Graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/3PC3NR1 Before the pandemic, analysts predicted contractor-based FedEx Ground and Amazon would unseat unionized rival United Parcel Service Inc UPS.N as the industry leader. If the standoff between the two sides continues, UPS will benefit, said Satish Jindel, who helped build the company that became FedEx Ground. Tennessee businessman Spencer Patton has ratcheted up pressure on FedEx to boost compensation for contractors after company actions made it even harder for them to wring out profit in a downshifting, inflationary economy.