Tossing Out the Old P&D Playbook: How Contractors Win in 2026

Recorded live at the 2026 Route Consultant Expo, this special episode of Industry Insights features FedEx P&D contractors Dave and Amy Byers of Slicker Trucking, sharing why the old P&D playbook no longer works and how contractors can adapt to evolving FedEx expectations, package pressure, and workforce realities. 

They explain how increased compliance, transparency, and service metrics require a “do more with less” mindset built on prioritization, better processes, and outcome-based management. Amy outlines practical changes they’ve implemented, including staffing buffers for predictable call-offs, redefining what “manageable” routes look like, incentives to reduce quiet quitting and weekend call-outs, and a new midday supervisor role to protect service, improve end-of-day support, and reduce returns.