Funny, but no, I'm not making policy... Nor am I doing the deep research that will drive the policy. I'm just taking what little we KNOW and speculating on where it will lead. Predicting, you might say.
Even you seem to have found it interesting enough to participate in the conversation.
I think we'll have a better idea when we see what exactly what equipment is going to be purchased, and in what numbers. If these 24' straight trucks turn out to be class B units, you
might be correct is there being no additional class of drivers hired. I doubt it.
A lot will depend on the definition of "significant numbers".
On the other hand, if you see non CDL trucks, in mass, then you can most certainly expect non CDL drivers to be driving many of them. Class C is also a possibility, in order to cover the hazmat part of the equation.
Too many benefits to ignore, as previously noted. Driver shortage eased, wage pressure reduced, easier stepping stones for the dock to driver program, and ultimately the bottom line. Again, this is not merely a FedEx thing. It's an industry thing.
I do find your position
contrary and inconsistent with your past positions. You've never before advocated for the Company paying more than necessary. In this case you say it's smarter to pay significant numbers of Class A drivers to drive something like this:
You have connections, Red. Ask around and see what exactly is being purchase... That will provide insight.