SAIA | Philosophical/management changes?

SuicideJockey is right on the money. The worst thing that happens is these "dark terminals" where your TM can yell over the phone because they don't have the professionalism or the respect enough for drivers to speak face to face. It's a lot easier to yell and degrade someone when you have that disconnect. But, like you said, you go to a different terminal where the TM is right there and follows procedures, it's like a totally different job altogether. And as far as cutting the fat in the city operation, all I can say is...It's about damn time! This only makes good business sense. Why do they pay OT to some and let others live on scraps? Stupid. I've seen it and lived it. Been there, done that. Oh, and its not punishing the dispatcher either...numbers are tracked by driver, not dispatcher. Good luck on that crusade, blaming a dispatcher. Let me know how that turns out...Definitely have some tightening up of the overall operation to do. No debate there. But, the stuff has been going on for years, so forgive me if I'm not too optimistic...
 
ya, point being really...who is there totally matters, and affects the experience

Im with a crappy company, but with a awesome tm and small group of drivers...were all homies..Ive stayed longer cause i have a blast..Our TM is a Dave Chapelle look alike..x-reddaway 12 year dock guy, funny as hell, poop talking hell raisin guy who knows his role

So much dysfunction out there tho...I mean, just any 20 men, how many can/will be effed up? For sure half, right?
And a bad /dysfuntional TM? they can wreck a day, and do, often

I gotta have at least, by the book professional peoples...any bs, i roll out
 
SuicideJockey is right on the money. The worst thing that happens is these "dark terminals" where your TM can yell over the phone because they don't have the professionalism or the respect enough for drivers to speak face to face. It's a lot easier to yell and degrade someone when you have that disconnect. But, like you said, you go to a different terminal where the TM is right there and follows procedures, it's like a totally different job altogether. And as far as cutting the fat in the city operation, all I can say is...It's about damn time! This only makes good business sense. Why do they pay OT to some and let others live on scraps? Stupid. I've seen it and lived it. Been there, done that. Oh, and its not punishing the dispatcher either...numbers are tracked by driver, not dispatcher. Good luck on that crusade, blaming a dispatcher. Let me know how that turns out...Definitely have some tightening up of the overall operation to do. No debate there. But, the stuff has been going on for years, so forgive me if I'm not too optimistic...
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Wish you guys luck. As I read Mr.Trains comments about only working non-union, I had to think about how others also say that management and working conditions at non-union companies is much better, without the drama and personality conflicts. Doesn't seem that way from what several have posted here.
It seems the real problem is human nature, not the unions. Some might call it the Napoleon complex with some managers.
You can have bad management at any company. Same with drivers, lazy or otherwise.
The sooner management at every company understands that each man and woman needs to be treated fairly, with respect and provided with a decent wage and benefit package, then the need for unions will diminish.
In the meantime, the current crop of middle managers we have today does more harm to employees morale then anything else.
 
Wish you guys luck. As I read Mr.Trains comments about only working non-union, I had to think about how others also say that management and working conditions at non-union companies is much better, without the drama and personality conflicts. Doesn't seem that way from what several have posted here.
It seems the real problem is human nature, not the unions. Some might call it the Napoleon complex with some managers.
You can have bad management at any company. Same with drivers, lazy or otherwise.
The sooner management at every company understands that each man and woman needs to be treated fairly, with respect and provided with a decent wage and benefit package, then the need for unions will diminish.
In the meantime, the current crop of middle managers we have today does more harm to employees morale then anything else.
What I say on the FedEx forum has to do with educating those guys about the Teamsters. The Pro's want to dominate that forum with a us and them mentality. Nothing is perfect but here at Saia I like to think we work as a team. I know what the Teamsters bring to the table from my 20 years at Overnite. 1980-2000 .... They are a corrupt organization that wants you to pay dues for something we get for free from our company. We don't need a third party. We get respect and are treated fairly with a more than decent wage and benefit package.
 
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What I say on the FedEx forum has to do with educating those guys about the Teamsters. The Pro's want to dominate that forum with a us and them mentality. Nothing is perfect but here at Saia I like to think we work as a team. I know what the Teamsters bring to the table from my 20 years at Overnite. 1980-2000 .... They are a corrupt organization that wants you to pay dues for something we get for free from our company. We don't need a third party.

Sounds like there are a few on this particular thread that have beefs with certain management, and other issues.
You opinion is only your perspective.
Others have the right to disagree.
Sometimes, corrupt organizations take the form of corporations. Big money can corrupt management in those corporations.
Something you didn't mention, after 25 years of federal oversight, the government has declared the Teamsters corruption free.
After they mandated management of the central states pension fund to the Wall Street thieves and lost 9 billion in pension funds.
Not to mention the money paid to the government to pay for the "oversight".
Now back to those that complained about Saia management.
 
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time ... Abraham Lincoln.
 
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A bit of a reach ... All public information. But OK .... I can go with that. Your point being that nothing is perfect I suppose. Something that most people know and that I already admitted. In the big picture most of our customers are very happy with us. A great O.R. that's getting better and a union free company that's moving in the right direction. I won't continue this discussion with you any longer on this forum because it serves no useful purpose. I receive PM's on a regular basis in which I can put you and the Teamsters in their place in a not so civil manner. Bring it on HOT SHOT !!!
 
Guys...I was hoping to stay on topic. We can talk unions, but may I suggest we do it on another forum/heading? Are there any other insights relevant to the topic?
 
Guys...I was hoping to stay on topic. We can talk unions, but may I suggest we do it on another forum/heading? Are there any other insights relevant to the topic?
I agree ... He just has a personal agenda against me because I keep ripping the pro's in the FedEx forum. So he decided to attack Saia instead of me personally. However we don't need a thread for a union discussion in my opinion. But I'm sure in time some driver with an axe to grind will start one. And of course I will be ready to rip it to shreds if need be. But about this topic about the philosophical approach in management let me give you my take. I can only speak about the D-FW area and our managers. They give us total respect and never push us to ever put efficiency above safety. They always state that good numbers mean nothing if we go out and have an accident. In every single meeting safety is always put first. That is a philosophical approach that is part of our culture here in D-FW .... We have a great group of managers here that are never condescending or arrogant. Now don't get me wrong if you screw up you will be called out. But it will be in private and it will be done in a professional manner with no yelling. Trust me I'm no primadonna and if I mess up I have no problem being called out. Many guys become defensive even when they are in the wrong .... Those guys I consider primadonna's and with a negative attitude they usually get what they deserve. I try to learn from my mistakes and become a better driver. I have humility and understand that arrogance never serves a useful purpose. Most the time when you treat people with respect that's exactly what you get back. Of course there are always exceptions to ever rule but I find it to be true in most cases.
 
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I love that response train. And that is the essence of what my point is. I'm not perfect and don't claim to be. I'm a good driver in a pool with other good drivers. I'm great at some things, and weaker in others. So when I admit my shortcomings and ask for help, guidance, or advice...I guess I don't appreciate hearing things like "deal with it or quit." I push myself to get better everyday. And from what I gather, my issues are more localized and maybe not a company wide problem. I still haven't figured out what exactly I should do, but I do know that the safety of the public, myself and my equipment are very important to me. And having what boils down to a Hipocrite tell me that those things aren't important, that making all of the stops and padding the bottom line is all that matters...I mean, it's my CSA score and my license, my responsibility. I wish this person would learn that and adjust their leadership style.
 
I love that response train. And that is the essence of what my point is. I'm not perfect and don't claim to be. I'm a good driver in a pool with other good drivers. I'm great at some things, and weaker in others. So when I admit my shortcomings and ask for help, guidance, or advice...I guess I don't appreciate hearing things like "deal with it or quit." I push myself to get better everyday. And from what I gather, my issues are more localized and maybe not a company wide problem. I still haven't figured out what exactly I should do, but I do know that the safety of the public, myself and my equipment are very important to me. And having what boils down to a Hipocrite tell me that those things aren't important, that making all of the stops and padding the bottom line is all that matters...I mean, it's my CSA score and my license, my responsibility. I wish this person would learn that and adjust their leadership style.
I learned long ago that arrogant type managers always become a victim of their own demise. It cost this company lots of money to recruit and retain good drivers. Those type of managers will be weeded out in time because they destroy driver morale and productivity. I work hard for my dispatcher and although I may not be his most efficient driver and I'm by far one of his safest. What makes a good dispatcher is his ability to know his drivers so he can put them in the best position that helps them excel. The young bucks wouldn't fit in where some of the older guys would. A good dispatcher understands that .... That skill is just as important as knowing the computer or the city for that matter. Trust me I was once a dispatcher. Hold on brother .... We reap what we sow ... Sooner or later his time will come.
 
Guys...I was hoping to stay on topic. We can talk unions, but may I suggest we do it on another forum/heading? Are there any other insights relevant to the topic?

You are correct. There are other places to discuss a union. I did not advise you to seek representation, nor did I advocate the union.
My response was to mr. train after he posted twice about his disdain for the union in post #4 and #16. After that I commented on management ... not the union.
Sometimes, people should look no further then the management that controls the daily functioning of a company to see the faults within.
Some people can't see anything wrong and prefer to blame the employees for thinking that a company could be better.

As for me having a "personal agenda" against him, that is not true. His comments evoke a response, and always will.
He brought up the union issue.
I did not.

Good luck guys weeding out the management drones that inflict harm on a good company and their employees.
 
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