Project Luck: FedEx Ground™TSP Hiring Insights Project

Hey, Driver, thanks for dropping by.

April Fools Day, and I'm taking some time this morning to reflect on the first few months of this year and see how things are unfolding. 

Here at the 282 / CHAR Hub

Generally, 282 comes from a slow period after the holidays, and there's not much activity in January, February, and into the middle of March. Loads are on the light side, some trailers you pull are empty, and the tempo is slightly slower.

 This year, we at Mighty Linehauler have dedicated a new unit to a particular assignment: gathering information and making predictions about hiring. 

Yesterday, we set up a special ops team with Amber to start an offensive on the hiring practices around FedEx Ground transportation service providers (TSPs). 

The first step we took back in late October or early November was to develop a software application program to collect all the information regarding job opening posts TSPs made on Indeed and other internet job boards nationwide and started collecting data. Currently, we have a database of thousands of listings.

In the meantime, we have also been developing a process to break those apart to compare the pay rate and the particular task (e.g., teams, solo, over-the-road, wild runs, dedicated, unassigned, day, night, extra board, spot), Benefits, Paid time off, etc., across all the job listings. We could then compare different offers and determine who has the miles, is paying the most money, has the best compensation package, and has the most competitive offer and benefits package.

These are all significant things we, as drivers, don't know today. Breaking it down is a lot of work for a driver, especially one already working in that industry as a line hauler for FedEx Ground CSP.

Staying on top of the hiring marketplace is brilliant for any commercial driver.

Here's why:

• Job Security and Opportunities: Knowing who's hiring and what they offer helps you stay ahead. Whether it's better pay, benefits, or work conditions, keeping an eye on the market means you're always in the loop.
• Negotiation Power: You have leverage if you know what other companies offer. Use this info to negotiate better terms with your current employer.
• Career Growth: The industry is constantly evolving. New companies and roles might offer you the chance to learn new skills or advance your career.
• Economic Trends: Understanding hiring trends can give insights into the industry's health. If companies are hiring, it's a good sign of a strong market.
• Preparedness: If something changes with your current job, being aware of the marketplace ensures you're not starting from scratch. You'll already know where to look and who to contact.
• Competitive Edge: Staying informed sets you apart. It shows you're proactive and dedicated to your career, making you a more attractive candidate.

We will make it super easy for you to monitor the marketplace by informing you about job boards, company websites, and industry news and delivering the research results in an easy-to-use way to your inbox weekly. We'll make it a simple habit that pays big dividends.

It's tough because who's got time? If you are running hard, redlining it, you could be on the clock at least 70 hours a week. You don't have time to mess around trying to get in touch with these companies, let alone stay on top of the county FedEx Ground job postings. 

We hope to have some form of this reporting on high-level information mid-year, but we aim to have the complete web app out by the end of the year. This is going to be a game-changer for everybody. 

So, if you're not already a subscriber to the Beat the Odds newsletter, you need to become one; you don't want to miss any update announcements about the Project code-named Luck's List.

Alright, Linehauler. Have a good run and a good week, and take care.