AV8OR,
I think he's making fun in response to your reply about another guy being typed in the ATP (advanced turbo prop) and you said you were ATP typed too.
I think it was a typo meant to be ATR. He's typed in the ATR, not the ATP. The guy was making fun of that, not your rating.
As far as the FedEX drivers go. Some of them are independent contractors, but they're not actually working for another company; most are self-employed. And yes, FedEX is on their pay checks, they don't receive benefits from another company, and no, they aren't trying to fool anybody.
BAe ATP, Looks like a low wing ATR, FEDEX contacts them in Europe.