MrFedEx
Engorged Member
Have you noticed how crappy the trucks look and run these days? Part of the reason is that they are keeping them forever and not fixing them to save money. At my station, we have a number of rolling wrecks, mostly gas W600's and 700's that should have been retired about 10 years ago. Most of them blow hot air from the heaters constantly, smell of raw fuel, and have many other issues that the mechanics don't want to fix. Don't you just love getting behind the wheel of one of these beauties with it's mis-aligned steering wheel, inadequate mirrors, and the distinct odor of leaking fuel and hot transmission fluid? It's especially great when it's hot out and the heater is stuck on, the ventilating fans don't work, and the windows won't open properly. Safe, and comfortable....truly professional.
I read here at the BC recently that UPS received a heavy fine for operating vehicles with cracked and/or rusted frames. Would FedEx put you on the road in an unsafe vehicle? You bet they would, and do daily. I have friends who work in smaller stations where they still run Econolines, and they keep them in service even though the mechanics know they have cracked frames because they are directed to ignore the warning signs....shuddering at speed, vibration etc. You'll be told that the wheels are "out of balance" or that the van "needs an alignment" to buy more time before they actually do an adequate inspection and "discover" (OMG!!!) that the frame is cracked. Just another way that FedEx cares about you and your safety!!
I read here at the BC recently that UPS received a heavy fine for operating vehicles with cracked and/or rusted frames. Would FedEx put you on the road in an unsafe vehicle? You bet they would, and do daily. I have friends who work in smaller stations where they still run Econolines, and they keep them in service even though the mechanics know they have cracked frames because they are directed to ignore the warning signs....shuddering at speed, vibration etc. You'll be told that the wheels are "out of balance" or that the van "needs an alignment" to buy more time before they actually do an adequate inspection and "discover" (OMG!!!) that the frame is cracked. Just another way that FedEx cares about you and your safety!!