F D X v. S W A

[FlyBoeingJets]

Easier than you think. It's all about goods going from A to B. Buyer from supplier. Middle man always can get cut out. Seriously, the supplier don't care and the buyer will want it cheapest. In terms of our country putting a stop to it? Yeah right, I highly doubt Nike, Dell, etc... cares how the product gets here and that is the bottom line. A lot more pull with them and our politicians than FedEx. I'm not stirrring the pot and I am certainly not smart enough to think of it.

No flame intended but....

If it's such an easy business opportunity, why isn't someone like Atlas or Gemini taking all the lucrative international routes???

One reason is having cargo on the plane for delivery TO China. Not much simple airport to airport freight lying around. Retail delivery is what is making it all work. When someone wants to send a package to China for delivery they look to FedEx and UPS because they have the distribution network to get it to the customer. The total logistics solution is key and is at the heart of what makes FedEx and UPS a duopoloy. Expensive to properly set up and, once it's in place, it's hard to break in as a new player

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Now for instance, lets say China did decide to “nationalize” their business, and they were going to ship stuff over here exclusively on their planes with their pilots. Once it gets to the US, is China also going to be able to dictate that “their” trucks and “their” truck drivers will take it from the dock to the distribution center and then on to the final customer?

Active Herk has got the info.

Let's say for a minute it is be possible for trucking in China to be nationalized. That was a real fear circa 1980's. But this is a new era and China is not going in that direction. They have been going the other way for years.

This would probably increase shipping costs for all manufacturing companies. More importantly, western companies might choose to build their factories in the Phillipines or India instead. I believe companies would try to avoid China over fear of nationalization and fear that the distribution network would be slow and unreliable. It would make China a less competitive home to business.

IMHO, nationalization of distribution networks is EXTREMELY unlikely.

 

[Bobby Orr 4]

It was a shame what happened to the Fedex crew over the South Pacific a few years ago. Lost the entire flight crew and the poor management guy was stranded on that island for years. I was happy to hear he made it off and befriended a volleyball.
Congrats on your decision you have to make. When I was hired at SWA someone asked me if I was happy to get out of my regional I was working at or because I was hired at SWA. I heard about what a great outfit SWA is but was initially happier to get out of regional. I had first hand experience how bad my current job was. Now that I have tasted the pudding I am thrilled to be at SWA.
I guess my advice is do not pay attention to SWA guys who are down on Fedex who have never flown there and Fedex guys down on SWA who have never flown there.
Obviously I would encourage you to choose SWA but I am biased. Good luck.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Active Herk has got the info.

Let's say for a minute it is be possible for trucking in China to be nationalized. That was a real fear circa 1980's. But this is a new era and China is not going in that direction. They have been going the other way for years.

This would probably increase shipping costs for all manufacturing companies. More importantly, western companies might choose to build their factories in the Phillipines or India instead. I believe companies would try to avoid China over fear of nationalization and fear that the distribution network would be slow and unreliable. It would make China a less competitive home to business.

IMHO, nationalization of distribution networks is EXTREMELY unlikely.

FedEx's success or failure will come from thier effectiveness is the political global market place....

Recall FedEx success was determined by Fred's ability to lobby congress to change the law.

 

[Purpled]

HEY QUIET,

What did you decide?

 

[Quiet Flight]

I'm actually still mulling it over.

However...

This was kind of a loaded thread from the start. My buddy (FDX 727 F/O) and I were discussing my good fortune when I mentioned that I might post a thread on flt info to get some input. We both then thought that I was begging to be called out as gloating and a 40 page collective effort diatribe would follow explaining in excruciating detail why FDX/SWA sucks. I called total thread meltdown at the bottom of page 1. He said it would make page 2. We were WRONG!

I am thrilled with the thought provoking, concise and genuine feedback the thread has generated. I don't know if it's made the decision easier or tougher but there are plenty of valid points and a few angles I hadn't considered as well. Plenty of guys (and gals?) from both camps have given great first person observations that will help me make this huge decision. If nothing else, it will be a much more informed decision. As a result of the whole thing I'm actually kind of proud to be associated with (even if it's electronically) such a good group of aviators. (I think threads like these are the spirit behind the idea of something like Flightinfo.com) In the end half of you will be co-workers and that seems like a pretty good thing. Now you might all be closet axe murderers or Ashlee Simpson fans, but your good advice and good wishes have given me a little bit of hope for our often beleaguered profession. There were only a couple of shots and some mild hijacking but it has held together nicely overall.

Purpled - I've given myself until dinner tomorrow night to decide. I'll PM you and let you know how it turns out. Ha Ha

In any event...as long as I can help it, you're all welcome in the jumpseat anytime. Unless you're Malter or one of his Air Force "buds".

Just Kidding...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

And one more thing - PURPLED gets the spirit award for the thread. That guy's clutch! :beer:

Now should we all hold hands and sing Kumbaya???

 

[Purpled]

Well, if you still want to work at either of these places after the recent threads here, then you have what it takes to make it anywhere.

Again, good luck...tough choice.

 

[170B]

You funny! I kid because I care.....

No, actually it is the result of months on the couch watching TV!

I thought you were just a "lurker" anyway? Welcome aboard. I expect more fight out of you Mister......

Hey, I'd like to post more but something keeps getting in the way...what could it be...oh, yea - a JOB and a life! enfoy your I2101 this week and turn off the damn TV...it's all lies anyway! You know the truth about us, don't ya!

B

 

[GuppyWN]

If you decide to come to SW then welcome aboard brother! If you go to FedEx then Fukc Off!

Gup

 

[Quiet Flight]

If you decide to come to SW then welcome aboard brother! If you go to FedEx then Fukc Off!

Gup

See!!!! This is the well thought out kind of stuff I was talking about!!!

Sweet!:beer: