8. Since the move to "C's", my income has increased by nearly 23% and obviously alot more comfortable ride than that M2, which has what i feel is a horrible ride and is more of a city delivery truck than an over-the-road vehicle. I guess i'd been better off spec'ing it with cab air ride and only then would it of possibly been torlerable for long haul.
I've had numerous conversations with my recruiter in regards to %'s of refusals and his response clearly echo's your opinion on that subject.
Despite my displeasure with the whole CHEAP FREIGHT offerings, my paid miles are still close to $1.40 over the course of the last four weeks. This time last year , was averaging closer to $1.35
Thinking I might re-locate to the Left Coast to grab some of your "Big Buck" paid miles
>increasing over last year but just find the "contest"
>irritating. I really don't think that the object is to get
>drivers to take cheaper loads. The problem is shortage of
>trucks in prime areas. {A 400 mile load from Chicago for
>$650 is OK if you are there, but when there are no trucks in
>the area and they hit you from 300 miles away its a
>clunker.
>
>It seems you are proud of yer high acceptance rate and don't
>like refusing loads, I am like that also but if the load
>don't make sence and FECC won't raise the rate for me I just
>have to say, sorry.
>
>I think maybe in you're case you may be in an unlucky streak
>as far as location. Boils down to right place right time
>often in this business. I also see you have a "C" unit which
>increases you're chances of being offered "B" loads. (If we
>are side by side you will be offered a "B" load before me in
>my "D".
>
>Just for reference sake I will share my numbers for 2 weeks
>from Sept 6th to Sept 21 since the "contest" started. 9
>surface expedite and 3 white glove loads, 3 refusals (2 were
>decent loads and 1 was a clunker) loaded miles 3817, revenue
>$8342.34 average per loaded mile $2.19
>
>Disclaimer... This is all on the West Coast and its a
>different ballgame out here. Higher rates but more d/h. I
>pay my co-driver 25%
>and he seems content making $750 to $1000 a week without
>having to run too hard.
>
>As far as accceptance, if you maintain 60% Fedex is happy. I
>know some under 50%, which might get you a phone call but
>thats about it.
>I have a friend in Pa. that had a 20% acceptance over 6
>months and they didn't pull his contract (of coures he
>didn't really want to work too hard} and now has a driver in
>his truck
Thanks for the reply [always lessons learned from others experiences]
Indeed location is the key as i've managed to skirt "luckily" the dead zones. Your explanation of the long dead-heads make sense in the more popular shipping lanes. But , i guess i gotta get used to saying no without the un-easyness. [thats hard] To take a professional attitude onto the field and then "being forced" to not being a TEAM PLAYER...... is just hard to swallow.
Also, I only made the move to a "C" because of what i experienced my first four months (--as a "D"--). I was constantly sitting in hot express centers and seeing the "C's" yanking loads out from under me on a daily basis. I figured to go ahead and bite the bullet and quickly sold my rig and upscaled to a class8. Since the move to "C's", my income has increased by nearly 23% and obviously alot more comfortable ride than that M2, which has what i feel is a horrible ride and is more of a city delivery truck than an over-the-road vehicle. I guess i'd been better off spec'ing it with cab air ride and only then would it of possibly been torlerable for long haul.
I've had numerous conversations with my recruiter in regards to %'s of refusals and his response clearly echo's your opinion on that subject.
Despite my displeasure with the whole CHEAP FREIGHT offerings, my paid miles are still close to $1.40 over the course of the last four weeks. This time last year , was averaging closer to $1.35
Thinking I might re-locate to the Left Coast to grab some of your "Big Buck" paid miles
BigRed32771
Expert Expediter
I have to say that I got a bunch of those offers with ridiculously long deadheads for short hauls a couple of weeks ago, to which one of my turn down explanations was "You're kidding, right?"
I don't know that it was related to the contest, though. I noted that the beginning of that crap started right after Hurricane Katrina pulled a couple of hundred trucks out of the regular service fleet and into FEMA disaster relief work (which I am now doing in connection with H. Rita). I quickly figured I was one of only a few trucks in service in the northeast, which made me "closest" to virtually every load, no matter how far away it was.
I just turned down the stuff that didn't make sense, and didn't worry about my acceptance rate (virtually everyone I talk to that is making money has that rate in the 40's). Actually, if it weren't for needing to go home occasionally my acceptance stays pretty good. I always wind up screwing it into the ground when it's time for heading home cause I want to try to catch a load if there's one available going or along my way (this successfully paid for my trip home last time by catching one along the way), so I remain in service most of the way home. I did have a dispatcher complain that if I only wanted certain kinds of loads I should take myself out of service and put in a note about what I was wanting, but I politely explained that was a sure way to get nothing, and my way at least gave me a remote chance of getting that one more load. Eventually I do get close enough that another one is unlikely or would no longer make sense, and go out of service for the last couple of hundred miles. But other than this portion of my "on the road" sessions, I seem to do okay on acceptance. I just won't take anything that doesn't make economic sense on an "all miles" basis. It seems to be paying off for me so far.
Doug
expediter/OO since Jan, 2005.
I don't know that it was related to the contest, though. I noted that the beginning of that crap started right after Hurricane Katrina pulled a couple of hundred trucks out of the regular service fleet and into FEMA disaster relief work (which I am now doing in connection with H. Rita). I quickly figured I was one of only a few trucks in service in the northeast, which made me "closest" to virtually every load, no matter how far away it was.
I just turned down the stuff that didn't make sense, and didn't worry about my acceptance rate (virtually everyone I talk to that is making money has that rate in the 40's). Actually, if it weren't for needing to go home occasionally my acceptance stays pretty good. I always wind up screwing it into the ground when it's time for heading home cause I want to try to catch a load if there's one available going or along my way (this successfully paid for my trip home last time by catching one along the way), so I remain in service most of the way home. I did have a dispatcher complain that if I only wanted certain kinds of loads I should take myself out of service and put in a note about what I was wanting, but I politely explained that was a sure way to get nothing, and my way at least gave me a remote chance of getting that one more load. Eventually I do get close enough that another one is unlikely or would no longer make sense, and go out of service for the last couple of hundred miles. But other than this portion of my "on the road" sessions, I seem to do okay on acceptance. I just won't take anything that doesn't make economic sense on an "all miles" basis. It seems to be paying off for me so far.
Doug
expediter/OO since Jan, 2005.
TeamDrivers2
Expert Expediter
>I just turned down the stuff that didn't make sense, and
>didn't worry about my acceptance rate
Like i posted above , i've managed to stay at 90%+ acceptance the past 11 months and 16 days.
Yesterday , I recieved a phone call from Mr.CC
Basically , I was told my acceptance rate for the past weeks had dipped to 51%. I was like "you really got to be kidding me"
I was under a freaking load for darn nearly every day the past month. But NO !! , "thats not why i'm calling you" - "your numbers are unacceptable" - "you must start accepting more loads" - Yaddy,Yaddy,Yadda.
So now i'm facing a delima. If i'd accepted those crummy arse'd offers , i'd made a whole lot less money. BUT, my numbers would have remained in check with past performance. Since i'm an adult and have the mental abilities to make proper business decisions , i'm now called to the carpet for low % numbers. If indeed i would have accepted those offers to remain in high % , I would have grossed easily less than 20% of what I actually did.
So I just don't get all this. I'm very confused and to say the least and extremly disappointed in the fact I even recieved such a call.
Does anyone have any specific information how this warning can actually effect my contract ??
Must I agree to lose money to save my position ??
CHEAP FREIGHT at todays fuel prices and being forced to accept it ???
>didn't worry about my acceptance rate
Like i posted above , i've managed to stay at 90%+ acceptance the past 11 months and 16 days.
Yesterday , I recieved a phone call from Mr.CC
Basically , I was told my acceptance rate for the past weeks had dipped to 51%. I was like "you really got to be kidding me"
I was under a freaking load for darn nearly every day the past month. But NO !! , "thats not why i'm calling you" - "your numbers are unacceptable" - "you must start accepting more loads" - Yaddy,Yaddy,Yadda.
So now i'm facing a delima. If i'd accepted those crummy arse'd offers , i'd made a whole lot less money. BUT, my numbers would have remained in check with past performance. Since i'm an adult and have the mental abilities to make proper business decisions , i'm now called to the carpet for low % numbers. If indeed i would have accepted those offers to remain in high % , I would have grossed easily less than 20% of what I actually did.
So I just don't get all this. I'm very confused and to say the least and extremly disappointed in the fact I even recieved such a call.
Does anyone have any specific information how this warning can actually effect my contract ??
Must I agree to lose money to save my position ??
CHEAP FREIGHT at todays fuel prices and being forced to accept it ???
>Yesterday , I recieved a phone call from Mr.CC
>
>Basically , I was told my acceptance rate for the past weeks
>had dipped to 51%. I was like "you really got to be kidding
>me"
>
>Does anyone have any specific information how this warning
>can actually effect my contract?
I doubt anyone knows at which point low acceptance will put your contract in jeopardy. From my viewpoint it seems to vary,depending on the number of truck FECC has at any point in time.The geographical area you are located in also comes into play.
FECC puts these percentages on their website.O/O can access this infwners should then keep their drivers informed.
I have had "the call"before. My responses have been very much like your`s.No threat of cancellation was given.
>
>Basically , I was told my acceptance rate for the past weeks
>had dipped to 51%. I was like "you really got to be kidding
>me"
>
>Does anyone have any specific information how this warning
>can actually effect my contract?
I doubt anyone knows at which point low acceptance will put your contract in jeopardy. From my viewpoint it seems to vary,depending on the number of truck FECC has at any point in time.The geographical area you are located in also comes into play.
FECC puts these percentages on their website.O/O can access this inf
wners should then keep their drivers informed.I have had "the call"before. My responses have been very much like your`s.No threat of cancellation was given.
What does your contract say regarding acceptance percentage requirements? It would have to say what percentage is required over what span of time for them to be able to cancel the contract over acceptance. If it isn't spelled out exactly you could win any spitting contest they want to start.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
TeamDrivers2
Expert Expediter
redytrk:
>FECC puts these percentages on their website.O/O can access
>this info.
Oh yeah, i check my trucks stats pretty much daily if i can grab a connection somewhere.
This past weeks %'s have yet to show up on the FECC intranet. Usually 2 days or so before i see them updated.
LDB:
I need to check my contract's wording on this issue. I don't keep it on the truck so i need to get home to verify if i've committed to an exact percentage rate.
>FECC puts these percentages on their website.O/O can access
>this info.
Oh yeah, i check my trucks stats pretty much daily if i can grab a connection somewhere.
This past weeks %'s have yet to show up on the FECC intranet. Usually 2 days or so before i see them updated.
LDB:
I need to check my contract's wording on this issue. I don't keep it on the truck so i need to get home to verify if i've committed to an exact percentage rate.
They may have a clause that says they can cancel your lease within a certain period of time notice. It is not likely it would state certain percentages must be maintained or achieved. That kind of language would open the door to alot of liability issues.
In addition, it would be stepping into legal areas with regards to independent contractor or employee status.
Just my observation
Davekc
owner
21 years
In addition, it would be stepping into legal areas with regards to independent contractor or employee status.
Just my observation
Davekc
owner
21 years
greg334
Veteran Expediter
>It is my understanding Fed-Ex is already in court over legal
>issues in regards to IC drivers being treating like
>employees. Do you think they really care?
They may end up caring if they have to hire and provide back wages, health care and a lot of other benefits per court order like other companies have had to do in the past.
There is a fine line between contractor and employee, and a number of companies, including the last one I worked for had to hire the contractors and pay them a lot of money (like back wages and health care) after they were sued. My last company is larger than FedEx, a lot more arogant and have some pretty smart lawyers but they could not get away with it. As a result of that court case, everyone who worked with contractors had to go to special training to learn what we could do and not do in regards with contractors.
>issues in regards to IC drivers being treating like
>employees. Do you think they really care?
They may end up caring if they have to hire and provide back wages, health care and a lot of other benefits per court order like other companies have had to do in the past.
There is a fine line between contractor and employee, and a number of companies, including the last one I worked for had to hire the contractors and pay them a lot of money (like back wages and health care) after they were sued. My last company is larger than FedEx, a lot more arogant and have some pretty smart lawyers but they could not get away with it. As a result of that court case, everyone who worked with contractors had to go to special training to learn what we could do and not do in regards with contractors.
DANMELISSA_FDCC
Expert Expediter
DUDE, WE KNOW WHAT YA MEAN. THIS IS E6063, WE DONT BOTHER WITH THE CONTEST, ITS A JOKE. IT ONLY AVG'S ABOUT AN EXTRA $300 A WK IF YA WIN. THEY SEND US THE CRAPPY LOADS AND WE TELL THEM TO STOP IT CUZ WE ARE NOT DOING THE CONTEST AND THEN THEY ONLY SEND US THE BIGBUCKS LOADS. THATS ALL YA GOTTA DO, ALSO, TELL THEM YOU'LL BE HAPPY TO TAKE DISASTER RELIEF LOADS AND THAT YA WANT TO BE PUT ON THE "CDC" LIST. IF YOU ARE NOT "RUBBER GLOVE"...LOL"WHITE GLOVE", YOU'LL STILL BE ABLE TO HAUL THOSE LOADS AND THEY PAY A KILLING. FUEL IS CHEAPER SOUTH OF I-10 IN BATON ROUGE AND IS FROZEN AT $2.49 A GALLON BECAUSE OF THE MARTIAL LAW DOWN THERE. HEY FEEL FREE TO CALL US AND WE CAN TALK...702-328-8760CEL.....