Yep, the back of the envelope math suggests that it would be nothing short of a windfall. That lack of its existence suggests maybe not. Thankfully, we don't make decisions based on back of the envelope math.
You made the big deal about that, not me. I just like to remind you of it.
Why has Ground been buying all of these things for the past few years that they have had no use for? Why would 'Fred' have been spending all of this money over the past few years for something that is, from your suggestions, legally dubious?
As far as legal matters go, FedEx could pull the trigger on the shift tomorrow morning. It could do so and still avoid any hassles as far as the RLA is concerned.
I don't know why Ground buys what it buys. I don't work for Ground.