The Business of Independent Service Provider Contracting

Jeff Walczak

Jeff Walczak is the Founder and CEO of eTruckBiz. He spent 16 years at FedEx Ground holding many varied management positions. He then owned a small trucking company and spent 10 years in the Banking industry, mainly with Bank of America.

Recent Posts

Unveiling the Impact of Network 2.0 Integration Decisions On Your Company's Future

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 3/18/24 11:55 AM

While there is considerable talk about One FedEx, it seems there has been relatively little demonstratable action taken to get there. Many CSPs have been asking lately if we are aware of any progress being made as far as the implementation of Network 2.0 goes. 

First, we don’t have anything that’s not necessarily public knowledge. Having said this, we do however “speak FedEx” and can read the tea leaves to make some educated guesses concerning what types of changes may be in store.

In this post, we’ll share our highly requested opinions about a recent post on the contractor portal and what may be just around the corner for CSPs concerning their CSAs.

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Topics: FedEx, Contract, Merge, Network 2.0, transformation, CSP, time commit, Express, Integration, expressPRO, CSA

The Early Bird Definitely Catches The Time-Commit Worm

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 3/4/24 2:03 PM

Are you wondering what changes, if any, you’ll need to make to accommodate your business’s transition to Network 2.0? If so, it may already be time to start thinking about and even implementing some time definite strategies into your operation.

CSPs that have already taken the first steps into Network 2.0’s fast-paced world, will tell you that time management and situational awareness is more important than ever. The inclusion of Time-Definite stops has changed the way they view dispatching drivers and how the drivers handle each day’s workload. Building a time definite strategy now will help you take better control of your current operation and dictate how successful you’ll be during and after the actual integration.

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Topics: FedEx, fxg, time definite, transportation business, fdx, time commit, Express, expressPRO

Introducing Our New Time Definite Assurance Package: expressPRO

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 2/26/24 6:19 PM

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our newest product, expressPRO by eTruckBiz !

Nearly a year in development and with the feedback and lessons learned by those that already have ventured into the Express integration, you'll want to read the valuable information below and see what the buzz is all about. 

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Topics: FedEx, FedEx Ground, contractor, Network 2.0, definite, fedex ground contractors, fxg, CSP, time definite, fdx, time commit, Express, Integration

Streamlining Maintenance Records for FedEx Contractors

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 2/21/24 2:37 PM

In the dynamic world of logistics, managing maintenance records efficiently is paramount to ensuring fleet performance and regulatory compliance. With eTruckBiz's advanced systems and apps, mastering maintenance records has never been easier. Let's delve into how eTruckBiz empowers contractors to streamline maintenance management and optimize fleet operations:

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Topics: fedex ground contractors, fdx, MMR, Fleet Management

Navigating Culture Change: A Roadmap for CSP Success

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 2/14/24 10:52 AM

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Topics: FedEx, FedEx Ground, Contract, Network 2.0, fedex ground contractors, fxg, CSP, time definite, driver management, fdx

Embracing Change: How "On-Time" Service Requirements Are Evolving and Why It Matters to CSPs

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 2/4/24 2:18 PM

The FedEx network, under the transformative wave of Network 2.0, is poised for significant change. This overhaul will extend its influence to all facets of FedEx and, by extension, to the lives of its customers. Amidst this transformation, there's a vital element that must remain unwavering for the successful integration of Express services into the Ground network: the FedEx Brand.

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Topics: FedEx, FedEx Ground, Contract, Metrics, Costs, Network 2.0, fedex ground contractors, fxg, CSP, time definite

The Latest Advancements in FedEx Ground Routing

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 1/19/24 11:37 AM

In the dynamic world of logistics and delivery services, staying ahead with the latest technological advancements is crucial for success. This is especially true for FedEx Ground contractors, who constantly seek ways to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. In our latest Weekly Software Workshop, we explored the newest features and upcoming enhancements in FedEx Ground routing that are set to revolutionize the way contractors manage their businesses.

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Topics: FedEx Ground, Dynamic Route Optimization, fedex ground contractors, time definite, driver management, BOSS

Streamlining Operations: Mastering eTruckBiz’s Driver Management System

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 1/15/24 9:16 AM

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Topics: Business Tools, FedEx, ISP, FedEx Ground, Software, fxg, driver management, transportation business, BOSS

Embracing Change and Innovation - What to Expect from eTruckBiz in 2024

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 12/29/23 6:00 AM

As eTruckBiz wraps up its 12th year, we take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and the exciting path that lies ahead. It's been a time of significant challenges and changes, not just for us but for the entire FedEx Contractor community. Despite the turbulence caused by ongoing changes within FedEx and the broader economic landscape, we've navigated these waters with resilience and innovation.

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Topics: FedEx, Ground, ISP, FedEx Ground, Business, Contract, contractor, Profit, settlement, Cash flow, Network 2.0, Margins, fxg, CSP, time definite

Why is FedEx Making This So Hard? Advice for Frustrated Contractors.

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 12/20/23 11:34 AM

In our last blog post, we released a legal summary of the most recent lawsuit making the rounds in the transportation business industry. Our goal was to provide contractors with the facts  and a summary along with our best industry recommendations. Our advice is always based on past experience and what we believe is best for contractors, but ultimately we want to empower contractors to make their own choices based on their unique business situations.

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Topics: FedEx, Ground, ISP, FedEx Ground, Business, Contract, contractor, Profit, settlement, Cash flow, Costs, Network 2.0, Margins, time definate, low cost model, fxg, CSP

Navigating New Legal Waters in FedEx Ground

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 12/16/23 8:55 AM

We've got some news that's making waves in our circle. A new lawsuit has popped up concerning contractor status. It's stirring quite a bit of chatter, and we at eTruckBiz think it's crucial to chat about it, especially since it touches on the heart of our operations – the independent contractor model.

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Topics: FedEx, ISP, FedEx Ground, Business, Contract, Negotiation, contractor, Financial, Network 2.0, Margins, fedex legal issues, low cost model, fedex ground contractors, fedex ground legal advice, fxg, fedex lawsuit, Spencer patton, Patton Logistics, CSP

The 6 Biggest Challenges Facing CSPs In 2024

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 12/7/23 5:30 PM

Many CSPs are quickly moving into 2024 with cautious and measured optimism, mostly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. It will not surprise most that Network 2.0 is dominating the root causes of most of the concerns.

But with these challenges come large opportunities and solutions, so as forward looking teams leap into 2024, these are the things to prepare for and how to excel in the new year.

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What a Package Rate War Would Mean for CSPs

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 11/29/23 1:51 PM

It has been a long time since economic conditions were favorable for a package rate war between UPS & FedEx.

In fact, because of generally good economic conditions, until a couple of years ago, there was little need for our two favorite competitors to try to steal each other’s business. A rising tide had been raising all boats, even including regional package carriers. Most indicators were signaling that there would never be another true price “war” like there was in the early 90’s, the early 2000’s or the period from 2008 - 2010.

Everything was stable in “pricing-land”...

Until it wasn’t.

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Topics: FedEx, FedEx Ground, Business, Negotiation, contractor, Financial, Margins

Effortless Business, Maximum Results: Envisioning a Better 2024 for Contractors

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 11/17/23 1:17 PM

Running a FedEx Ground contracting business has never been more challenging. As we navigate through the implementation of Network 2.0, contend with record inflation, and face labor market challenges, many CSPs find themselves pulled in various directions. The landscape is shifting, and margins are tighter than ever, making it essential to find a way to not just survive but thrive.

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Topics: Driver Recruiting, Timekeeping, FedEx, Payroll, FedEx Ground, Business, DRO, vedr

Maximizing Efficiency and Profits: Why FedEx Contractors Should Outsource Administrative Tasks to Industry Experts

Posted by Jeff Walczak on 7/21/23 11:44 AM

Contracted Service Provider AO’s & BC’s wear multiple hats as they run their businesses. Their dedication to getting the job done leads to some of the most miraculous service levels in the industry. Even though CSPs are logistical experts, it doesn’t mean a few of their other responsibilities have the most efficient outcomes.

In fact, 77% of CSP AO’s & BC’s say they feel overwhelmed with the number of tasks they are required to handle, especially those that don’t have anything to do with making service happen.

If you feel this way, it is likely time to invest into an outsourced team of administrative specialists to help you with your admin responsibilities.

Many contractors are discovering that outsourcing administration not only makes good business sense, but it is giving them a big part of their life back as well.

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Independent Service Provider (ISP) Tips And Advice

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