Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stindoor
As for UPS though, aren't you still affected by the same bottlenecks as well? It's not as if UPS also has their own port or rail yard. Just curious.
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I transferred out of feeders (tractor trailers) and back into package (delivery trucks) over a year ago, so I don’t directly see as much of the FUBAR anymore.
During those 3 years in feeders, the Phoenix rail yard (BNSF) underwent absolutely massive expansion and still couldn’t keep up with the increase in business.
Also during that time, the major UPS hub in Phoenix moved operations out to a newer, much larger hub in Goodyear.
So capacity has been expanding, but it just hasn’t been able to keep up with demand.
I suspect the weak links in the chain are probably labor related.
The industry has been addicted to cheap labor for decades, and the supply has run out finally.
UPS has the cited problems with hiring and retaining workers, especially in the warehouses.
It’s even become an issue with hiring/promoting package drivers.
We’ve hired three new drivers off the street over the last year in our small center (12 drivers total).
The normal progression used to be 3-5 years as a part timer before getting a shot at driving.