Fedex Custom Critical...worth while or waste of money?

They put all of their contractors on a low flat set rate per mile not long ago. So basically have reduced their expediting time critical services to the lowest common denominator looking for wheel holders happy to turn big miles. While they rake big bucks off the top. Not to mention expediting is not really a segment where you turn a lot of miles anyways. But I suppose big companies are trying to change that so it pays nothing like most any other freight. There are consequences for turning down loads. I would look elsewhere. Really not such a good company the smart operators who used to make great money there have all left for better opportunities.

 

I've heard the same through the grapevine. If I had a wife crazy enough to team with me I'd be after some A&E freight.

 

Yeah that's how you pay for a $250,000+ tractor without sweating it, right?

 

hehe, I see what you did there.

 

He meant AA&E - ammunition, arms & explosives

 

I am a small fleet owner with Custom Critical right now and I see no issues at all with what our tractors are making. That being said - I only have tractors and I am pulling their reefers, so of course that is not nearly the investment of a $250,000 straight truck reefer. Only the reefer tractors in white glove are flat rate - all else in WG is still percentage. Our tractors are getting about 3,500 loaded and 1,500 deadhead miles a week ... but it ends up being about $10k gross. We pay the teams 40% of the line haul revenue and we pay all fees, fuel, maintenance, etc. I'm also putting on brand new tractors as well - not used - and I'm only hauling the refrigerated freight. Over at Panther, we're putting on tractors but focusing on AA&E there and not any temp control freight. Is it what it used to be pay wise - no. Is it set up to be advantageous to go buy an expensive straight truck, I would even say no to that. But I don't have any issues at all when one tractor can gross more than 100K a quarter and drivers are taking home $1500-$2000 a piece each week - plus bonuses for fuel economy, revenue, and driver referrals. Having worked in the offices at Custom Critical back in 2006-2009 (we just started the fleet in October) and I drive for FedEx Freight as well ... I can say its not bad at all. I would recommend driving for someone though for 6 months before you invest. It's not truckload miles and some people can't wrap their head around the better pay with fewer miles. That is just a recommendation though. If you'd like more specific info, rob.ahlers@msrtransportservices.com

V/r

Rob