rk772

I thought about inserting this into the SWA or FedEx thread but it was up to 12 pages and almost burned out. Plus, a lot of the comments were "take the first job that is offered." In my case, I already have a job.

I was days from my second interview several years ago when FedEx stopped hiring. In the mean time, I've gotten on with Continental. Now that FedEx is about to open the doors again, I'm considering giving it a shot. I've kept my app up to date so I should be receiving one of those activation emails any day now.
Some things to consider:
FedEx
· superior work rules and pay at FedEx, a day’s pay for a day’s work
· more days off, better vacation, no PBS,
· stability and probably faster advancement
· getting in on the beginning of a hiring phase (things will probably remain stagnant at the new United for some time after the merger.
· no passengers, no gate agents, no TSA, no flight attendants.
CAL
· The stress of merging with UAL
· The constant up and down turmoil of the passenger carrying airlines.
· worries over seniority list integration
· one of the worst contracts in the industry
· I live in Houston and have a 20 minute drive to work (very nice)
· already have 4 years with company
· possibility of industry leading contract with UAL (but probably not likely since our union can't stop fighting themselves)
Travel benifits (Even though they're pretty usless)
Anyway, I plan taking the FEX written on the 23rd and updating my app on the 24th. I'll be doing a lot of thinking between now and then. I know a lot of you will say get the job then decide what to do. I've known my sponsor all my life and out of professional and personal courtesy to him and my other recommendations, I'd rather have the decision made before asking to use their names in an interview.
By the way, I'm 38 and have been at CAL for 4 years. I'm sitting about 430 numbers from the bottom at CAL.

Palmtree Pilot

Hold on, a Delta pilot will be chiming in, in 3...2...1...

PtP

Reference: "SWA vs FedEx" post.

SONORA PASS

rk772,

Excellent question, and well thought out post. The highlighted statement shows you are a class act!

Looking forward to seeing some good answers.

All the best with the decision,

SP

Luckydawg

I went from pax to freight (UPS) at your age 3 1/2 years ago and I wouldn't consider going back at all. In fact I wished I made the jump sooner. I wasn't sure if I would like flying cargo better but its waaaay better. The pay, benefits, work rules/trips (I'm international). I love not dealing with gate agents, fa's, etc. Most of all you don't deal with big hub delays (with the exception of Memphis night sort I don't get into SDF much due to being Intl)

Having said that, I have 109 brothers furloughed very close in seniority and I made it by an RCH. Your relative seniority at 430 from the bottom can't be much better than 90%tile overall. I'm hearing 250 per year at FDX. IF that is true you will be 90%tile in two years. You never know though! A change in leadership/economy and poof. I came to UPS for the stability... At least it's hard to compete against the cargo giants. IMO it'll be China but they are a ways off.

I like UPS for the domicile that I live in. That is huge. If Houston is your home and you want to stay there think long and hard about that one. Commuting sucks!

The other cons will be "sitting the sort". I did it for a year in SDF. I couldn't make a career out of that. Back side, in and out, night turns, sitting the sort... it'll tear you up a bit but I'll let a FDX pilot chime in on that. Most of my friends at FDX are also flying international. Pack a bag for 12-14 days in a row are not uncommon followed by a bunch of days off. I sit reserve so it's not so bad, but again, I live in domicile. Other pilots in my seniority dislike the commute to sit 8 days in a row.

I know that I'm not FDX but we do have some similarities. Good luck with your decision.

DeadHead

Hey what's up guys.
Sorry I'm late,

I've got nothing much to add here, I just wanted to let everyone know how awesome I was.

That is all....

Rudder

Have you tried riding their jumpseat lately? I would say go ride them for awhile and see for yourself if it fits for you. I would also consider the geography of where you want to live versus where the bases are for the two companies. Having commuted for the better part of my career your quality of life will be much better if you can avoid that.

Personally, I would jump ship from pax to freight in a heartbeat, lots less hastle and uncertainty in that world. I have been at DAL since 91 and would have jumped ship three years ago when I was trying to get on with a freight outfit if given the opportunity but it was not to be. Oh well, love the one you're with, right?

tailwheel48

I would suggest that you go all out for the job. Having an offer in hand will put things in perspective. And you may have some time before you have to start at Fedex when you can really weigh the pros and cons.

I'm a 24 yr CAL pilot. When I came to CAL I had an offer in hand from Ryan Intl who had the contract to operate the first 757's for UPS. All their pilots subsequently became the initial cadre at UPS. Probably my single dumbest career move at the time was thinking "I don't want to be a freight dog..."

Good luck!

LvgTHEDream

RK772,

There are several LA Tech guys that have been in your shoes and made the jump. Let me know if you want their contact info via PM.

Jabberwock

Wait a second, we're still updating our FedEx applications and pinging our contacts at FedEx.

scambo1

I'll vouch for Deadhead, he is pretty awesome.

As far as the original poster's question tho, if given the choice to switch to FedEx, it seems like you already know the answer.