Comments on: UPS to FedEx: We’re greener than you

By: LH

LH — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:25:03 +0000

Oh on the other subject, I think the competition benefits us all. I don’t know enough to say who is more efficient but its good for enivronment as well as the bottom line for both companies to increase their efficiency on all levels. I am proud to work for a company and in an industry that has this focus just as I am sure my brethren at UPS are. I wish the antiquated US Postal Service would get with the program and work on its effiency rather than just raising the costs to ship twice a year.

By: LH

LH — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:19:36 +0000

Why is everyone pro-union? Of course FedEx is going to lobby against something that is intended to hurt them financially and benefit only the Teamsters who would get the added dues from new members and the competition that would gain from increased cost to FDX. I do work for Fedex and I love it. Great company to work for. Fedex was #90 on top 100 best companies to work for in 2009 by FOrbes, up for #97 in 2008. UPS not on the list either year. Does Fedex need to UNIONIZE for the employees? I think we are well taken care of.

By: Tmac

Tmac — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:58:44 +0000

I would like to respond to JC. Your article concerning UPS and its sustainability was accurate. I am sure that FedEx is as concerned as UPS is about the environment. I find it interesting that JC had to respond away from the environmental issue to others, that leads me to believe maybe FedEx is behind UPS on the green issue with no defense but to strike out at other misconceptions.

By: Tmac

Tmac — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:24:06 +0000

I would like to respond to JC the FedEx propagandist. Your article concerning UPS and its sustainability was accurate. I am sure that FedEx is as concerned as UPS is about the environment. I find it interesting that JC had to respond away from the environmental issue to others, that leads me to believe maybe FedEx is behind UPS on the green issue with no defense but to strike out at other misconceptions.

By: A 'brown' guy

A 'brown' guy — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:47:05 +0000

Though Fed-ex has progressed greatly, it still has a ways to go till it catcges up to the high standard of UPS. Note, UPS has been in buisness for 102 years! Hmm…they must be doing something right. Yes, Fed-Ex has more planes than UPS, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are efficiently/effectively using them.

I’m pretty sure both companies have their strategies when it comes to the design of their route runs. The no left hand turn is not only a cost saving strategy for the company, but for the external paying customer as well. It benefits both parties.

And UPS has the professional ability to operate with it’s unionized employees, making it a better company to work for. Simple as that. The company has awesome benefits for its employees, as well as many incentive programs.

When/if Fed-Ex goes union, then we’ll see whose who of the parcel delivery service. Till then, tell Fed-Ex to get on UPS’ level.

By: Brown

Brown — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:13:20 +0000

If the FRA fails, nothing changes for FedEx. But if the law passes, FedEx workers will find it easier to unionize. And in theory, if they do unionize:

FedEx’s labor costs could rise as workers demand better compensation, and
FedEx operations could be hurt by strikes if negotiations break down.

Now, there are caveats and details to the argument, of course. For example, FedEx workers can already unionize under the RLA, but it requires a nationwide vote. And only part of FedEx would be switched to NLRA jurisdiction under the law. But basically, from FedEx’s point of view, it’s law fail = good, law pass = bad. And FedEx is even threatening to cancel a 30-plane order from Boeing worth more than $6 billion if it does pass. Simple as that.

Perhaps FedEx would be better off spending less cash on legislative lobbying and focus on keeping its employees happy. In which case, the whole unionization bugaboo should become moot.

By: JC

JC — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:59:27 +0000

So, if I read right. FedEx is taking marketshare from UPS in the small package and over the road business at a fast clip-their sweetspot. UPS has never caught up to them in the air freight business: UPS has 265 planes to FedEx’s 600+.

Their technology is behind. They use that no left hand turn gimmick only to cut drivers’ hours and headcount. Less time on the road = less need for drivers.

And as you reference, start a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign against Fedex, to which they and the Teamsters bought Obama and that is now tabled in Congress.

They’re not winning on the business front, not winning on the lobbying front…so now they start a fight on the environmental front. And you fell for it?

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:02:59 +0000

Great post Marc. Like I’ve said before, companies watch-dogging each other is more effective than FTC green ad guidelines