Maybe I shouldn't say anything since I'm not with FX but I find this system very interesting and I believe it is beneficial to all parties. It will have a wart or two and will have to go through a learning/tweeking process but once done it should be an excellent tool. I can't speak to the operational aspects since I'm not in the phone loop but I can comment on the theory.
Operators should not expect to negotiate all loads. The operators are under a contract that gives specific terms of compensation. There are loads that are such stinkers they need to be negotiated. The majority of loads aren't stinkers and are similar and fall within an "average" window that should have been expected before ever signing with the carrier. That average window should have been discussed and understood with recruiting so it's expected and negotiating isn't required. That applies to most carriers but there could be one or two who operate differently and every load is negotiated. I'm not familiar with any though.
This system offers several advantages. While it's easy to look at it, especially from an outsider perspective, as nothing more than a way to cover stinker loads it's much more than that. I see it's primary goal as reinforcing customer relationships as well as locking in more loads. It does both those things by confirming a truck to the customer in a more timely manner. In the old system if the load had to go to 3 trucks to be accepted that took 3 times as long. In the new system it goes to the 3 trucks at once and is accepted. That locks the load in because the customer hasn't had time to shop it all around while waiting to hear back and it reinforces the relationship with the customer because they get much faster confirmation of their shipments.
It also benefits the operator(s) taking the load. Rather than being the 3rd call and being pushed on time, they now have the added time of the former 2 calls to get to their pickup on time.
The biggest benefit to the operator(s), if FX does this the way it should be done, is nobody will be dispatched around and nobody will lose board position for refusing. That may not happen there, I don't know, but it does happen at Panther and other companies. The reason for it is because of acceptance ratings. With this system there would be no need for that as well as no need to continue the semi-forced dispatch system of punishment for refusals by losing board position.
This is an overall very good system that I'm sure will have some growing pains but in the long run should be very beneficial to all involved.
