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When it comes to the success of your FedEx route, your CDL driver are everything. 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. Your drivers also may help sort packages, load trucks, and operate your vehicles. Without them, your FedEx business is nothing.
So how do you grow a top-notch team? It all starts with adding drivers that meet specific standards established by FedEx. As a FedEx 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.
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 ZETA Driving School. 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.