Fed dropping its standards?

[Streakn1]

Correct me if I'm wrong but based on what we have been seeing lately, is the Fed dropping its standards regarding the trucks its willing to lease on?

Now first let me say that it is now two years since we left the Fed for greener pastures. During the five years we were leased on to the Fed their standards regarding the appearance (and condition of the paint) of the vehicle leasing on obviously was being held to a higher standard than what we have been seeing in the past few months. Especially when it comes to E-units (tractors).

Just in the past two weeks we have seen five different tractors with the Fed's logos on the cab pulling the Fed's banner van trailers. Each tractor had large areas of paint missing, thus exposing the grey/black primer and even the bare aluminum in areas. One tractor's full paint was completely without clear coat or gloss giving it a very old, dull, discolored appearance.

Just before leaving the Fed we met a D-unit that was leased to the Fed at the Flying J in Walton, KY. He was irrate because he claimed to have been placed out of service because of a so called unexceptable deteriation of the paint on one of his rear doors and was told it must be repainted prior to being placed back in service. If in fact his story was true, I must say that the appearance of his truck at the time clearly would put the condition of the five E-units we recently saw to shame.

Not bashing the Fed or these trucks and their owners, just asking has the Fed lowered their requirements.

 

[blizzard2014]

Fedex has recently cut pay for their cargo van drivers and is possibly trying to cut pay for their straight truck drivers as well. It stands to reason that if Fedex continues to lower the rates that they pay their drivers to haul freight, they are also going to have to lower their standards for vehicle requirements. No one is going to drive a truck that looks so bright and sniney that you can serve a gormet meal off the hood if the rates are being cut.

I wouldn't spend my days sitting in parking lots polishing every nook and cranny if I was not being compensated for it. I think Fedex has finally realized that the customer is not interested in how the truck looks as long as the shipment is picked up and delivered on time.

I mean, is the old crew from "queer eye for the straight guy" standing around on every loading dock so they can run a white glove across the paint job and see if they can find any undesirable dust spots? That's ridiculous. It looks to me like the times are a changing in the industry, and not for the better!

 

[blizzard2014]

In past years I used to hold Fedex and Landstar to a higher standard, as they were always the best paying companies and fought for higher rates in the industry. They not only demanded higher rates, they commanded and received higher rates for both themselves and their drivers. I have great respect for "non-economy" carriers. But it does seem indeed like those times are coming to an end.

I don't think the shippers are looking at brand any more; not as much as they are looking at price. You don't have to pay a nominal price in order to get top knotch service. I personally will run a load like it is top secret military gold when it is in my truck despite whatever the rate is that i'm being paid by my carrier at the time.

Drivers do not become good or bad drivers simply because rates change. Providing "stellar customer service" is something that can't be put in nor taken out of a good driver)! But, having the shinest truck in the truck stop does not necessarily mean that you are a cut above the rest; it just shows that you have a clean truck. I hope things will go back to the way they were a few short years ago, but alas I fear that the rates are going to be down for quite some time to come.

 

[greg334]

The customer doesn't care.

I've said this for a number of years and it seems to be true.

FedEx is concern with Brand Integrity, nothing else. I know many don't get that but it simply means that they care about how things look, not really about performance.

I think there has to be a lot said about how they shape their fleet.

Well I seen twice now FedEx people in Purple and with ties. I read about Linda and Bob and their dress for success, good job guys.

 

[TeamCaffee]

Thanks Greg we have decided to step up our self expectations. We are running our business and our business continues to do well.

We have also noticed an increase in how many business owners that drive a truck are starting to look around and realize what kind of standard we are setting. We have found that for us we wanted to be treated as professionals and we decided to dress the part. The difference has been night and day and if we would have had any clue a tie would have made such a difference in how we would be treated we would have started from day one. We keep adjusting our uniform for comfort and to fit the job we are doing. Bob started out with slacks but has since changed to cargo pants and a nice button down logo shirt with his name and of course the tie. We have found that once we have been to a customer and we come back to that customer he is remembered and most often treated as a special customer.
We have had customers chase us down to talk with us and also to shake Bob's hand and thank him for showing them respect. We have also had customers call in and email in to our carrier about how much they appreciated the level of professionalism that was shown to them.

For us it has been a win win situation and we feel as if we are the true winners.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

So just HOW? Did this improve your business....after all Fedex's business is their business and it is they who chose to share their customers with you...

So you get a handshake, a pat on the back, and recognition and attention....did it put a dime in your pocket? Did this company voluntarily offer to pay you more? I can see little difference between just dressing cleanly or going the extra step...

You and Bob are a great couple, but seem IMO that you both have an ego that needs stroking quite often...

 

[greg334]

That was mean OVM.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

That was mean OVM.

No..it was pure honesty...honest thought with no malice meant....

I mean how does one build a business when leased onto a company that doesn't allow one to fart unless they have a macro for it....it all comes down to load selection with the Feds..it is not like you can go out and get your own loads....the business you are running is Fedexs and Fedexs alone..

 

[piper1]

While I haven't completely converted to the shirt and tie yet, doing that extra bit with customers does work and it does benefit ME as well.

We (as in FedEx and me) have a customer about 30 miles from my house who calls in and specifically requests me to haul their freight. Another regular customer loads me as soon as I pull in...ahead of even other expediters who are waiting..even if my load is not hot. I have another semi regular customer who regularly invites me inside on employee lunch day.

Ya...I try to be a nice guy to customers but that first impression is often what gets you in the door. All my loads cross the border, they all involve faxing documents, I never have a problem being admitted to the front office to fax stuff because at the least, I am dressed in business casual, not some ratty stained shirt and a pair of shorts (not THOSE shorts). All those things save me time and money.

If the customer is paying extra to use FedEx (you know because we're special and all) they might be more apt to use us again if the whole experience is above par, not to mention the bit of self pride and self respect.

BTW, with the new QC units the "Fart" macro is gone. We were mailed an instructional booklet that basically says we are free to fart on our own accord so long as we do it in a safe and prudent manner.....I hear there will be a class at the Expo for those who are struggling to cope.

 

[Streakn1]

our business continues to do well.

We have also noticed an increase in how many business owners that drive a truck are starting to look around and realize what kind of standard we are setting.

The difference has been night and day...

We keep adjusting our uniform for comfort and to fit the job we are doing. Bob started out with slacks but has since changed to cargo pants and a nice button down logo shirt with his name and of course the tie.

We have also had customers call in and email in to our carrier about how much they appreciated the level of professionalism that was shown to them.

For us it has been a win win situation and we feel as if we are the true winners.

I could'nt agree with you more and everything quoted above applies to us also, well most.

We to have become more image conscious when it comes to serving our customers. Recently we had custom tee shirts made with our logo on the front pocket and an airplane with the words "We Love Airplanes" on the back. They love it!

The tie is an interesting concept and may be added to our ensemble in the near future Wait, bad idea! Get a little to close to the fan on a big jet engine especially on a windy day. Think about it, wind, spinning fan, tie flapping in the wind, tie gets caught in fan, driver gets pulled into fan by tie, the rest would not be a pretty sight! Better yet, a small plastic propeller that spins in the wind on the front of the tee shirt. They're gonna love it!!!

See what happens when the wife is driving and I have nothing better to do but get in trouble! LOL

 

[OntarioVanMan]

must be my bubbly personality...and THOSE shorts....I've experienced everything that Piper mentioned....the tie means diddly squat....except to the wearer...who "imagines" they are a cut above...

 

[piper1]

....except to the wearer...who "imagines" they are a cut above...

Imagine...walking around all day feeling better about yourself...ya..why would anyone want to do that? I'd much rather walk around thinking I am just another truck driver....gonna get out my sweat pants and flip flops and just blend in, why bother trying to be better?

Streak..if you get the propeller shirts made up, will they be for sale? An instant classic for sure.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Imagine...walking around all day feeling better about yourself...ya..why would anyone want to do that? I'd much rather walk around thinking I am just another truck driver....gonna get out my sweat pants and flip flops and just blend in, why bother trying to be better?

Streak..if you get the propeller shirts made up, will they be for sale? An instant classic for sure.

you know that is NOT what I meant....

 

[ebsprintin]

Had an old boss who would ask whether a perfect paint job and decals made a race car win. He would go on to explain that no it doesn't, but it does show others that you don't just settle for good enough. It's the sign of a professional.

eb

 

[OntarioVanMan]

flip flops are a no no...they are unacceptable in most plants...steel toes or closed toes shoes....clean T or shirt and clean slack, sweats, shorts or jeans...not with patches or holes...muscle T's definately not...no hairy armpits allowed..

 

[ebsprintin]

If you can get the customer to do a double-take on who you work for or your vehicle number, it can't be a bad thing, as long as you weren't being an idiot in the first place. I try to do that with my vehicle, interior included.

eb

 

[OntarioVanMan]

If you can get the customer to do a double-take on who you work for or your vehicle number, it can't be a bad thing, as long as you weren't being an idiot in the first place. I try to do that with my vehicle, interior included.

eb

absolutely EB...but the majority are not our customers..NLM you could show up in a cart and donkey as long as you run for their price....*LOL*

 

[greg334]

You know I would agree with most of this but the truth seems not to be in appreances but in attitude. If dressing right, meaning in company attire with ties will get me a lot more work, then great but if I am just the same as truck number 2039430, then it isn't.

I mean that professionalism goes way beyond the dress code, it goes way beyond the pretty truck with the shiny wheels. It goes right to the attitude of the person who is at the customers door. If you are in a hurry or something comes up where they want something else done but you pull "I'll have to call the company on that like where dispatch forgets to tell you something like blankets are needed, then it reflects on you.

I had a customer last year who was rather in a rush or seemed to. He stood on the dock watching me secure the load. I used Vee Boards with the straps and blankets. When I pulled the blankets out, he looked like he was going to get really upset. Once I was done, I asked if he could lift the dock plate so I can go but he stopped me and asked a odd question "how much more will it be for the blankets?" I said nothing. He was surprised because every time **unnamed** company came to pickup their load, they were on the phone complaining about having to blanket the load to protect the paint which meant the company have to call the customer and tell them what the revised cost will be for their approval. He said one time he refused, so the drivers refused to take the load.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

All I am saying is...for me personally the tie is overkill...but if it makes one feel better then go for it...

and I am entitled to voice my opinion last time I looked...

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Greg..exactly...an a-hole is still an a-hole in sweats or a tie...and the customer won't be impressed...as I said my bubbly personality works every time...