FedEx Freight | Fedex Vs Saia

What's the runs available at each? Slightly higher pay with shorter runs means less take home pay. Saia is a growing company with great potential. If you only want a road position they are probably a great choice. Most of FedEx's perks are for city/hourly employees. Also, the city is consistently getting better raises than the road at FedEx, we are not even keeping up with inflation on the road side.
 
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They’re new up there. I know a Kool Kat who transferred up there from Fedex. He can probably answer some questions...

Yes, its true, I went to the dark side early last month so haven't been here at SAIA long enough to make a good assessment, but I'll try. Firstly, I probably would not have left FedEx freight after well over a decade only because I didn't want to lose my vacation, but honestly that was all that was holding me back.
Yes, it does suck balls when u see that little red light coming on when an event is triggered, but rest assured folks, they will be federally mandated eventually and I truly believe that. If anything, it has shown me that maybe even after 25 years my driving habits weren't that great to begin with but they sure are good now lol

I keep the CB on while driving and generally won't speak into it and I never was a phone guy to begin with so that doesn't really bother me...That said? I believe bluetooth hands free should be allowed, but its their rules for now so I gotta respect that.

The first dropped trailer is on the house and the additional drop is compensated and nofuel pay. Yes, it does add up at Fedex.

In summation, if I were just starting in the LTL biz, it'd be a tough call but I'd have to say SAIA only because they start you out at the higher tier wage and I do think SAIA is more of a family atmosphere unlike Fedex.

If u want hard numbers, If I stayed at FedEx and ran my bid ran everynight all year? 110,000 with average delay pay and drops and hooks....at Saia I basically run the same miles 98,000k..Yes, the insurance is better if ya wanna know.

15k less a year is considerable, but I have no regrets about leaving.
 
Just an fyi. Safety was doing a blitz in STL a month or so ago and one of the safety guys said we are getting driver facing cameras. FedEx Express recently got them and we are next. They said they haven't decided if ground will be forced to get them as well. An express driver in my area showed one of our drivers their new cameras and he wasn't happy about it!


Would they be able to force ground to get cameras? They're independent contractors that pay for their tractors and insurance.

It may be worked into the contract because I've seen guys get flack over their uniforms and the color of their shoes.
 
Would they be able to force ground to get cameras? They're independent contractors that pay for their tractors and insurance.

It may be worked into the contract because I've seen guys get flack over their uniforms and the color of their shoes.
They forced them to govern their trucks at 65, but most of them seem to have no issues ignoring that. I heard they are also supposed to start putting that Bendix collision avoidance crap in their trucks, but I don't know how true that is. If it is true, cameras wouldn't be much more of a stretch. But like with the speed governing, there might not be anyone checking if they actually do it or not.
 
If your plan is to quit "If" Fx goes to driver facing cameras, you might as well turn in your 2 Weeks today, and get in line somewhere else, and start building seniority because it's coming.
Don't fool yourself.
 
I’d choose FedEx in a heartbeat but let me ask you a hypothetical question. If FedEx were to introduce driver facing cameras along with the audio that goes with DriveCam and add the stupid Bluetooth and CB policy would you quit? I can’t see you giving up all that seniority and starting over someplace else. I could see you retiring early though. :1036316054:
FedEx has a no phone policy while driving that includes bluetooth. It just isn't enforced.
 
I’d choose FedEx in a heartbeat but let me ask you a hypothetical question. If FedEx were to introduce driver facing cameras along with the audio that goes with DriveCam and add the stupid Bluetooth and CB policy would you quit? I can’t see you giving up all that seniority and starting over someplace else. I could see you retiring early though. :1036316054:
Yes, I would leave the company...and the industry as a whole!! There’s not a company in our industry that’s pays enough for me to put up with a camera in my face and fortunately I’ve made enough good choices to where I’m not shackled down by this job or the industry.

But you can also rest assured that if/when it does happen, I’ll be at the front of the U movement pushing that agenda. Is it going to stop the cameras, no, but it will allow the remaining drivers the opportunity to add language into a contract that prohibits them from being punished by telematics provided by electronic devices...like UPS already has.

BTW, good to see and hear from ya again, no need to be a stranger!! :1036316054:
 
Yes, I would leave the company...and the industry as a whole!! There’s not a company in our industry that’s pays enough for me to put up with a camera in my face and fortunately I’ve made enough good choices to where I’m not shackled down by this job or the industry.

But you can also rest assured that if/when it does happen, I’ll be at the front of the U movement pushing that agenda. Is it going to stop the cameras, no, but it will allow the remaining drivers the opportunity to add language into a contract that prohibits them from being punished by telematics provided by electronic devices...like UPS already has.

BTW, good to see and hear from ya again, no need to be a stranger!! :1036316054:

Honestly, if I were a night driver I’d be pushing for the cameras immediately for fairness.

Who gets caught using cell phones due to “reflection”? Sure isn’t the day time crew.
 
Yes, I would leave the company...and the industry as a whole!! There’s not a company in our industry that’s pays enough for me to put up with a camera in my face and fortunately I’ve made enough good choices to where I’m not shackled down by this job or the industry.

But you can also rest assured that if/when it does happen, I’ll be at the front of the U movement pushing that agenda. Is it going to stop the cameras, no, but it will allow the remaining drivers the opportunity to add language into a contract that prohibits them from being punished by telematics provided by electronic devices...like UPS already has.

BTW, good to see and hear from ya again, no need to be a stranger!! :1036316054:

Lol that will be the day. I'm calling bs on your whole post.
 
They’re new up there. I know a Kool Kat who transferred up there from Fedex. He can probably answer some questions...
Wonder if Coop will get them with a sensor to set off an in cab alarm when approaching low viaducts?
 
Gotta remember Red. A big part of the reason for these cameras is the insurance companies dictating it. If you ever go south of Indy on I -65, and see those lawyer ads on billboards, literally every few miles, it will make a lot of sense. I would bet cameras forward, and rear facing will be industry standard within 5 years. Union or not...
We’re self insured, who’s gonna dictate we put the cameras in...ourselves??
 
We’re self insured, who’s gonna dictate we put the cameras in...ourselves??
I would bet they are self insured only up to say,for example,the first 3-5 million. After that I would bet they are carrying insurance for the big liability claims. Not to bring up a bad subject, but that accident involving the bus in California? Can you imagine what the claims were on That? Most all trucking companies carry a rider policy.
 
Just an fyi. Safety was doing a blitz in STL a month or so ago and one of the safety guys said we are getting driver facing cameras. FedEx Express recently got them and we are next. They said they haven't decided if ground will be forced to get them as well. An express driver in my area showed one of our drivers their new cameras and he wasn't happy about it!
That guy doesn’t know what he is talking about. Ground has had to have them since 2018. They were the first to get them.
 
For the employee only I thought?
For the whole family. It’s a great perk but many don’t make it 10 years. SAIA is growing fast and will be the next Old Dominion as far as the operation ratio but they do pay OT after 45 which is a big plus. Healthcare is much better and less expensive. I still say FedEx is a better company but I wouldn’t discount what SAIA brings to the table.
 
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