What is the role of the Designated Manager for a Craters & Freighters franchise?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you engage a Designated Manager at any time prior to the opening of your Franchised Business, the Designated Manager must successfully complete the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction prior to such Designated Manager assuming any management responsibilities in connection with your Franchised Business. The cost of the Initial Training Program for a Designated Manager engaged by you prior to the opening of your Franchised Business will be borne by us. The cost of any training provided by us (upon your request or as determined by us) to any Designated Manager engaged by you after the opening of your Franchised Business will be paid by you based on our then-current daily rate for additional training; you will also reimburse us for the out-of-pocket expenses we incur in providing such training including, but not limited to, all travel and living expenses.
We may require you and/or your Designated Manager (if applicable) and/or your Lead Salesperson (as such term is defined below) to attend periodic courses with respect to new methods, techniques, equipment, services, and procedures at such time and locations that we designate. You will be responsible for all travel and living expenses incurred in connection with any such courses.
The Initial Training Program will be conducted by the following members of our team:
- Executive Vice President of Transportation, Logistics, & Franchise Support, Mark Giraldi, who has more than 30 years of experience in the industry involving freight forwarding, transportation, and logistics. Mr. Giraldi joined us in 2014 with an extensive background in executive management. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in many operational areas including hazardous materials, air and ground freight, and international logistics.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 35–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee engages a Designated Manager before opening their franchise, that manager must complete the Initial Training Program to the franchisor's satisfaction before assuming any management responsibilities. The cost of this initial training for a pre-opening Designated Manager is covered by Craters & Freighters. However, if a Designated Manager is engaged after the franchise opens, any training provided by Craters & Freighters will be at the franchisee's expense, based on the franchisor's daily rate for additional training, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses like travel and lodging.
Craters & Freighters may also require the franchisee, the Designated Manager (if applicable), and/or the Lead Salesperson to attend periodic courses on new methods, techniques, equipment, services, and procedures. The franchisee is responsible for all travel and living expenses associated with these courses.
In terms of ongoing responsibilities, the franchisee must ensure that all personnel, including the Designated Manager, provide courteous and professional service to customers, always keeping the customers' interests in mind while protecting the goodwill of the Craters & Freighters brand, system, and franchised business. The franchisee is also responsible for handling customer complaints and requests for refunds and adjustments in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Craters & Freighters' standards.