Pulling FedEx or UPS trailers, need some info

We work for FedEx Ground. Jokes abound about the safety record... but honestly, any driver can run as safe as they need to. Just like anyone else, you can shut down for weather or be delayed because of traffic or this or that. Of course, just like the rest of the industry, we have our share of drivers who do unsafe things. It's just doubles and triples are a lot more unforgiving. Thus, the rollovers. The head of the Columbus terminal actually told me: "It's only packages. It's not worth anyone's life or equipment." And I put it to the test being caught in two wind storms and shutting down. I never had a problem. They bid the miles out at 50 miles an hour - plenty of time to get there safely, and no excuse for stupid driving. The accidents are on the drivers, or the situation, not the company policies. We get regular resets and time off. My safety record has nothing to do with who I drive for, and I'd put our team's record up against anyone.

I can't answer your question about keeping your authority. We run under the FedEx authority. I can only answer questions from our perspective. We run exclusively for FXG and as such, you are an asset. If something's on fire, they're going to want you to run it. 200 miles for a team? Sure, if it's on fire. BUT, in our experience, you get out of it what you put into it. If you walk in the office while running clean up and handle whatever emergency they have, they will work hard to get you whatever you want. They will even hold a load for you. The linehaul office is responsive and respectful. On the other hand, if you walk in the linehaul office with the attitude the you're not running any piddly 200 mile runs, then you are probably gonna sit - a- good- long- while. I've driven both dedicated and wheel (pinch hitter) for them. I've never had a problem with either. As of this writing they pay $1.71 cpm plus fuel surcharge for dedicated runs, more for running the wheel (especially during the holidays).

I do see other authorities running for FXG. Mostly big companies, but here and there a few one-truck o/o. Makes me wonder if they aren't throwing them on a load board. But, that's speculation on my part.

The freight is no-touch, terminal to terminal, doubles mainly, but also some 53'. The holiday rush starts at the end of October and runs through December 25th. It is over for this year.

I'm not sure where you are in the country, but you could find out anything you needed to by calling your local Linehaul Office. In the northeast, the big hub is in Columbus, OH. In the northwest it is in Portland, OR. Just like anyone else, talk it over, get everything in writing and read the fine print. Don't sign anything you aren't comfortable with. If there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to drop me a PM.

Merry Christmas,
Elvee

 

I made a killing off of them last week, smart mouth broker really stepped in it and I got paid bank to haul THE SAME EMPTY trailer 1500 miles!! Lmao That's what he gets for that " superior attitude"
UPS folks were courteous and professional at every terminal.

 

Yeah it goes on loadboards. That's the only way an independent will ever get in on it - from a broker such as Landstar, CHR or whoever. Last year peak season didn't end until the middle of Jan. This year was not as busy, way down. Either they got their #### together and did a much better job managing things or the excess just wasn't there for them to be dealing with anyways.

 

They hired more temp drivers.

 

post your truck as PO on ITS and wait for a bite.

 

Can you get on directly with them without going through a broker? I am interested in running for them, as an independent contractor with my own authority.

 

I heard they pay good but I don't know if they will deal with 1man show directly. it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

Doubtful they work with independents doing one load here and there. They hand it off to people that can cover a 100 loads at a time anywhere. Landstar advertises this freight and tries to get carriers locked in on it in the early fall. Moves much cheaper that way. The most lucrative is just picking off the excess what gets tossed to them.last minute. You're never going to command direct what you would in that manner even if it was possible.