FedEx

Wolfeman68 · Jul 30, 2008

Considering putting a "C" unit on with FedEx. Spoke with one of the recruiters at the Expo Friday and he followed up yesterday morning.

I was somewhat surprised by the offer he's making and given my experience with other recruiters I'm a bit wary.

Would like to get some pro's and con's about FedEx in general. Replies are greatly appreciated.

x06col · Jul 30, 2008

Are you "off the street" or presently an expediter? Share with us this wunnerful "offer". Please!!

jaminjim · Jul 30, 2008

I was somewhat surprised by the offer he's making and given my experience with other recruiters I'm a bit wary.

Well what was surprising?

Wolfeman68 · Jul 30, 2008

Fleet owner. 3 Sprinters and the "C" unit presently leased to Tri-State. Not unhappy at T/S, just have the feeling I should not keep all the "eggs" in one basket given the present economic situation.

I've been reading here about FedEx's dispatch system which has left me curious, and a few comments from FedEx drivers on the road. (I drive the "C" unit).

"Offer" consists of a sign on bonus and a deal on the sign installation and old sign removal.

Looking for any and all comments before I sign on the dotted line.

OntarioVanMan · Jul 30, 2008

Wolfeman68 said:
Fleet owner. 3 Sprinters and the "C" unit presently leased to Tri-State. Not unhappy at T/S, just have the feeling I should not keep all the "eggs" in one basket given the present economic situation.

I've been reading here about FedEx's dispatch system which has left me curious, and a few comments from FedEx drivers on the road. (I drive the "C" unit).

"Offer" consists of a sign on bonus and a deal on the sign installation and old sign removal.

Looking for any and all comments before I sign on the dotted line.

Thats not a that big of an offer.....

You do realize you'd be going into a strictly controlled enviroment from a more loosely controlled one....could you make the tranformation?

redytrk · Jul 30, 2008

Wolfeman68 said:
Fleet owner. 3 Sprinters and the "C" unit presently leased to Tri-State. Not unhappy at T/S, just have the feeling I should not keep all the "eggs" in one basket given the present economic situation.

I've been reading here about FedEx's dispatch system which has left me curious, and a few comments from FedEx drivers on the road. (I drive the "C" unit).

"Offer" consists of a sign on bonus and a deal on the sign installation and old sign removal.

Looking for any and all comments before I sign on the dotted line.

I have been O/O with FedEx/Roberts for 20 years. I have never known of a recruiter intentionally lying. I think you can take what he/she says to the bank.

Having said that, it is up to you to ask the proper questions. I.E. avg earnings for solo "C" (or team if you are that fortunate). Don't worry to much about the fine points of dispatching. The important thing is how much you can expect to earn at the end of the year.

greg334 · Jul 30, 2008

1 - what is a C unit? is it a FedEx C unit or what?

2 - if you are making money where you are at - STAY there.

3 - if you do decide to move and don't have a reefer, lift gate or anything else, you will be competing with vans for van freight.

LDB · Jul 30, 2008

Solo or team? Other than the eggs in a basket theory is there any reason to move? I agree that if it ain't broke don't fix it.

OntarioVanMan · Jul 30, 2008

LDB said:
Solo or team? Other than the eggs in a basket theory is there any reason to move? I agree that if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Eggs will stay warmer when together....

x06col · Jul 30, 2008

I'm amazed. I you are not unhappy, then WHY, chance getting that way???????

TeamCaffee · Jul 30, 2008

Agree with redytrk what the recruited told you is the truth but you do have to ask the right questions. What kind of C truck do you have? FedEx Custom Critical is a little hard on solo units.

Have also heard that the new dispatch system should make the offers a lot fairer then they have been in the past to the solo drivers.

Have to agree with the rest though if you are happy where you are at why move it is not a cheap thing to do. You will have to learn a whole new system and with that comes beginner’s mistakes.

layoutshooter · Jul 30, 2008

We like FedEx, they fit us. They have been straight with us so I assmuse that they are straight with most everyone else. If I had enough trucks, someday I hope too, I would consider spreding them around the horn. I like the not too many eggs in one basket. Just like a stock portfolio. But's that's just me. Layoutshooter

Wolfeman68 · Jul 30, 2008

Unit is a 2007 International 4400, 102" sleeper, 16 ft. box, liftgate.

Considering the move since FedEx pays more, and I'm told the truck qualifies for White Glove which pays even more. More money = happy. The Sprinters are making more individually than the International does, and I believe that FedEx has more available freight for this truck.

FedEx contacted me last April and again in June. The offer they are making now was not on the table then. I've been curious as to what changed other than different recruiters.

I'm driving solo right now, but the sleeper is a double bunk so putting a team in it wouldn't be a problem. Finding the right team could be.

I've asked all the right questions of the recruiter, just looking for some real world input.

greg334 · Jul 30, 2008

I would really be careful.

I mean I was there - c unit solo and the rates were and from what I hear are in the decline. The biggest issue as I pointed out is that you will be on the same level as a van - regardless what others seem to think. My majority was van freight, with 4 in 7 somethig over 2500lbs, but the rates went down drastcally.

Can you make money?

Yes

Will it be more?

You won't know until you get it signed on and do your first tax return.

I would also add this, the recruiters are honest as honest as they come but as one CC pointed out, they only know what your potential may be if things work right.

If I were you, in all honestly, side step the company line and ask people owning C units (not WG trucks) what they are actually doing - take your time in your decision.

x06col · Jul 30, 2008

If you read it at all, I believe you recieved some "real world" suggestions. Simply put, to my way of thinking there is nowhere you can go with that camping machine and get a "warm and fuzzy" feeling. Don't surprise me at all that the sprinters are grossing more than that one. If there were a BAD BUY category like there is in poker called BAD BEAT, you might win.

Wolfeman68 · Jul 30, 2008

x06col said:
If you read it at all, I believe you recieved some "real world" suggestions. Simply put, to my way of thinking there is nowhere you can go with that camping machine and get a "warm and fuzzy" feeling. Don't surprise me at all that the sprinters are grossing more than that one. If there were a BAD BUY category like there is in poker called BAD BEAT, you might win.

"Camping Machine" Nice. I have read all the posts and most were constructive. Yours, however, is not. The "Camping Machine" is making a profit and like any good businessman, I explore opportunities to increase said profit.

Simply put, to my way of thinking there is nothing that you have to say that is worth my time to read it.

x06col · Jul 30, 2008

That'll be fine by me. But, you'll read it one day. And, understand it.

redytrk · Jul 30, 2008

Wolfeman68 said:
Unit is a 2007 International 4400, 102" sleeper, 16 ft. box, liftgate.

Considering the move since FedEx pays more, and I'm told the truck qualifies for White Glove which pays even more.

Whoa...You didn`t mention White Glove before. That makes a world of difference. They usually only accept teams, but there are always exceptions. Like if they desperately need a unit in your home express center. If you want White Glove, ask for it in writing. If they decline....well use your own judgement.

OntarioVanMan · Jul 30, 2008

Wolfeman68 said:
"Camping Machine" Nice. I have read all the posts and most were constructive. Yours, however, is not. The "Camping Machine" is making a profit and like any good businessman, I explore opportunities to increase said profit.

Simply put, to my way of thinking there is nothing that you have to say that is worth my time to read it.

Don't be too hard on the Col....he calls all them big bunk trucks RV's...he's of ole school...to him a coffin bunk would do and a peanut butter samach and a thermos

....It wasn't a put down...you'd be best advised not to disregard what he says based on his "Camping Machine" reference only.

layoutshooter · Jul 30, 2008

All I can say is that we are doing A OK. They have been straight by us, maybe because we have been straight by them. HINT HINT!!! We try hard and they do as well. What else can I say. Layoutshooter