DRAisawesome
Well-Known Member
Someone on the ramp side at my station said they had 6-8 handlers quit this month. Anyone else hearing of mass exodus' ?
Doesn't surprise me specially when they didn't even get anything for a raise.Someone on the ramp side at my station said they had 6-8 handlers quit this month. Anyone else hearing of mass exodus' ?
Handlers quit all the time at the Ramps. Its a part time job that you are lucky to get 2-3 hours a day. Its a revolving door as most use it as a second job or while going to school. They get tired of the weird hours, the drive to get out to a ramp and less money then they hoped it would be because of such few hours a week. The desperate stick it out and take a transfer to a station to become a handler or courier. The rest leave when the job fulfills its purpose.
If you are looking at the retention rates of handlers at the ramp to indicate the health of the company you are looking in the wrong place.
I hate to say it, but 25 years of courier work doesn't count for much in the workplace. There are jobs if you've got the skills, but right now I'm considering begging for my job back. It's the only thing I know, and I'd feel damn lucky to have it. Today's marketplace will give you perspective.
I feel a lot more dignified when I'm not homeless.
I respectfully disagree. While handler has never been a low turnover position, the current astronomically high rates directly indicate the health of the company. The multiplier effect of an inexperienced, incompetent handler force is important, and we see that lack of skill manifested in late CTVs, planes, FO,mis-sorts and all the rest of it. The downward spiral continues, and having nearly 100% turnover of handlers is tightening the turn. FedEx sucks, and even the handlers are figuring it out...quickly.
I don't think the turnover is 100%. Unless 6-8 handlers is all their ramp has. If this trend continues for the next 6 months I may tend to agree with you. But this is the end of May. College kids are graduating and moving on. The ones that aren't are heading back home for the summer. On average you probably have 2-3 handlers quite or get fired a month.
If this was at a station that would be a problem. Or if that many couriers were leaving a station every month. These are ramp handlers that are nothing more than robots. If you can pass a drug screen and background check you are hired. FDX is just looking for a warm body to take freight off belt and put into can. Very simple. Very easy. Lets see how this plays out over the next few months before jumping to conclusions to which none of us has the answers.
I'm at a ramp and turn over is the worst I have ever seen! I've never seen RTDs leave though. They are going to freight, UPS and Fedex, and other truck lines. Its really common sense. Why wait 40 yrs to make top out when you can obtain it in three. The take aways of the last 10 yrs has made this a less than average job and the results are in... Late trucks, planes and so on. But remember were hurting UPS..LOL! If you think RTD's at Express are bad try talking to a Ground trucker.. Hes just waiting for a DUI, assault charge, or road experience so he can get out..I respectfully disagree. While handler has never been a low turnover position, the current astronomically high rates directly indicate the health of the company. The multiplier effect of an inexperienced, incompetent handler force is important, and we see that lack of skill manifested in late CTVs, planes, FO,mis-sorts and all the rest of it. The downward spiral continues, and having nearly 100% turnover of handlers is tightening the turn. FedEx sucks, and even the handlers are figuring it out...quickly.
Definitely considering it but the only way to break into trucking around here is to do over the road. Some companies will keep you out for months. My wife says no. Talked to a mgr today, seemed like a good guy.I know a retiree who was re-hired a few years back. His hours were so restricted that it wasn't worth it. van, have you considered CDL training? Class A drivers are always in demand.
I know handler is a higher turnover job but 6-8 is probably half the staff. Also people are realizing that if they want to become an RTD or courier it will be part time most likely. And if FedEx had their way it would only be part time. It's only going to get worse.
If I were fedex, I would be more worried about turnover with operations managers. Lots of them leaving or stepping down in my district.
Patsies for the cause. Someone has to take the blame. The smart ones get out, the dumb ones get fired.Three (all the PM mgrs) just got fired at the same station in my district for "failure to lead".
Three (all the PM mgrs) just got fired at the same station in my district for "failure to lead".
Three (all the PM mgrs) just got fired at the same station in my district for "failure to lead".