Fed dropping its standards?
- Thread starter Streakn1
- Start date
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
We always wear variations of FEDEX uniforms as designed and provided by FEDEX including parkas, sweaters etc. I don't think its a good idea for everyone going out on their own uniforming-up in their own design and calling it FEDEX. We contract with FEDEX and therefore abide by their guidelines in attire as well as equipment specifications. I can't say for sure that wearing the uniform gets us better treatment or just simply being FEDEX affords us those privliges, but we do frequently 'jump the line' in many places at the beckoning of the customer.
A good attitude and service trumps all else (uniforms, gimmicks, trinquets) in this business and it matters not that the customer asks specifically for me, (and we do get those request) as long as he asks for FEDEX.
A good attitude and service trumps all else (uniforms, gimmicks, trinquets) in this business and it matters not that the customer asks specifically for me, (and we do get those request) as long as he asks for FEDEX.
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Bubblehead,
Since they call it "apparel" not "uniforms" (lol..I got reminded that uniform implies employee..thats. another thread ..) I'd say we can wear anything in the Fedex catalogue and be in "approved" apparel. There are several different outfits, shirts, sweaters, etc, including the dress style shirts the Caffees wear. I like the button down ones, (kinda khaki like with ebroidered logo) but I stick with the polo shirts.
I think Id look good in the sweater vests that Terry wears, ala Jim Tressel lol.
Dale
Since they call it "apparel" not "uniforms" (lol..I got reminded that uniform implies employee..thats. another thread ..) I'd say we can wear anything in the Fedex catalogue and be in "approved" apparel. There are several different outfits, shirts, sweaters, etc, including the dress style shirts the Caffees wear. I like the button down ones, (kinda khaki like with ebroidered logo) but I stick with the polo shirts.
I think Id look good in the sweater vests that Terry wears, ala Jim Tressel lol.
Dale
After doing this as long as we have, we have been with numerous carriers over the years including the Fed, and I can't recall one instance that we got unloaded ahead of another expedite company unless we had a earlier appointment time. Ahead of another truckload carrier, yes. That is more likely the need for that particular freight and the fact they don't want to pay detention time which many regular truckload carriers don't offer. We as well have have done numerous broker jobs for the Fed and no real speed up there either just because Fedex was on the BOL.
Additionally, we have never been bumped by a particular carrier because of a brand name. Then again, maybe it is the dynamic personalities all of my teams have.
Additionally, we have never been bumped by a particular carrier because of a brand name. Then again, maybe it is the dynamic personalities all of my teams have.
Dave,
I've had it happen different times when arrived at same time...(it kinda irritated the other Fedex driver) but, as you said, maybe its my "dynamic personality" .....or the fact I draw more attention because I'm...um.....unique! lol
I will pretend its the Fedex shirt, not the fact that l'm more 'noticeable' ;-)
Dale
I've had it happen different times when arrived at same time...(it kinda irritated the other Fedex driver) but, as you said, maybe its my "dynamic personality" .....or the fact I draw more attention because I'm...um.....unique! lol
I will pretend its the Fedex shirt, not the fact that l'm more 'noticeable' ;-)
Dale
Ditto.
If FedEx did not have a uniform, Diane and I would come up with a uniform of our own because a uniformed driver always looks more professional than a non-uniformed driver. Uniforms also have value in that they are work clothes designed with durability and ease of care in mind.
FedEx is one of the world's largest and most respected corporations. The FedEx brand is widely recognized and FedEx people are generally trusted by their customers and the general public.
When we first started with FedEx, the uniforms distinguished the divisions with different colors in the shirts. That has been minimized to using the same shirts corporation wide with the color differences only in the division logo that is embroidered on the shirt. The distinctive White Glove Services logo was also dropped. That happened because, as Fred Smith said, "our customers are colorblind." Most don't distinguish between one division and another. They simply know the company as FedEx.
We proudly wear the FedEx uniform because we want to be identified with the company. We want to help build additional trust in the FedEx brand with the excellent service our customers see us -- FedEx uniformed people -- provide.
We don't want to be something distinct or different than a common FedEx driver in our customers' mind. We don't want to be a team for whom the FedEx uniform is not good enough. It is a very good thing to be a common FedEx driver because so many of them have done such a good job for customers so many times that the common FedEx driver has come to be a trusted American icon.
We are not own-authority carriers out there to build our reputation. We are leased contractors out there to build our carrier's reputation, and that of FedEx Corporation, its parent company.
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greg334
Veteran Expediter
I thought they dropped the White Glove logos off the trucks was all about the security reasons and nothing more. Because of the boasting of some of the drivers on what they haul they seemed to have become moving targets and even one customer told Fred Smith they don't want fancy shiny trucks announcing their intentions driving down the road after FedEx lost a few million in cargo for them because of a few stupid drivers.
You want to stand out for your group or division so they know what the company has to offer. If you act as if you were the package delivery guy, then that's all the shipper will give you.
The Brand matters, it always have and if people are going to put their best foot forward trying to promote the brand the way the company wants, then they will be rewarded. The sad thing is you have too many layers of people with their own definition of what is good for the company. Some will say it is an person who doesn't wear a uniform - Team Player - and others will say it is the appearance of the package (truck and driver). Truthfully, and especially with FedEx, they don't take in account performance above the norm for everyone.
Really??
You want to stand out for your group or division so they know what the company has to offer. If you act as if you were the package delivery guy, then that's all the shipper will give you.
The Brand matters, it always have and if people are going to put their best foot forward trying to promote the brand the way the company wants, then they will be rewarded. The sad thing is you have too many layers of people with their own definition of what is good for the company. Some will say it is an person who doesn't wear a uniform - Team Player - and others will say it is the appearance of the package (truck and driver). Truthfully, and especially with FedEx, they don't take in account performance above the norm for everyone.
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
I stand corrected, they do call it apparel...we have several different variations, all from FEDEX and the sweater vest is my wife's favorite...she says I look kinda sexy in it (but then she isn't wearing her glasses when she makes that comment) Actually I hope they would come out with a FEDEX Purple Promise Speedo for those semi-tropical areas like south Texas etc.
Doggie Daddy
Veteran Expediter
Doggie Daddy
Veteran Expediter
I definitely agree with you Phil,and would also think that corporate would want it that way also.
BTW, I have scoured the Fedex apparel order form and nowhere on there do I see a tie.
dieseldiva
Veteran Expediter
Actually I hope they would come out with a FEDEX Purple Promise Speedo for those semi-tropical areas like south Texas etc.
Ask and ye shall receive....well, SORT OF.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
Anyone want an all weather vest,all weather jacket,and also have a parka,Tri-State wouldn't like it if i was to wear them.Size is xxl,they are in my truck,so if you see me,make an offer,parka hasn't been worn.OOPS,sounds like an advertisement
I have worn Roberts/FDCC apparel since it was available. Do I know it has provided more income? No, not with certainty, but several shippers in my express center ask for me by name if available. Is it because I wear a clean FDCC uniform? It is a combination of appearance and attitude. I learn the names of the employees in the shipping/receiving department. I make a point to let them know I understand the circumstances that may delay my loading etc. I make a point to thank both those that load and those that unload my vehicle. I think if you look and act like a professional, you will, in most cases be treated like a professional. Arrive in a dirty truck, ripped jeans, a dirty tee shirt and a "Who Farted" hat, you will be treated accordingly.
Gee, I wish I had enough money to start a " major player" sized expediting company. I would definitely require my owner operators to custom paint their trucks with gold leaf.
All drivers would be required to wear approved apparel in the form of formal tuxedos.
Additionally, orientation for all drivers would include extensive training to teach drivers how to correctly position themselves on the customers loading docks. This would enable them to garner as many accolades, handshakes, admiring stares, and invitations to advance to the front of the line as possible.
No doubt however this would require large servers and massive telephone trunk lines to handle the e-mails and calls from customers praising our lofty standards and good taste.
A business plan like this would absolutely result in the most successful company the world has ever seen!
All drivers would be required to wear approved apparel in the form of formal tuxedos.
Additionally, orientation for all drivers would include extensive training to teach drivers how to correctly position themselves on the customers loading docks. This would enable them to garner as many accolades, handshakes, admiring stares, and invitations to advance to the front of the line as possible.
No doubt however this would require large servers and massive telephone trunk lines to handle the e-mails and calls from customers praising our lofty standards and good taste.
A business plan like this would absolutely result in the most successful company the world has ever seen!
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
People as "unique" as us tend to fill the drivers room quickly..
This coming from a driver who wears E-1 approved flowered shorts