RETAINING EMPLOYEES IN TIGHT LABOR MARKETS
Steve Ellis has been a contractor for almost twenty years. Many business owners who've been operating that long think their processes work because they've "always done it this way."
However, Steve's openness to studying and changing his processes make his operations exceptionally successful in a state with some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
Topics: Business Structure, Business Tools, Business Results, Management, ISP, FedEx Ground, contractor, Profit
THE PERILS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
Marena and Ralph Markel bought their first FedEx Ground route in 2005.
Of course, they were inexperienced owners, but they were committed to their future and each other. Like many couples who work together, each spouse brought different skills and strengths to the business.
After experiencing significant growth, the pair were overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leading a large team of commercial drivers including:
Would the couple remain happily in business?
Topics: Business Structure, Business Tools, Business Results, Management, ISP, FedEx Ground, contractor, Profit
It's a simple question with a simple answer. If you're a FedEx CSP, you may think - of course FedEx decides how much I'll earn because they decide what to pay for my services.
But it's not the right answer.
Focus instead on two key words, "decides" and "earn."
FedEx offers, or negotiates, estimated fixed and variable revenues, but they don't decide how much of that you'll keep.
You will make decisions during the course of the contract determining how much you'll earn.
Don't confuse income with earnings.Topics: Business Structure, Business Outlook, FedEx, Training, Ground, FedEx Ground, Negotiation, Profit
Wayne Gretsky, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and Pete Rose. Each was phenomenally successful at scoring goals, points, or runs in their respective sports. Coaching others to do the same? Not so successful.
Bill Belichick, Pat Riley, Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa. Polar opposites to the previous four athletes.
"What's your point?" you ask.
Business people, like athletes, don't have to be great players to be great coaches and vice versa. However, great coaches can bring out the best in others.
Topics: Business Structure, Business Outlook, FedEx, Training, Ground, FedEx Ground, Negotiation, Profit
FedEx recently announced that seven-day service will be starting in 2020. This means big changes for FXG Contractors.
"Eight Days a Week" is a popular song written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon in the 1960's about love. According to McCartney, the title was inspired not by love, but by work.
He has been quoted as saying when he asked his chauffeur how he was doing, the chauffeur replied, "Oh working hard, working eight days a week." (Wikipedia, May 22, 2019).
You and your drivers probably feel the same about FedEx' recent announcement to move FXG to a seven-day work week.
Topics: Business Structure, Business Outlook, ISP Negotiation, FedEx Ground, Negotiation
As an FXG contractor, you will soon have, or recently had, the (planned?) opportunity to leave money on the negotiating table.
How much money is up to you, and will be determined by your lack of preparation.
If you're not bothered by leaving money, then simply picking a MESO and moving on with your life is up to you.
On the other hand, for contractors who rely on profits for your livelihood - you may find this blog post helpful. After all, eTruck's mission is to help those who want expert guidance.
Topics: Business Outlook, ISP Negotiation, FedEx Ground, Negotiation
It was early April when forty-five FXG contractors plus a handful of the eTruckBiz leadership team were seated at rows of classroom-style tables inside a windowless conference room. A Saturday morning respite from the sensory-overwhelming casino at the stylish Park MGM on the Las Vegas Strip. Day One of an intensive two-day learning session about the latest ISP Negotiations.
Topics: Business Outlook, Training, FedEx Ground
Take a look around.
Do you see the number of contractors around you dwindling?
How many contractors do you see today, vs. how many there used to be 2, 5 and 10 years ago.
It's plain to see the number of contractors is shrinking, while the number of trucks grows
This results in fewer, but larger operations.
Think this is a coincidence?
It's not.
As you seek answers from FXG on how you will achieve scale, contiguous service areas and overlap, you are being told you need to "work it out" with those around you. Well that's great, but how are you supposed to do so if you have limited resources?
There is a way, but you'll need to ask yourself some questions first.
Topics: Business Structure, Business Tools, Management, Payroll, FedEx Ground, Business, Investment, model, Merge, Purchase
Some of you reading this have already negotiated your first ISP agreement.
Maybe more than one. Others, still have not gone through the process yet, and are wondering what to expect.
Whether you are a veteran, or going to be a rookie, we thought we'd take this opportunity to share with you what we have learned from helping more than 800 of you (as of August of 2017) successfully get through the process.
Topics: Business Tools, ISP Negotiation, Ground, ISP, FedEx Ground, Business, Contract, Negotiation, contractor
A much improved way to keep track of your employee hours, outside of any FXG system, is now here!
Not only will the new eTruckBiz Timekeeper keep you compliant with FXG's demands, but it can save your contract!
That's right, using the new app affords you all kinds of benefits, but none is more important than keeping you in business.
How so, you ask?
Well, here's how......
Topics: Compliance, Timekeeping, FedEx Ground, overtime
Now that you know you will be going through your initial negotiation, there are a few things you need to be doing NOW. This it true no matter how far off it may seem. If you ask anyone who has already been through one, they'll most likely tell you that a solid understanding of where you currently stand (number-wise) is the foundation of a meaningful and successful process.
Not only will doing the things we are about to mention help you get more of what you want, but being prepared will dramatically lower your stress levels.
Most of us, when embarking on a journey to somewhere we've never been, get the map out (or today "Google It") to see where it is we are going. We then PLAN on how to get there.
You can PLAN your journey to your ideal ISP Destination by doing the following things:
Topics: ISP Negotiation, FedEx, ISP, FedEx Ground, Business, Contract, Negotiation, model