Astar Future Plans?

[shooter]

As I understand it, the ground network feeds the air network, which feeds the sort, which again feeds the air and ground networks. The only part that the customer sees or cares about is the ground network...the guy who pick-up and delivers his packages.

Do you think that FedEx would be willing to take on responsibility for "only" the ground delivery portion of this process, or will they want control of everything that comes in between, such as air ops and sort? Are FedEx tracking and handling systems compatible with ABX/Astar, and who will load the planes? What does FedEx pilot's contract say about the company using ACMI carriers to haul FedEx-branded freight?

Well I'm not a ground guy so I don't really know much of what you are asking. But when it comes to pick-ups I think its safe to say most are from business locations and majority of packages are delivery in the rural areas. So I think FedEx could easily handle delivery of the packages as could the Post Office to the rural areas. If DHL only had half (and I would think it would take less than that) of the vehicles doing pick-ups while FedEx does delivery, it could be done. But like I said I'm an air guy and not a ground guy, plus keep in mind that DHL said they do not need a partner. Who knows where it would go but I feel very strong about the air network being stretched thin as it is. Any thinner and they would essentially be out of the express business. But my opinions are bias, of course.

p.s. To answer if FedEx would take on the delivery portion, I would ask why not? If they could reduce their costs by half with DHL picking up the other, it would mean HUGE savings. Do you know I see a DHL van and a FedEx van come through my neighborhood almost daily? Now if one van had both packages to deliver it would save both companies. Plus I think my FedEx driver is much nicer than my DHL driver as he does not speed through my streets where children playing signs are posted all over.

 

[TWA]

True, but if you are in the express business you need aircraft and lots of them. Unless Mr.Scotty teaches them how to "beam" packages across the country.

If they cut back on planes they cut back on express service and will no longer be an express service provider. And that goes against every move they have made. If they wanted to only be a trucking company they should have bought one.

I don't think it really goes against every move that they have made. How many 9's have been parked? How many cities are now trucked? They are trying to run an express company as cheaply as possible, by eliminating aircraft wherever possible. Before too long, the entire DHL network will be a fleet of Geo Metros scurrying across the country trying to get a box from EWR to LAX by 1030. Shame on us Americans for expecting our packages on time.

 

[shooter]

I don't think it really goes against every move that they have made. How many 9's have been parked? How many cities are now trucked? They are trying to run an express company as cheaply as possible, by eliminating aircraft wherever possible. Before too long, the entire DHL network will be a fleet of Geo Metros scurrying across the country trying to get a box from EWR to LAX by 1030. Shame on us Americans for expecting our packages on time.

Thats funny, TWA. But DHL offers that package and we pay a premium price for it. If they want to take the express option off the menu, then so be it.

 

[TWA]

Thats funny, TWA. But DHL offers that package and we pay a premium price for it. If they want to take the express option off the menu, then so be it.

I agree 100%. From looking at DHL's past moves, it is a very slippery slope. They will offer very unreliable service before they cancel the service.

 

[shooter]

You know, we all talk about planes getting reduced, trucks getting reduced, competitors taking our boxes to doors but when it comes right down to it DHL is just losing customers. If they did not lose customers planes would be full, trucks would be full, our competitors would be looking at us deliver our boxes by plane, truck, van and courier. So bottom line is they can cut and cut and cut but the bleeding is coming from customers going. Find out why they are leaving and fix it that way the only thing we would be discussing is what new routes each company would be getting rather than which ones are lost.

Hey you want rumor? How about FedEx and UPS are price fixing large customer accounts to drive DHL under. Naaaa, sounds too much like an excuse.

 

[rotor&wing]

See how nicely this thread got hijacked?

 

[shooter]

See how nicely this thread got hijacked?

Sorry, no hijack intended. Just saying that coming to Astar should or should not be too much of a gamble for the reasons discussed. I'm outie.....

 

[TWA]

Come on, you know it was bound to happen. At least it is still loosely on the the original topic.

 

[b707guy]

or will they want control of everything that comes in between, such as air ops and sort?

Years back, we did a great daylight RPS run involving LAX and DFW, maybe a few other cities as well, but when FedEx bought RPS, they picked up all the flying in just weeks. Actually, I was surprised it took them that long to take it over. I wouldn't imagine them running the show any differently now.

Back to the original purpose of this thread, if you have a way back into your old gig if things don't work out with Astar, then it sounds like a pretty good opportunity. If you feel a bit lost continuity-wise after only three weeks, then what's the difference between three years and eight on the panel? That's entirely up to you to decide.

 

[WickedPissa]

Another "BIG ANNOUNCEMENT".

 

[Fly Astar Jets]

Another "BIG ANNOUNCEMENT".

Please save crap like this for the Yahoo brd. Unless you have specifics with sources, you're just stirring the pot.

FAJ

 

[DC-9er]

Please save crap like this for the Yahoo brd.

didn't know Astar had one

 

[Fly Astar Jets]

didn't know Astar had one

We don't. But as long as the hate mongering a-holes keep talking about the supposed deficiencies of our operation in the most hateful terms, I see no reason why we should not try to defend ourselves in your public venue.

FAJ

 

[nitefr8dog]

Hello All,

I have a pending job offer from Astar for the May 5th class. Seems like a good company with quality people. I can deal with the first year pay cut, but I'm really worried about the upgrade time. A few years on the panel is no problem, but 8-9 years, Ouch! I can't go 3 weeks without flying and not notice the difference. So far no luck finding something part-time corporate. Any Astar folks who can give any insight regarding new(er) airplanes, expansion, re-fleet, etc. would be much appreciated. I read most of the older posts so I have some idea what's going on.

Thanks

Hey PM, your biggest problem is not Astar it is DHL. Hitching your wagon to Astar means your career is tied to DHL and they do not have a very good track record in the US.

 

[Cargoav8or]

Hey PM, your biggest problem is not Astar it is DHL. Hitching your wagon to Astar means your career is tied to DHL and they do not have a very good track record in the US.

Ain't that the truth!!!