Fleet news roundup: Teamsters lose votes at FedEx, Werner adds Freedom fleet driver

A look at a few fleet news stories that have come across the wire in recent weeks:

Teamsters lose two more bids to organize FedEx drivers

FedEx_GroundFedEx Freight announced last week that workers at two of its West Virginia facilities — in Charleston and Parkersburg — have voted against Teamsters representation. It also withdrew a vote at a FedEx terminal in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

The Teamsters announced last year they were starting a campaign to organize FedEx workers. After a hot start, however, the union has seen mixed results, losing several elections and withdrawing others. The Teamsters have now either lost or withdrawn petitions in its last seven elections at FedEx.

Werner names Army vet operator of latest Operation Freedom truck

rayWerner Enterprises recently announced it has added a fifth driver to its Operation Freedom fleet. Driver J.W. Ray, who served six years in the Army, will now operate one of Werner’s five military-themed Operation Freedom trucks.

“This is a great opportunity,” Ray said. “I will give my absolute best to live up to the expectations and honor all those who serve.”

Ray, a native of Heyburn, Idaho, has been with Werner since 1994. He has more than 1 million safe miles under his belt.

Werner’s Operation Freedom program, a military-themed truck and trailer fleet, travels on regular fleet routes while also being showcased at truck shows, recruiting events and specific veteran ceremonies in efforts to bring awareness to Werner’s military apprenticeship program.

The latest truck features a new design featuring the American flag and a military dog tag with a special message to all who serve.

Werner also announced recently it surpassed its military hiring goals set in 2012.

In the last three years, Werner has hired over 5,100 veterans, the company says. This surpasses the pledge Werner made in 2012 during the Joining Forces campaign, when the carrier committed to hire 1,000 veterans per year over a five-year period. Werner has pledged to hire 2,200 veterans and 200 veteran spouses in 2015.