FECC "CONTEST"
- Thread starter redytrk
- Start date
We're no longer in the running and statistically can't catch up. We've been out of service for a number of necessary reasons and we refused several runs with which we, as a team, would not have profited.
The word Contest is synonomous with "we'd like you to stay available and take our freight during the busy periods so we don't have to add trucks which will be detrimental to all concerned during the slow periods".
The contest, or incentive, works for the company or they would not repeat it. It works for the O/O as well 'cause if you stay qualified, you'll earn more money while vieing for the $25,000 prizes. It's win-win for all concerned, as I see it.
The word Contest is synonomous with "we'd like you to stay available and take our freight during the busy periods so we don't have to add trucks which will be detrimental to all concerned during the slow periods".
The contest, or incentive, works for the company or they would not repeat it. It works for the O/O as well 'cause if you stay qualified, you'll earn more money while vieing for the $25,000 prizes. It's win-win for all concerned, as I see it.
We are in the running but don't expect to win. We run as we do not to win a contest, but to meet the income goals we set for ourselves.
For non-FedEx CC folks, the contest is to be in service over 80% of the time and accept over 80% of the loads offered to you for a specified time period. If you do, your name will be put into a drawing which gives you the chance to win a substantial cash prize; I think it's $25,000 for each truck type (E-unit, D-unit, etc.) I might be wrong on that truck type part. I haven't been paying close attention to the contest.
We don't expect to win the contest because odds are someone else will likely win the drawing.
Next chance I get, I'm going to suggest in person at FedEx CC that instead of offering a chance at $25,000, all drivers that meet the desired 80/80 performance goals should share equally in a bonus pot of money. That way, drivers that change their behavior in response to FedEx CC's desires will be rewarded with actual cash instead of a chance at some.
For a chance, I can buy my own lottery tickets. If I perform well, and if additional money is available from our carrier to reward that performance, I'd prefer a certain though smaller slice of it.
For non-FedEx CC folks, the contest is to be in service over 80% of the time and accept over 80% of the loads offered to you for a specified time period. If you do, your name will be put into a drawing which gives you the chance to win a substantial cash prize; I think it's $25,000 for each truck type (E-unit, D-unit, etc.) I might be wrong on that truck type part. I haven't been paying close attention to the contest.
We don't expect to win the contest because odds are someone else will likely win the drawing.
Next chance I get, I'm going to suggest in person at FedEx CC that instead of offering a chance at $25,000, all drivers that meet the desired 80/80 performance goals should share equally in a bonus pot of money. That way, drivers that change their behavior in response to FedEx CC's desires will be rewarded with actual cash instead of a chance at some.
For a chance, I can buy my own lottery tickets. If I perform well, and if additional money is available from our carrier to reward that performance, I'd prefer a certain though smaller slice of it.
Next chance I get, I'm going to suggest in person at FedEx CC that instead of offering a chance at $25,000, all drivers that meet the desired 80/80 performance goals should share equally in a bonus pot of money. That way, drivers that change their behavior in response to FedEx CC's desires will be rewarded with actual cash instead of a chance at some.
I like A-Team's alternative.
Perhaps, when they change the name of the company to 'A-Team Express' or 'terryandrene express', we can implement the change.
I like A-Team's alternative.
Perhaps, when they change the name of the company to 'A-Team Express' or 'terryandrene express', we can implement the change.
>
>I like A-Team's alternative.
>
>Perhaps, when they change the name of the company to 'A-Team
>Express' or 'terryandrene express', we can implement the
>change.
Do you promise? Should all the drivers line up to give you suggestions? Can we have a suggestion box email? LOL...
Dreamer
>I like A-Team's alternative.
>
>Perhaps, when they change the name of the company to 'A-Team
>Express' or 'terryandrene express', we can implement the
>change.
Do you promise? Should all the drivers line up to give you suggestions? Can we have a suggestion box email? LOL...Dreamer
RE: FECC
>>Perhaps, when they change the name of the company to 'A-Team
>>Express' or 'terryandrene express', we can implement the
>>change.
hmmm, "T & A" Express.....
;-) ;-)
Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com
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>>Perhaps, when they change the name of the company to 'A-Team
>>Express' or 'terryandrene express', we can implement the
>>change.
hmmm, "T & A" Express.....
;-) ;-) Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com
Education is the best defense against the media.
The Lord's Prayer is 66 words, the Gettysburg Address is 286 words, there are 1,322 words in the Declaration of Independence, but government regulations on the sale of cabbage total 26,911 words.
-----------------------------------------
Thanks For Visiting EO!
http://www.expeditersonline.com/hotnews/sterling_eo_forum.jpg
Please Help Us Get The Word
Out About Expediters Online.com!
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Doggie Daddy
Veteran Expediter
RE: FECC
we were in the running of the current contest for the first 5 weeks or so,then the flood gates opened up on the cheap freight.one load offer with the DH miles figured in got down to $0.48 cpm for all miles. for a D unit this is way beyond unacceptable.it doesn't take long to take you out of the running with offers like these.this is the same thing that happened to us in the first contest.DD.
we were in the running of the current contest for the first 5 weeks or so,then the flood gates opened up on the cheap freight.one load offer with the DH miles figured in got down to $0.48 cpm for all miles. for a D unit this is way beyond unacceptable.it doesn't take long to take you out of the running with offers like these.this is the same thing that happened to us in the first contest.DD.
RE: FECC
Sounds like someone could really get into trouble if they dont pay attention ie: want to win the $$, not realizing that they are spending much more money taking the bad and low paying loads to keep their percentages up, than they have the potential to possibly win. This post is not directed at anyone in particular, but we all know that some people do not factor a run before they accept it.
Sounds like someone could really get into trouble if they dont pay attention ie: want to win the $$, not realizing that they are spending much more money taking the bad and low paying loads to keep their percentages up, than they have the potential to possibly win. This post is not directed at anyone in particular, but we all know that some people do not factor a run before they accept it.
RE: FECC
I think it is rediculous that a company even makes that kind of a load offer.
On a side note, I agree with you that many take loads at all costs only to find they are broke months later. A very large percentage as well don't really know what it costs per mile to run their truck.
Seems like alot of folks are getting hung up on these percentages. If they offered you decent loads, wouldn't you be at 100 percent? If they offered loads at .48 cent per mile, I quess I would be at zero. One cannot afford to run these types of loads and stay profitable.
Percentages are only relavent to the type of loads you are being offered.
Davekc
I think it is rediculous that a company even makes that kind of a load offer.
On a side note, I agree with you that many take loads at all costs only to find they are broke months later. A very large percentage as well don't really know what it costs per mile to run their truck.
Seems like alot of folks are getting hung up on these percentages. If they offered you decent loads, wouldn't you be at 100 percent? If they offered loads at .48 cent per mile, I quess I would be at zero. One cannot afford to run these types of loads and stay profitable.
Percentages are only relavent to the type of loads you are being offered.
Davekc
RE: FECC
I noticed DD said that was with the deadhead figured in.. wow... that must have been one of the cases where you really WERE the only truck around.. LOL..
Seriously... I don't know anyone who would take that.. but.. ya gotta feel for the dispatcher calling and trying to get someone to deadhead to that run.... wow.
Dreamer
I noticed DD said that was with the deadhead figured in.. wow... that must have been one of the cases where you really WERE the only truck around.. LOL..
Seriously... I don't know anyone who would take that.. but.. ya gotta feel for the dispatcher calling and trying to get someone to deadhead to that run.... wow.
Dreamer
Doggie Daddy
Veteran Expediter
RE: FECC
>Based on the above, I'm glad I am not at Fed Ex. It sounds
>like game playing that only the carrier and a select few
>benefit.
>.48 cents per mile? That is not enough to start the truck
>and get it out of a parking spot.
>Davekc
dave don't get me wrong,FECC does pay pretty good as were still aove a dollar a mile for all miles and $1.50+ for loaded miles since jan.1.it's just that we see an increase of these low paying loads when they have these contests.we crunch the numbers on every load offer, and if they don't make good sense for our business we don't accept them.some might call that cherry picking,but you have to draw the line somewhere on these cheap frieght offers. DD.
>Based on the above, I'm glad I am not at Fed Ex. It sounds
>like game playing that only the carrier and a select few
>benefit.
>.48 cents per mile? That is not enough to start the truck
>and get it out of a parking spot.
>Davekc
dave don't get me wrong,FECC does pay pretty good as were still aove a dollar a mile for all miles and $1.50+ for loaded miles since jan.1.it's just that we see an increase of these low paying loads when they have these contests.we crunch the numbers on every load offer, and if they don't make good sense for our business we don't accept them.some might call that cherry picking,but you have to draw the line somewhere on these cheap frieght offers. DD.
RE: FECC
We decided that during the fall contest our safety was more inportant than any prospect of winning the prize.Offers come into a team operation even before the present all nighter is completed.Rough roads, weigh stations,C-Link interuptions,all take a toll on the ability to rest properly.Maybe if the company had a more reasonable policy on refusals it would be better. IE.It would not be a refusal if offer required deadhead in excess of 50% of paid miles,and or revenue for all miles falls below acceptable amount.
We decided that during the fall contest our safety was more inportant than any prospect of winning the prize.Offers come into a team operation even before the present all nighter is completed.Rough roads, weigh stations,C-Link interuptions,all take a toll on the ability to rest properly.Maybe if the company had a more reasonable policy on refusals it would be better. IE.It would not be a refusal if offer required deadhead in excess of 50% of paid miles,and or revenue for all miles falls below acceptable amount.
RE: FECC
>
>Seriously... I don't know anyone who would take that.. but..
>ya gotta feel for the dispatcher calling and trying to get
>someone to deadhead to that run.... wow.
>
Dreamer raises an excellent point that is often overlooked. As drivers, when we say no to a bad load we're pretty much done with it. But the poor dispatcher is still stuck with the responsibility of covering the load. Dispatchers have performance standards they must meet too. More than once we've said, "Would it surprise you if we turn down the [bad] load?" We then do so, let him or her know it's a bummer that HE or SHE got stuck with a bad one, and wish the dispatcher luck working out of it.
I think things would go smoother with all carriers if drivers and dispatchers understood each other's jobs and job challenges better. While it may be true that many dispatchers don't have a clue about what it's like to be a truck driver, how much do drivers really know about the dispatchers' job and responsibilities? The indsutry is rife with myths and misinformation about what goes on with dispatch. Carriers could address that by providing better information to drivers and dispatchers about what each group does.
>
>Seriously... I don't know anyone who would take that.. but..
>ya gotta feel for the dispatcher calling and trying to get
>someone to deadhead to that run.... wow.
>
Dreamer raises an excellent point that is often overlooked. As drivers, when we say no to a bad load we're pretty much done with it. But the poor dispatcher is still stuck with the responsibility of covering the load. Dispatchers have performance standards they must meet too. More than once we've said, "Would it surprise you if we turn down the [bad] load?" We then do so, let him or her know it's a bummer that HE or SHE got stuck with a bad one, and wish the dispatcher luck working out of it.
I think things would go smoother with all carriers if drivers and dispatchers understood each other's jobs and job challenges better. While it may be true that many dispatchers don't have a clue about what it's like to be a truck driver, how much do drivers really know about the dispatchers' job and responsibilities? The indsutry is rife with myths and misinformation about what goes on with dispatch. Carriers could address that by providing better information to drivers and dispatchers about what each group does.
RE: FECC
I agree with A Team on this one. There needs to be more communication between dispatch and drivers. Many don't know the dispatchers job and visa versa. A run offered at some of these described rates is an insult to the driver. .48 cents a mile for a load ect. They should know better. They either need to sell their customer on the fact that they can't be run at such a low rate, or if it is such a good customer, the carrier needs to subsidize that type of run. I have been on both sides of it and the excuse from carriers that they can't afford it tells you they want you to take the loss. Last quater earnings for most carriers were at record levels. I don't buy into the theory that they have to except cheap freight. They are much better to let a competitor haul it because it would only be for a limited time. The ones running the cheap stuff usually are the first to fold. Past history of trucking bancrupties tell us this.
Davekc
I agree with A Team on this one. There needs to be more communication between dispatch and drivers. Many don't know the dispatchers job and visa versa. A run offered at some of these described rates is an insult to the driver. .48 cents a mile for a load ect. They should know better. They either need to sell their customer on the fact that they can't be run at such a low rate, or if it is such a good customer, the carrier needs to subsidize that type of run. I have been on both sides of it and the excuse from carriers that they can't afford it tells you they want you to take the loss. Last quater earnings for most carriers were at record levels. I don't buy into the theory that they have to except cheap freight. They are much better to let a competitor haul it because it would only be for a limited time. The ones running the cheap stuff usually are the first to fold. Past history of trucking bancrupties tell us this.
Davekc
RE: FECC
the thing is these companies are profiting probably triple all the bonuses combined when they do this. because tons of trks will try their hardest for a while to stick to it so it drives up earnings while at the same time they slowly but surely try to pull a fast one on you buy offering more and more reduced loads.(you didnt think that was a coincidence did you that this happens for every contest??) i agree with whomever stated run as hard as you need to run and thats it because at the end of the day these companies (especially fecc)could care less about you..you are not people you are TRUCK # you are as disposable as a pen which is why there is a turnover rate like mcdonalds in this industry. you are only as good as the last FAVOR you do for them. "we're really in a bind" can ya help us???? what about when your in the middle of nowhere and tryin to get home?? or just get a load to civilization???? also you dont even get a gaurantee for bustin your ##### like some hump for them instead it's a "chance" f that if i want a "chance" i play lotto. i agree with whomever suggested EVERYONE exceeding that amount should just get a PIECE of the pie and maybe the number 1 truck gets double the piece?
but what do i know?;-)
the thing is these companies are profiting probably triple all the bonuses combined when they do this. because tons of trks will try their hardest for a while to stick to it so it drives up earnings while at the same time they slowly but surely try to pull a fast one on you buy offering more and more reduced loads.(you didnt think that was a coincidence did you that this happens for every contest??) i agree with whomever stated run as hard as you need to run and thats it because at the end of the day these companies (especially fecc)could care less about you..you are not people you are TRUCK # you are as disposable as a pen which is why there is a turnover rate like mcdonalds in this industry. you are only as good as the last FAVOR you do for them. "we're really in a bind" can ya help us???? what about when your in the middle of nowhere and tryin to get home?? or just get a load to civilization???? also you dont even get a gaurantee for bustin your ##### like some hump for them instead it's a "chance" f that if i want a "chance" i play lotto. i agree with whomever suggested EVERYONE exceeding that amount should just get a PIECE of the pie and maybe the number 1 truck gets double the piece?
but what do i know?;-)
RE: FECC
i agree with
>whomever stated run as hard as you need to run and thats it
>because at the end of the day these companies (especially
>fecc)could care less about you..you are not people you are
>TRUCK # you are as disposable as a pen which is why there
>is a turnover rate like mcdonalds in this industry. you are
>only as good as the last FAVOR you do for them. "we're
>really in a bind" can ya help us???? what about when your
>in the middle of nowhere and tryin to get home?? or just get
>a load to civilization????
The issues you raise go to driver expectations. Driver wannabees and newbies listen up! Expectations do not just rise in one's mind. You create them yourself. Before you enter the business, it's important to develop an accurate sense of expectations.
When doing our career-change research and now for over a year on the road, FedEx CC has never once suggested to my wife and I that they'd help us get home, or get out of a remote area, or treat us like family. If you believe FedEx CC should do so, you are almost certainly going to be disappointed.
We knew that going in and consequently are not disappointed when such help does not come. Frankly, we already have friends and family. We're not looking for other ones in our carrier. What we want in our carrier is professionalism across the board, which we find almost all the time. Before entering the industry, we learned about the issues of deadheading from remote areas. We prepared for that ahead of time and grew better at dealing with it since.
Yes, FedEx CC has asked us for favors. Sometimes we give them, sometimes we don't. It all depends on how we feel at the time. Id if we do a favor, we don't expect anything in return. It would not be a true favor if it was. We do favors (within reason) out of gratitude for the lucrative business opportunity FedEx CC provides.
i agree with
>whomever stated run as hard as you need to run and thats it
>because at the end of the day these companies (especially
>fecc)could care less about you..you are not people you are
>TRUCK # you are as disposable as a pen which is why there
>is a turnover rate like mcdonalds in this industry. you are
>only as good as the last FAVOR you do for them. "we're
>really in a bind" can ya help us???? what about when your
>in the middle of nowhere and tryin to get home?? or just get
>a load to civilization????
The issues you raise go to driver expectations. Driver wannabees and newbies listen up! Expectations do not just rise in one's mind. You create them yourself. Before you enter the business, it's important to develop an accurate sense of expectations.
When doing our career-change research and now for over a year on the road, FedEx CC has never once suggested to my wife and I that they'd help us get home, or get out of a remote area, or treat us like family. If you believe FedEx CC should do so, you are almost certainly going to be disappointed.
We knew that going in and consequently are not disappointed when such help does not come. Frankly, we already have friends and family. We're not looking for other ones in our carrier. What we want in our carrier is professionalism across the board, which we find almost all the time. Before entering the industry, we learned about the issues of deadheading from remote areas. We prepared for that ahead of time and grew better at dealing with it since.
Yes, FedEx CC has asked us for favors. Sometimes we give them, sometimes we don't. It all depends on how we feel at the time. Id if we do a favor, we don't expect anything in return. It would not be a true favor if it was. We do favors (within reason) out of gratitude for the lucrative business opportunity FedEx CC provides.
RE: FECC
>We knew that going in and consequently are not disappointed
>when such help does not come. Frankly, we already have
>friends and family. We're not looking for other ones in our
>carrier. What we want in our carrier is professionalism
>across the board, which we find almost all the time. Before
>entering the industry, we learned about the issues of
>deadheading from remote areas. We prepared for that ahead of
>time and grew better at dealing with it since.
Well put.. I believe that is the key. Researching BEFORE drivers leap, then they won't be disapointed. Everyone has different expectations.
Would it be nice if everyone was all buddies PLUS got the highest pay, AND lots of runs? Sure.. but those usually don't go together. You have to decide what is most important to you.
Dreamer
>We knew that going in and consequently are not disappointed
>when such help does not come. Frankly, we already have
>friends and family. We're not looking for other ones in our
>carrier. What we want in our carrier is professionalism
>across the board, which we find almost all the time. Before
>entering the industry, we learned about the issues of
>deadheading from remote areas. We prepared for that ahead of
>time and grew better at dealing with it since.
Well put.. I believe that is the key. Researching BEFORE drivers leap, then they won't be disapointed. Everyone has different expectations.
Would it be nice if everyone was all buddies PLUS got the highest pay, AND lots of runs? Sure.. but those usually don't go together. You have to decide what is most important to you.
Dreamer