In the movie, Casino, there is an old Mormon guy, who walks into the money counting room, fills a briefcase with skimmed money, and then leaves to deliver the money to the mob bosses. Everybody sees him but nobody sees him. That's kinda my story except I ain't Mormon. Every morning, I'm on the dock turning in paperwork. I say good morning and while walking to the dock office, I pay attention to how the dock operates. How the guys move the freight and what kind of freight it is. Next, I'm in the general office getting my morning paperwork ready, to return to my barn. I say good morning and watch the office guys running one of the biggest terminals in the company get ready for another day. What can I say, I'm curious and friendly.
I'm not suggesting, in any way, shape, or form, that other LTL's run this way, but I can say, from personal observation, that mine does. What I see, on a day in and day out basis, is a organized, efficient, no fuss, no muss, process of stripping, moving and reloading freight. Everything is on pallets, shrink wrapped or banded, and handled with respect. No horseplay with the forklifts or stopping and talking about whatever just head in the game and working the freight. The general office guys are the same way. I've seen them debating the best delivery options and how they keep all that stuff, in their head, is beyond me. My brains would have painted the walls whatever color brains are.
With respect to your contract negotiation I appreciate and sympathize with the situation that you find yourself in. You've given concessions and you want them back. You're not sure if the current union negotiators are working for you or just kicking the can down the road, while trying to convince you guys that they got you a sweet deal. Customers are on edge and there are other LTL's circling trying to pick off freight. But, don't think that all non union LTL's have to "cut rate" or "scab out freight" at the expense of how much they pay their drivers or that freight will come back after the contract is settled. Saia ain't that animal and they prove it every July, with a pay raise.
Good luck and I hope that you get everything that you are looking for.