In the current economic situation, this is hardly something that any company can afford. The customers and the sales team therefore represent the receiving sector of the Hardee business.
Because both the customers and employees are vital components of the transportation business, Jim needs to arrive at a solution that can satisfy both. If this cannot be done, the business is in danger of losing both customers and employees, as income from the former is vital in ensuring a sustainable salary for the latter. Hence, Jim should first look into every possible solution before approaching customers with a threatening attitude.
The action recommended is to first communicate with both employees and customers, both of whom must voice their concerns and needs. Jim needs to ensure both customers and employees that their requirements are important considerations in the final decisions to be made. The outcome of these conversations need to drive the recommendations, an outline of which follows.
The extra funds for this work must be obtained from a negotiated price for certain services provided to customers. These prices should be justified to customers in such as way as to ensure an excellent level of customer service. Instead of charging penalties for PUD times after a certain cut-off, the charge for per-mile driving can increase to reflect extra PUD time. In this way, truck drivers will remain safe and customer demands can be met. These rationales should be made very clear in the company's communications with customers.
Reference
Hokey, M. (2009, Sep. 22). The impact of hours-of-service regulations on transportation productivity and safety: a summary of findings from the literature. Journal of Transportation Management. Retrieved from: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/the+impact+of+hours-of-service+regulations+on+transportation...-a0225938621
