Adding More Drivers to Your Team? How to Get Them Approved

Category: Industry news

When it comes to the success of your FedEx route, your team of drivers is everything. In fact, they may be more important than your managerial approach and business strategy.

For starters, each driver regularly engages with your customers. This is especially true if your customers include small businesses (or avid shoppers!). Your drivers also may help sort packages, load trucks, and operate your vehicles. Without them, your FedEx business is nothing.

But how do you grow a top-notch team, anyway? It all starts with adding drivers that meet specific standards established by FedEx. As a route owner, here’s how you can help them get approved.

 

FedEx Driver Qualifications

If you’d like to add more drivers to your team, you must hire individuals that meet certain requirements.

These qualifications include:

  • One year of professional driving experience within the last 3 years
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Ability to pass a physical and drug test from the U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Hold a valid driver’s license
  • No DUIs or DWIs within the last five years
  • No record of a preventable accident resulting in death, serious injury, or payout greater than $100,000
  • No record, citation or conviction of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving in the last 12 months
  • No more than one moving violation in the last 12 months
  • No more than three moving violations over the last three years
  • No felonies in the last seven years
  • No misdemeanors in the last three years
  • Hold a valid driver’s license

*One year of driving experience can be from other industries, such as military or construction.

Additionally, during the hiring process, consider our list of FedEx interview questions for drivers. This handy list will help you find the best drivers for the job.

 

How to Get a Driver Approved

If a candidate has the previous driving experience and meets the above requirements, they should be eligible for FedEx Ground approval.

However, if a potential driver does not have past experience, it’s still possible for them to move forward with the process.

In this scenario, a FedEx contractor like yourself can train a candidate through a FedEx-approved entry-level driver program (ELDP) such as Fleet Response or GroundCloud. These programs are designed to train new drivers in accordance with FedEx standards and guidelines.

First, you will need to complete the program before becoming a trainer. From there, you can guide candidates through the program. This typically involves training lessons, quizzes, safety techniques, and best practices for delivery drivers.

The candidate will take a final exam upon completion of the program. Should they pass, they will be considered eligible for FedEx approval.

 

With the right approach, you can build a winning team of delivery drivers.

For more tips on hiring and training your FedEx team, visit the KR Capital blog. Here, you’ll find resources for new FedEx contractors, along with information on buying and selling your FedEx routes.