mkdnk

I'm presenting a topic on cargo operations for the capstone course in my degree program and have some of questions concerning Part 121 and 135 cargo operations...

First... since FedEx and UPS operate as a Part 121 Flag/Domestic carrier, do they abide by the crew duty days associated with Part 117? I was reading through some of the regs and if I understand correctly, operations under Part 121 Supplemental are not required to follow Part 117, but I couldn't find a clear cut answer for Flag/Domestic cargo operators under 121 Flag or Domestic.

Second... for the cargo companies operating under Part 135, do they follow the 135 crew rest regs or is there some supplemental for cargo operations I am missing?

Lastly... I am rather unfamiliar with how the operations of 121 carriers such as FedEx or even 135 operators conduct such operations. (ie, do the pilot receive a cargo manifest for all of their flights? What is done with the cargo prior to loading it on the aircraft? Do carriers have contracts with the USPS to transport mail? Or do small items such as envelops travel mainly by pax carriers such as Delta or United? etc, etc)

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

champ42272

1. 121 Cargo operators do not comply with FAR 117 due to the "Cargo Cutout", they were specifically excluded from the regulation. It's not called FedEx Field (Washington Redskins) for nothing. ALPA can give you more information on that issue.

2. I can't speak to 135, but they do have rest requirements, but I'm not familiar with them as I've never flown 135.

3. The pilots are not involved in any way as to what cargo is loaded on the aircraft, other than Dangerous Goods. DG is hand sorted, separated and loaded by DG specialists, for a considerable up charge (over 30% of FedEx Express gross revenue is transporting DG). The flight crew is provided with weight and balance data, but once the cargo door is closed, we don't care about the freight unless it's in fire. FedEx signed a contract with the USPS in January 2001, and started flying mail in August 2001. This contract kept FedEx afloat after 911. We haul overnight and 2nd/3rd day priority mail airport to airport, USPS delivers the package the "last mile".

Busboy

Over 30% of FDX gross revenue comes from DG? Where did you get that number?

The USPS contract kept FDX afloat after 9/11? Like FDX would have gone under, without it? Where'd you pull that out of?

TonyC

Thank you, Busboy.






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champ42272

Ok, I was told the 30% number on DG a long time ago when we were just FedEx vice FedEx Express, but I don't think it's too far off. And yes we would have survived 911, but because of the USPS contract, we were hiring when every other company was furloughing.