Tim the Terminator (regional mgr in sw/mid Ohio)stopped by our terminal recently and somewhat agreed with the idea of getting rid of temp employees. Said the majority of XCN temps were let go. I don't remember the exact number but it was something like a reduction from 26 to 6.
Perhaps...just perhaps...
They are finally coming to the conclusion that using temp workers wasn't the best idea in the first place.
The company doesn't train the permanent workers on how to properly cube a trailer and I seriously doubt the temps recieved any training as well.
With the advent of the temps damages went up...this was in tandem with other factors as well...employee morale...too much emphasis on load factor as opposed to load quality...too much freight for the capacity the company had available.
If you will remember John L. appeared in a video saying the company was renegotiating pricing structures with their customers in attempt to rid themselves of unprofitable freight and reduce claim issues.
Additionally Juicy Brucey also appeared in a video announcing the advent of the dock workers...something they admitted had never been done prior. Brucey said that would allow drivers to do what they are paid to do...drive!
There is nothing wrong with dedicated dock workers...there is actually a need for them...their efforts help get drivers out earlier and back to their respective SCs on time so the customer's freight can be serviced in a timely manner.
The failure came when the company decided to hire temps as opposed to employing actual Con-Way employees...which they could more readily control...train and retain...and benefit from having peeps who actually have the knowledge of continuing employment for the most part as opposed to people who are there 'temporarily'...and what temp is not looking for a permanent gig?...using the temp service as just that...temporary.
Using a temp service is attractive for employers...for a flat fee they are essentially exempt from all the infrastructure normally required to support permanent employees...and when and if the need arises they reduce the need at will with little or no consequence to the bottom line...as per any contract obligations with the temp agency.
This is where they went wrong...now its back to basics...good idea!
Make the dock workers actual Con-Way employees.
Rat