I can understand and reason out..in WG/Tval a tie might impress some of the clientele that you service...most of the people we deal with are blue collar,dirty hand types...we'd probably get laughed off the dock...
Shirts and ties
- Thread starter teamjdw
- Start date
I can understand and reason out..in WG/Tval a tie might impress some of the clientele that you service...most of the people we deal with are blue collar,dirty hand types...we'd probably get laughed off the dock...
Others may disagree but I don't think our WG/TVAL customers would be particularly impressed with WG drivers wearing ties. I think most of them would think it wierd. That is because almost none of them wear ties and wearing one yourself puts you out of place.
These people are shipping and receiving clerks, not executives. In places where shipper and consignee executives have been involved with us face-to-face, I cannot recall a single time where one was wearing a tie (the business casual look prevails today).
Keep in mind that when our customers call for a FedEx Custom Critical truck, they rightfully expect a good truck and driver(s). But it is truck drivers they are requesting, not lab techs or engineers or executives (and even these people don't wear ties often if at all).
The best way to impress our customers is to be the professional truck driver they requested and look the part.
It could be very different in a sales meeting where a truck driver who has his or her own authority is calling on customers. In that situation an unexpected necktie as a conversation starter may be an asset. But as FedEx Custom Critical contractors, we don't go to sales meetings (some do on rare ocasions). We impress our customers on the docks and that is where we need to play and look the part.
I have strong feeling about this. Diane and I don't want the people we leave behind at the docks saying, "Wow! Phil and Diane Madsen were fantastic!" We want them saying, "Wow! FedEx Custom Critical is fantastic!"
With us traveling all over the country like we do, it matters little if a shipper requests us by name the next time. The chances of us being in the area are slim. It is far more important that the shipper request FedEx Custom Critical by name the next time as that benefits us all.
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When I worked as a chauffeur, dark suits & black shoes were required(think funeral home).
We were allowed some discretion with our tie; therefore, it was where I chose to add some "color" to my look. Had to change ties more than once, after the on-duty dispatcher saw me!
We were allowed some discretion with our tie; therefore, it was where I chose to add some "color" to my look. Had to change ties more than once, after the on-duty dispatcher saw me!
teamjdw
Expert Expediter
Ok ,by show of hands who thinks i'm serious?I would never wear a tie unless i absolutly had to.The only tie i own is a clip on roflmao.I know i have not yet met most of you in person ,but this is my way of having fun!Yes we respect the company image,and the way things are done.No i don't think the people on the dock care about ties.The only thing i like to hear from customers is, man what a nice clean truck,and my freight isn't going to move an inch! Well folks this has been fun,but it's time to break camp,and move up the road closer to tomorows pick up.Will either been staying at Petro in Glendale,KY,or up the road at the Pilot in Brooks,KY BBQ anyone?
Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
When I was in high school in the early 70's, I worked at a grocery store as a stocker, checker, then night manager. We were required to wear ties. I bought the biggest, brightest. bow ties I could find. I did get the nickname Bozo from a few co-workers, but I was in compliance.
If it's bbq you want you need to be up on 31w on the southwest side of Louisville about a mile north of where 31w and 841 intersect. There's a Walmart center on the east side of 31 where you can park and across the street is Mark's Feed Store BBQ that has fantastic bbq chicken and buttermilk pie.
Amen! Say it, Driver!
When I was in high school in the early 70's, I worked at a grocery store as a stocker, checker, then night manager. We were required to wear ties. I bought the biggest, brightest. bow ties I could find. I did get the nickname Bozo from a few co-workers, but I was in compliance.
When I worked in a grocery store we had an ugly tie contest each week. The cashiers (all female) voted, and the store manager awarded a prize.
Ever do any turkey bowling or learn how to cook a steak on the meat wrapper?
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
I miss the Fedex pants I owned, quite comfortable and long lasting
Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
Didn't do that, but could see where you could easily cook on the meat wrapper. We did throw set rat traps (unused} at each other in the stock room.
Streakn1
Veteran Expediter
I wear company apparel each and every day for all pick ups and deliveries, WG or not, for all of the reasons stated above. I wore a suit and tie in my first career for over 25 years. I have no desire to return to wearing a tie again - as an O/O leased to any company or even if I were to be operating under my own authority. Those who choose to certainly have that right. But, IMO, they are only kidding themselves to think it has any impact or significance with anyone other than themselves.
letzrockexpress
Veteran Expediter
This is the tie I have been wearing this month. I am currently in the market for a November themed tie if anyone has any ideas...
zorry
Veteran Expediter
Try NOT wearing clothes at your next pu or delivery.
THAT will leave an impression !
And in MOST cases leave the people on the dock laughing.
On the departure call the first question asked is "Are you in contractor apparel ". ?
So it must be very important.
I'm tempted to respond, "Why ask, since so many lie about it ?"
I really hope they don't sell professionally attired drivers as a benefit. If so, they look awful silly because they do such a poor job controlling it.
We wear the uniforms 100% of our on duty time. They're comfortable, economical, required on 95% of our loads, and get us respect/discounts at various retail establishments.
Ties are a safety hazard in and around trucks. If you want to be an executive, park the truck.
I guess something changed since I quit driving. I have a few button up Fedex shirts that I wore some of the time. The rest of the time I wore other button up shirts. I don't wear tees. I don't wear Polos. I wear button up big boy shirts to go with my big boy pants and real shoes with socks. My personal button up shirts look just as good as my Fedex shirts and better than the Polos and way better than the tees.
