Fedex Cass Launched By Chief Pilot!

[Freight Dog]

Just wondering of the jumpseat applies to freight dogs from the little guys, like RAM Air Freight...we're good enough for Southwest. Wondering if we've made the grade for FedEx yet....

I would imagine no, and especially with FDX. FDX wasn't carrying even other ALPA pilots, let alone Part 135 pilots. Reason being is CASS. Part 135 operators aren't eligible for CASS just yet.

 

[HoursHore]

i'd just like to point out how ridiculous fedex management has made jumpseat access for offline pilots. security concerns aside, all these rules and procedures continue to make the fedex jumpseat all but irrelevant and unusable.

-50 states only
-2 to 24 hour prior listing requirement
-90 minute prior showtime requirement
-no published schedule available
-generally less convenient to depart/arrive at cargo terminal
-most flights at inconvenient hours

once again, fedex has managed to institute an overly complex and inappropriate process just to get something that isn't all that valuable in the first place. just like their application/interview process.

Plus we only fly in the middle of the night. Better steer clear of the dark side of the airport.

 

[rptrain]

ok, i'll admit i came off as abrasive and ungrateful, so i'll try again.

perhaps you missed the part where i said "fedex management." i fully understand that they've dragged their feet and otherwise been mostly uncooperative in even getting CASS implemented. for that, i congratulate you on finally getting it back. better than a stick in the eye, that's for sure.

there are plenty of examples in the industry where the complexity of the process doesn't match up with the reward (AA Eagle medical, CRJ interview sim rides, airlines that don't pay during training). unfortunately, fedex jumpseat now seems to be another.

Two separate points to consider: one, fedex isn't all that convenient to travel on simply by its nature. Don't get all up in arms about this; I'm not asking for you to change just to suit me. I'm merely pointing the nature of your flying. Two, management has gone out of its way to make it even less convenient.

the greatest thing about jumpseat privileges is convenience. pick whatever airline has the best routing (non-stop) at a time that's convenient for you. clearly, fedex has a lot of flights at times that most people aren't keen to travel at. don't take it personally (whoops, too late), it's just the nature of your business. a cargo carrier does not offer as much as a traditional pax carrier when it comes to the convenience of the jumpseat. don't yell at me about it, i'm just making a point.

i did appreciate how all of you took the time to lambaste me for not knowing where the schedule is posted (i searched flightinfo and alpa.org), yet nobody bothered to actually provide a link or directions. in fact, Goose17 answered Maj's question about this with a negative. I guess he's too stupid too.

that said, the fedex jumpseat is still a nice-to-have. however, the 50-state only limitation and listing requirement is a bummer. these are things that management could change. most of you think i'm crazy for not liking the "reserving" of the jumpseat. call me crazy then, but i think most pilots would agree. i like the convenience of just being able to show up at the gate/ramp and ask for a ride. plus, if you've got an unlimited policy (or multiple jumpseats), there's not much chance you'll actually need the reservation. While searching for the elusive online schedule I did find some threads about the reservation process. Seems to me that the priority system is a mystery to some of your pilots even. If i were you guys, I'd be bummed that seniority isn't respected. And can an offline "reservation" keep an actual fedex pilot from bumping someone? I wouldn't think so. I can tell you that our jumpseat coordinator would fiercely resist any attempt to go to reservation-type system. Oh, and what happens when that listed guy doesn't show? I see it says you are "requested to cancel." Probably too late for the guy who called while his reservation was still in there.

In summary, I'm glad to see the jumpseat is coming back. However, I am disappointed that management continues to make it difficult, especially considering the inherent inconveniences.

I'm sure y'all will point out the motivation behind my bitterness, so i'll beat you to it. Yes, I got DQed by AA medical, crashed during the CRJ simulator interview, and was asked to resign during training at Pinnacle. I also couldn't pass the 737 type for southwest, am not handsome enough for jetblue, and i accidently put valuejet in my cover letter to airtran. as for fedex... well, i can't find 3 guys that will write me a letter of rec, let alone 3 that work at fedex.

 

[fr8dogfo]

I'm hoping ExpressJet goes CASS soon.........sure will be great to JS on FDX

If you're talking about ExpressJet...COEX....you already have CASS up and running. At least when I JSed last week it was up and much appreciated. Didn't ride up front but was approved to do so just in case. I heard from another guy that some COEX EJ guys were not aware that CASS was up. Would have thought the union would have spread the word a little better. Thanks again guys.

 

[TonyC]

ok, i'll admit i came off as abrasive and ungrateful, ...

Yes, you did.

Two separate points to consider: one, fedex isn't all that convenient to travel on simply by its nature. Don't get all up in arms about this; I'm not asking for you to change just to suit me. I'm merely pointing the nature of your flying.

We're indeed grateful to you for pointing out the nature of our flying. We would be more grateful if your information were accurate. We have a considerable amount of day flying. Either way, our evil managers did not manipulate our schedules to make jumpseating less convenient for you.

While it's certainly not always the case, it is often the case that the FedEx middle-of-the-night jumpseat is the most convenient. When a pilot arrives at his final destination after the last pax carrier of the day has left, there's a chance that a purple jet is still available to get him home. Granted, he might prefer to go to the hotel and begin his journey the next morning. Nonetheless, he has the OPTION of using the FedEx jumpseat and being home to see his kids off to school the next morning.

a cargo carrier does not offer as much as a traditional pax carrier when it comes to the convenience of the jumpseat. don't yell at me about it, i'm just making a point.

Such was the case before 9/11, such was the case post-9/11, and such was the case prior to CASS implementation at FedEx. Nothing has changed, but we appreciate your restating the obvious.

Did you know that all of our Captains have ATPs issued by the FAA? I know it's not relevant, but I'm "just making a point."

i did appreciate how all of you took the time to lambaste me for not knowing where the schedule is posted (i searched flightinfo and alpa.org), yet nobody bothered to actually provide a link or directions.

Search "FedEx jumpseat link":

FedEx jumpseat finder link​

I know, that was inconvenient, too.

... [the] listing requirement is a bummer. these are things that management could change. most of you think i'm crazy for not liking the "reserving" of the jumpseat. call me crazy then, but i think most pilots would agree.

OK, you're crazy.

i like the convenience of just being able to show up at the gate/ramp and ask for a ride. plus, if you've got an unlimited policy (or multiple jumpseats), there's not much chance you'll actually need the reservation.

Yepp, that ole "unlimited policy" again. I can take "unlimited" jumpseaters for both jumpseats, and then the "unlimited" aspect becomes rather meaningless. By the way, where did you get the idea it was "unlimited"?

Do you understand we're talking about cockpit jumpseats here? How many jumpseats have you ever seen in a cockpit?

And can an offline "reservation" keep an actual fedex pilot from bumping someone? I wouldn't think so.

You would think wrong, and then you'd go make a jerk of yourself on a public forum. A reservation is, well, a reservation. That means the seat is reserved. Unlike the airline definition of reservation, there is no possibility that it is overbooked. It's there, it's yours for the using. Only an operational emergency, a rare weight restriction, or a surprise visit by an FAA Inspector could change that.

Let's talk about reservations vs. convenience for half a second. If I show up at the gate 2 hours prior to pushback of a typical passenger segment, accomplish all the paperwork, get the Captain's nod, and an online jumpseater subsequently approaches the Captain at the last minute, I might find myself out of luck, in search of another ride. Sure, that was convenient for the online pilot, but not so for me. Do you hear me whining on a "Airline X" thread about how inconvenient their policy is to me? Of course not. That's just the way it is, and there's no amount of whining that I can do that will change it, or even make it better for me.

Oh, and what happens when that listed guy doesn't show? I see it says you are "requested to cancel."

He loses jumpseat privileges. It might surprise you to know the same policy applies to FedEx pilots jumpseating on FedEx airplanes. If I reserve a jumpseat and just don't show up, I'll lose jumpseat privileges for a time. It's considerate, and it's fair.

... well, i can't find 3 guys that will write me a letter of rec, let alone 3 that work at fedex.

It's hard to imagine why you've had such a hard time trying to get ahead in this business. Fortunately, you may have noticed quite a few FedEx pilots frequent this forum. If you'll PM us your name and SSAN, I'm sure we'll be happy to put a recommendation in for you. (Of course, this assumes you have an application of file.)


(On the outside chance you failed to capture the sarcasm in the preceding paragraph, allow me to offer this tiny sliver of advice: If you ever meet a FedEx pilot in person, do NOT admit to posting in this thread under the name "rptrain.")

 

[skykid]

once again, fedex has managed to institute an overly complex and inappropriate process just to get something that isn't all that valuable in the first place. just like their application/interview process.

Huh. Sounds like you know a little something about their application/interview process.

 

[AlbieF15]

RP...Allow me to allow you into Albie's "happy world"...

50 states only

That means we go to 50 Friggin' states...including AK and HI!

-2 to 24 hour prior listing requirement

A free ride home if you can give us just 2 hours notice!

-90 minute prior showtime requirement

Get here when you can 'cause we might get you there EARLY!

-no published schedule available

But a quick phone call can help you get anywhere in the country!

-generally less convenient to depart/arrive at cargo terminal

With a lot less hassle from crowds and the TSA...and the coffee is free

-most flights at inconvenient hours

Away from the hub/spoke flow so you can have minimal delays...and like Tony C pointed out get home after your last pax carrier's bank of flights...

Half full or half empty man....you make the call. However, it is a sure bet that if your jet every crashes overwater and you're stranded in the raft for a while, I think the other survivors are going to do a straw poll and eat you first..

 

[rptrain]

Albie, you're a funny guy. Just be warned: years of bitterness and crabbiness has left my flesh tough and stringy. I would suggest eating one of those young, tender acadamy grads first.

thanks for the link, TonyC. i did happen to stumble across it eventually on alpa.org. though considering some of your own guys didn't even know it existed.... can't tear them a new one though, they're on your team.

also thanks for the insight on the reservation process. i'm very surprised that you guys think this is a good system. it'd be a cold day in you-know-where before an offline jumpseater took priority over an online guy in my experience, and that's the way we likes it. different worlds, i guess.

speaking of which, reading your posts made me realize that's what a lot of this comes down to. youse guys have your ways you do things over there, and i have mine. you seem quite content with how things are, and that truly is great. however, this is a message board where folks voice their opinions, and i can't says i agree with how y'all do some things over there. i know, i know, you don't care what i think.

by the way, please don't show up at the gate 2 hours before departure to jumpseat (unless you've got nothing else to do). all you'll do (as albie pointed out) is subject yourself to overpriced, lousy food and earsplitting, yet unintelliglble PAs. 30 minutes does the trick almost everywhere (unless it's international).

thanks for your concern for my career. i'll be sure to keep my userid on the down low. (un)fortunately, i won't be applying to or accepted at fedex anytime soon, for a number of reasons. one final thought: did i really commit such an unforgiveable heresy? you guys at fedex have one of the best things in aviation going right now. all i did was point out a few difficulties with primarily your management's attitude towards the jumpseat, and i become fedex enemy #1. in all the flying i've done i can only think of one guy that i would attempt to blackball, and that's for what i consider to be a pretty acute case of "looking out for #1" at all times. even guys i had personality conflicts with i can still recognize as good pilots. if your good guy / bad guy selection process has bioled down to flightinfo, then it's truly a sad day. i hope you can tell from my previous posts that i don't lack the humility to laugh at myself. you might try it the next time somebody criticizes fedex hiring, jumpseat, schedules, or whatever.

 

[TonyC]

... , reading your posts made me realize that's what a lot of this comes down to. youse guys have your ways you do things over there, and i have mine.

"Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw mud, the other saw stars."

You can see the advantages, or you can see the disadvantages. I don't get on here and cry about the disadvantages of the jumpseat policy at your carrier; it's poor form.

by the way, please don't show up at the gate 2 hours before departure to jumpseat ... 30 minutes does the trick almost everywhere

... unless someone else gets there 31 minutes early. That "first come, first served" method only works well when you're first.

one final thought: did i really commit such an unforgiveable heresy? you guys at fedex have one of the best things in aviation going right now. all i did was point out a few difficulties with primarily your management's attitude towards the jumpseat,

Actually, what you did was incorrectly ascribe some essential elements of the FedEx system form to the evils of management. Believe me, we ain't long on love for management around here, but we tend to stick to criticisms of management that actually apply. You were way off base.


Who said anything about blackballing? I only thought we could speak to your warm, positive attitude, your ability to converse civilly with others, and your personality that would be welcome on a 14-day trip.


Hey. And something else... Did you know that when you jumpseat with FedEx, you have to fly on one of those freighter airplanes?!?!










.

 

[Herculeus]

Can Fedex pilots jumpseat anywhere they fly?

 

[rptrain]

believe it or not, i originally started my first post in this thread with something like "i'm not trying to slam fedex pilots," and then i took it out for some reason (probably related to my generally surly disposition). lesson learned.

I don't get on here and cry about the disadvantages of the jumpseat policy at your carrier; it's poor form.

hey man, this is a forum for discussion. if you have a beef about something, let's hear about it and we'll have it out. as you pointed out, i'm sure you will do so in a manner much more appropriately than i.

... unless someone else gets there 31 minutes early. That "first come, first served" method only works well when you're first.

the same can be said for your reservation system. dunno about you, but i hate having to think about planning my commute back to work when there's still 24-48 hours left in my days off. also sucks to get bumped because a bro called 1-800-jumpseat before i remembered to. i'll take my chances with the seniority system (which is backed up by the first-come system [at the gate] for offliners). again, we're probably predisposed in favor of the system we've "grown up" with.

I only thought we could speak to your warm, positive attitude, your ability to converse civilly with others, and your personality that would be welcome on a 14-day trip.

Oh man, i'd just regale you with whiny stories about all the other airlines and people i hate. just you wait.

Hey. And something else... Did you know that when you jumpseat with FedEx, you have to fly on one of those freighter airplanes?!?!

whoa, i didn't see that in the memo! add that to my list of complaints!

thanks for engaging,
former part 135 night freight dog

ps: speaking of surly characters, Tony, I sure liked looking at a nice fedex bird rather than that sourpuss Fred in your avatar.

 

[SNIZ]

To think I opened this post to find out some info about the status of CASS at Fedex, silly me.

 

[Spur]

Back to the thread topic.

Northwest now has a recip CASS agreement with FedEx.

Thanks for all your patience, you guys are great. Welcome aboard.

 

[mach zero]

We were told: Continental, American (including Eagle), United, & UPS.

Others have CASS, but do not utilize the picture id system. As stated above, we are not utilizing the passport CASS.

FYI: When we jumpseat on FDX, the ramp agents, etc., all verify our picture from the company data. Basically, FDX is asking others what they ask of their own employees.


Goose17 -- SCP signed the FCIF "Gate Agent" -- just carrying on his sense of humor.

This will fence us SWA pilots out of your j/s. It doesn't matter too much though because after checking your schedules, I found that even if we did have picture CASS, I couldn't use FedEx because I could not make any of the flights I would take with the 90 minute pre-departure show time. I know you all are working on this. It would help greatly if the 90 minute thing were gone as well as allowing passport CASS airlines to ride. In the meantime, you are welcome on us!

 

[atav8r]

Rez O, What is a B-fan and the sticker you posted about?? Thanks, I have been seeing them all over at work. Thanks ATAVR

 

[Laughing_Jakal]

Rptrain Blackballed!!!!!!!

Let's see a show of hands of folks that used reverse IP tracking to link the online app to the guy that posts as rptrain!

Why, you may ask? Simply because this sanctimonious wipe doesn't know when good grace would dictate that he keep his trap shut. If he can't appreciate how much capital went into getting him a chance to reserve a jumpseat...that is one thing, to complain about the system is another!

I simply don't want to fly a pairing with this guy. When shown a picture of a guy's wife and kid, he is likely to say something like "My wife's prettier...that girl's fat and gee that baby is ugly."

I may not like the discomfort of sitting next to a crying baby in the back, or the policy that lets rptrain throttle jockey and PIO.... then punish the runway every other leg while I am exercising jumpseat priviledges, but...

I keep my opinion to myself, realizing he is doing the best he can...and thank the crew genuinely for extending me a professional courtesy then go home and kiss my wife and kids.

Yes... it does take some maturity to commit to a reservation that Fedex commits to you. You must cancel six hours prior. We are big boys and girls here and it works for us. Hopefully it will work for others as we are anxious to be able to reciprocate after almost 4 years.

Yes, we do things a little different here at FedEx. More tradition than anything else...and certainly not a requirement...we bring some cookies for the crew. Kinda like a secret handshake or a knowing glance it tells the crew "I am one of 'you' (as opposed to being cast in a group with rptrain and his ilk) and I appreciate the ride". Like I said, certainly not a requirement...has no bearing whatsoever on whether you go or not...just a nice tradition among the genteel...don't sweat it if you don't have time, or just didn't think about it...most times you'll end up eating them yourselves.

Justs lets us know you are in our secret club...you know the one where the members appreciate each other and stick together out of mutual benefit and concern.

By the way...I'm unilaterally revoking rp's discount shipping privileges

 

[ILStoMinimums]

If you're talking about ExpressJet...COEX....you already have CASS up and running. At least when I JSed last week it was up and much appreciated. Didn't ride up front but was approved to do so just in case. I heard from another guy that some COEX EJ guys were not aware that CASS was up. Would have thought the union would have spread the word a little better. Thanks again guys.

Sure is news to me, I haven't heard anything about ExpressJet (Coex) being in the CASS system already. I've heard maybe in a few months. Can anybody else confirm this? Fed-Ex guys, is ExpressJet approved to JS with you? Somebody mentioned CAL is on the list, was just wondering if that includes ExpressJet?