In PHX, for example, CO outsourced ramp handling to this company that is owned by DL. Of course, CO has always delivered bags faster than UA at PHX. It turned out the DL-owned company make 2 runs per flight - one for Priority bags and one for regular bags. So it was quicker.
After the merger, the difference was so obvious and rediculous. Who handled it was based on the destination of the next flight, so I was told. I think they have now all gone to UA employes and bags come out slower now for all flights - but not as slow as pre-merger UA....
So, it is not all bad to outsource, I guess....