Phil made the jump

[paullud]

It is common for large corporations to limit their risks by immediately escorting their people to the door once an intent to leave is known.

That is what I was thinking it may have been, I worked for a huge global corporation and they didn't care how low you were on the totem pole once your intention to leave was known they tapped you on the shoulder and asked you to step into the HR department.

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[bobwg]

Yes, there is a liftgate on our truck.

Ok there is an LEA agent out in Arizona/Nevada that has good paying runs from that area but he does not want to talk to anyone that does not have a lift gate

 

[Rocketman]

Diane and I belive (and it too is a believe since the company is keeping its facts to itself) that our termination notice came because we made it known not that we were thinking about leaving but that we were in fact leaving. As I stated in this post, their official notice came to us just 17 hours before our offical notice would have gone to them.

It is common for large corporations to limit their risks by immediately escorting their people to the door once an intent to leave is known.

I agree with Phil on this point. It is a common practice and given the freight that is transported in that division, FDXCC has a responsibility to protect themselves as well as their customers. I'm sure Phil and Dianne would have conducted themselves professionally, but I'm also sure that others might not in the same situation.

Personally, I suspect it was triggered by posts on this website. Phil posted in another thread (i don't remember which one) not only that they were definitely leaving, but that the logos had been removed and the box re-painted. When I read that, I thought there could be a reaction from FDXCC. I can't see that it matters really. These were business decisions on both sides, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[mcavoy33]

Finally, my complaints were made over a several week if not several month period. If they are in the business of dumping contractors who complain, it would have happened to Diane and me long before now.

Diane and I belive (and it too is a believe since the company is keeping its facts to itself) that our termination notice came because we made it known not that we were thinking about leaving but that we were in fact leaving. As I stated in this post, their official notice came to us just 17 hours before our offical notice would have gone to them.

It is common for large corporations to limit their risks by immediately escorting their people to the door once an intent to leave is known.

Phil,

I'm glad you were about to leave. The fact that they kicked you out before you opted to leave, should serve as confirmation that you were indeed making the right decision.

I'm just a noob but I've come to respect your viewpoint about the industry. I don't agree with everything but I appreciate the approach you take in running your business.

As I stated in the titanic thread, I view part of the problem in the industry as drivers staying too long in bad situations.

As a noobie to the industry, I get the feeling that the biggest problem with the industry isn't the companies but its the drivers staying in lousy situations and allowing themselves to be screwed.

Reading on other trucking forums, I read about people staying with a company for years and years and being screwed over the entire time and they end up losing their truck etc....

I don't understand why drivers stay with companies where they continually over stock their supply of drivers and only give out 1000 miles a week.

Why don't more drivers seek out better companies? Is it the love for being on the road, that they would rather lose money and be on the road than having a home and working a regular job where you don't lose money?

I just don't understand why people stay in losing situations. I would think that they would be better off trying 15 different companies than sticking with one losing one.

Sorry if I'm totally off base but I'm just trying to understand the industry.

I for one, am glad that you spoke up and spoke out. I think more drivers need to do the same. Yes FedEx has a right to change their business model and how they operate a division. But as contractors, we also have rights to know how we are being treated and knowing how other contractors are being treated gives us valuable information imo.

But back to the point of my previous post above. This is where I think drivers need to speak up and speak out. If their company isn't giving them miles or is giving them low pay miles, then they should speak up. If it doesn't change, then they should get out imo.

Yes I agree, go through the proper channels first but when that fails, you need to look out for #1 imo. The company is looking out for #1, them, you need to do the same.

Secondly, my question to the part in bold is,

if the company you are working for is making changes that results in you getting less miles or less dollar per mile, shouldn't that be the first sign to get out.

But more importantly, if they are going to punish you for speaking the truth and speaking up.

Let me ask you, is that honestly the type of company that YOU want to work for? Is that the type of company you would recommend for your family to go and work for? If so, I'm glad, I'm not your family.

Again, this isn't directed at you slacktide, I have no idea who you are, you probably have way more experience than me. I'm just a noob trying to understand the industry.

From what I see, the drivers as a whole need to stand up for themselves better.

FedEx will probably always have drivers. But the reality is, I don't see an influx of experienced drivers wanting to move there. Let the less experienced guys go cut their teeth there if that is what FedEx wants.

But I think its good that drivers share information about companies. Take a look at Load 1. They seem to love their company and speak positively about it. Now if there was a problem, I'm sure it would be taken care of through the proper channels. But if the company was sold down the road and the new owners decided to change management's philosophy, in that scenario, I think the drivers should speak out if they disagree with it and move on if they aren't happy.

I just have read too many stories about being people staying in bad situations. I think drivers need to stand up more. But I'm merely a noob, I admit, I'm clueless when it comes to the big picture and the industry.

 

[greg334]

Good paying loads may be relative to what they were getting in the past.

lift gate work is limited, the agent you mention may or may not have enough work for them to sustain them but I hope they will do fine.

As far as professionalism, something here is lacking because as a professional at the level everyone thinks that is present, it means not airing your frustrations or dirty laundry in public at the same time making sweeping announcements of your pending changes. I may look like I lack a professional stance by making the mistake of criticizing things and airing frustrations but I also know that if someone didn't sugar coat reality with fluff posts, I would have read the negative and been prepared for it.

 

[Turtle]

Panther babysits its contractors. It can be very frustrating at times. Am I unprofessional for saying that?

 

[Dakota]

Panther babysits its contractors. It can be very frustrating at times. Am I unprofessional for saying that?

Yes.....

 

[greg334]

Panther babysits its contractors. It can be very frustrating at times. Am I unprofessional for saying that?

Nope not at all, when you are expected to be an elite performer and not happy with the situation, in this case rates of offers are being reduced, going on an open forum may be construed by the company that you are no longer worth keeping around because you appear to be unprofessional.

 

[highway star]

4 pages on an expediter switching carriers, an event that probably happens close to daily in our industry. O.K. ......

I do wish Phil and Diane the best of luck with their new carrier.

 

[paullud]

4 pages on an expediter switching carriers, an event that probably happens close to daily in our industry. O.K. ......

I do wish Phil and Diane the best of luck with their new carrier.

Well it is someone (like him or not) that is more than an expediter, he plays a bigger role in his writing as a representative that a lot of people get to see that normally wouldn't. He has also been described as a purple pom pom waving cheerleader.

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[Slacktide]

QUOTE: mcavoy33

"FedEx will probably always have drivers. But the reality is, I don't see an influx of experienced drivers wanting to move there. Let the less experienced guys go cut their teeth there if that is what FedEx wants."

One thing to remember mcavoy, We ALL have had to start somewhere. Even Phil & Diane had to "cut their teeth" at one point in their quest to become what they are today. FedEx is not the only carrier that will enroll "newbies" and welcome them into their fleet. Point of fact it happens every day, hence there are orrientaions at every carrier nearly every week. What once was a "noob" will eventually blossom into an experienced expediter. Not one of us are still doing things the way we did when we first started. As has been stated many times recently, the only constant thing IS change.

The fact that Phil & Diane are high profile expediters draws much attention to their particular situation. I would venture a guess that there are more than a few out here on the road that may be dissatisfied with their current carrier and thinking of moving to FedEx or any number of other carriers, and in doing so bringing their experience with them to whatever carrier suits them best. To say that there is no influx of experienced drivers wanting to move there, seems maybe just a bit closed minded imho.

QUOTE: mcavoy33
"I just have read too many stories about being people staying in bad situations."

Many times it is easier to voice ones displeasure than it is to voice a positive experience. As such there are more stories to be read that are of a negative tone.


I for one am more than happy with my current carrier and could not see myself moving away from them. Things in this business constantly change what was a hot express last year are dead today just the same as what DOT regs are today are not what they were last year. It seems that people just want to focus on what the hot button topic is, and for now it would seem to be adjustments within their carrier to suit the current business enviroment.

I wish Phil & Diane the best in their new adventure and hope it is a lucrative move for them. They have a good deal of information and experience to draw on I am sure they will find success once they get the new system down.

 

[layoutshooter]

Good luck to the ATeam. I hope they do well with their new adventure.

Landstar was an interesting choice for them. It will be fun following their progress.

I know that Landstar is not noted for it's reefer work but maybe they are thinking of expanding that business? Good start by recruiting a high end reefer truck.

I am not looking to move but if I were I don't believe that would have been my first choice but Phil is NO dummy. If he feels it will suit his needs then more power to him.

 

[Dakota]

Layout you double poster you

 

[ATeam]

Ok there is an LEA agent out in Arizona/Nevada that has good paying runs from that area but he does not want to talk to anyone that does not have a lift gate

Well there you go! Readers don't have to ask me how things are for a new team at LEA, you can watch the process unfold right here.

Have a truck with a lift gate, join LEA, let people know that you did, and wait your turn for orientation. While you do, the universe will shift to help you continue to achieve your declared goals, such that the good runs and good money will be waiting for you once the new logo is on your truck.

That's a bit of an exaggeration and I hope people recognize that, but I am pleasantly surprised -- actually, taken aback -- by the offers of support that are coming in from fellow BCO's (Business Capacity Owner, Landstar's name for independent contractor) before we have even completed orientation.

You see one example here. Three other BCO's have contacted us privately with similar information and offers of support.

It's amazing. When you stand before a new company with an open mind, the information pours in. May Diane and I remain ignorant all the way to the bank.

Thank you, bobwg, for the tip. Diane and I are all ears to learn more from you and others like you. We love running in the western states. Feel free to let that agent know about us and even more free to let us know how we can repay your favor.

 

[ATeam]

As I stated in the titanic thread, I view part of the problem in the industry as drivers staying too long in bad situations.

As in business, so too in life. It is human nature to resist change, even when you know you are in a bad situation.

Diane and I made it look easy to change carriers but it is not. You get to know people and a system. You identify with the logo on your truck. You become comfortable with the familiar routines.

When changing carriers, there is a heap of paperwork to do and delays while you wait for people to process it. A jump from the known to the unknown can be stressful. There is a financial hit as you will be down for a week at the very least.

It may be true what you say that people tend to stay too long in bad situations but it is also understandable why they do.

 

[Slacktide]

Layout you double poster you

Dakota,

You realize he does that just to make sure he gets hos point across.... LMAO Some folks have to be told things multiple times

 

[ATeam]

Then why was his contract terminated?

With the passage of a few days and the receipt of two letters, the question is now meaningless.

Diane and I do not know what to make of it but we received two letters in the mail today, both dated on the same date. The first was the termination letter that we expected. The second came from the same senior manager. It said that the termination letter was rescinded. No explanation was given.

So, as a matter of record, FedEx Custom Critical did not terminate the lease agreement that Diane and I had with the company.

I guess that paves the way for an easy return, but having just made the move to Landstar Express America and being positively impressed by what we learned in our first day of orientation, and since the conditions that prompted our exit from FedEx Custom Critical still exist, there is little incentive to go back, at least for now.

 

[mcavoy33]

With the passage of a few days and the receipt of two letters, the question is now meaningless.

Diane and I do not know what to make of it but we received two letters in the mail today, both dated on the same date. The first was the termination letter that we expected. The second came from the same senior manager. It said that the termination letter was rescinded. No explanation was given.

So, as a matter of record, FedEx Custom Critical did not terminate the lease agreement that Diane and I had with the company.

I guess that paves the way for an easy return

That is pretty impressive, I don't know whether it was an honest mistake or a planned move but regardless, its pretty f'in smart imo.

I' might have to incorporate that move. Fire you, give you the letter, but mail a "oh it was a mistake" letter at the same time.

 

[ATeam]

That is pretty impressive, I don't know whether it was an honest mistake or a planned move but regardless, its pretty f'in smart imo.

I' might have to incorporate that move. Fire you, give you the letter, but mail a "oh it was a mistake" letter at the same time.

We don't know if it was a mistake, intentional or something else. As I said, neither letter included an explanation. Nor does it matter. Diane and I have moved on. I only mention the second letter here for those who might try to spin the first letter into something more than it is. The first letter no longer applies because it was rescinded by the second.

 

[Dakota]

We don't know if it was a mistake, intentional or something else. As I said, neither letter included an explanation. Nor does it matter. Diane and I have moved on. I only mention the second letter here for those who might try to spin the first letter into something more than it is. The first letter no longer applies because it was rescinded by the second.

Sounds like they were having second thoughts and realized how valuable you guys are, only it was too late.