None of this should be a surprise. All corporations are doing everything they can to make stockholders happy; this isn't a FedEx problem, it's a corporate America problem.
That being said, this news has bummed me out because, sigh, I love my job. I love working outside, driving, being on my own, and the exercise I get being a courier. Everyday, I feel blessed having this job.
Sure, I could go to UPS, but honestly, I don't think I could physically handle the workload. My avatar is a guy, but I am actually a 41 year old lady and weigh in at a whopping 130lbs. Dragging 75 lb boxes up a bunch of stairs at an apartment complex on regular basis would kill me. Especially in the humid Southeastern summers. My asthma gets bad also in the heat and humidity. Just thinking about those package cars with no A\C makes me nervous.
Ground drivers in the part of Alabama I live in only make $120 a day and 10+ hour work days are common. I don't believe any contractors around here over any benefits either. Unfortunately, I need health insurance.