How to Become a Delivery Driver for FedEx (in-Depth Guide)
Are you tired of office jobs and longing for something that gives you a lot of freedom? Perhaps a service-based job that doesn’t confine you to the four corners of a workspace is something you’d like to consider.
You probably don’t realize it now but being behind the steering wheel while earning could be the career path you are looking for.
There are a boatload of courier companies to choose from. They each have strengths that play better depending on the hours you want to work and the type of delivery work that you want to do.
If you are looking for an opportunity that pays well, you might want to place being a delivery driver for FedEx on your radar.
FedEx routes more than 600,000 packages in a day at its Ground network. 65% of this is done through their FedEx Ground hubs where a shortage of couriers causes the cancellation of 25% of customer packages.
That leaves plenty of opportunity for new drivers.
We put together this guide to help you decide whether you want to become a delivery driver for FedEx.
FedEx Express Saver vs. FedEx Ground
Your first question might be, “How much can you make as a FedEx truck driver?” – and for good reason! However, it’s not that simple.
As a delivery driver for FedEx, you firstly need to know what their different services are – and the benefits of each – so that you can make an informed decision.
Just like most shipping companies, FedEx uses different networks and transportation services to deliver different types of packages.
The two most common in FedEx are FedEx Express Saver and FedEx Ground.
As a delivery driver for FedEx, you will be working in last-mile delivery. This means that you’ll be moving packages from regional hubs to individual customers and pick-up points.
FedEx Express differs from FedEx Ground in terms of urgency and delivery of the orders. Here’s how:
FedEx Express
FedEx Express offers time-definite delivery to more than 220 countries within 24-48 hours, with shipments by air, land, and sea. If customers need something shipped within two days, no matter where it is in the world, this is the FedEx service they use.
If you’re interested in becoming a driver for scheduled orders, FedEx Express is for you. It specializes in quick delivery, including overnight services that use airplanes to transport goods worldwide.
FedEx Express also offers two-day and three-day delivery services. The last is cheaper and is called Express Saver. An Express Saver driver delivers packages by the afternoon of the third day from and to any location within the United States.
As a delivery driver, you have one, two, or three days to deliver a package, depending on the chosen FedEx Express. Time is always essential during shipping. You can set a reminder for the delivery time of different packages, and always be mindful of the destination.
You will earn more if you are a FedEx Express driver.
Most drivers get a salary ranging from $13 to $31 per hour. Being a delivery driver for FedEx Express is also a pretty good experience that comes with many benefits. You may enjoy discounts on air travel, insurance, and vacations.
FedEx Ground
Unlike FedEx Express, FedEx Ground drivers only use trucks to transport goods, so entry isn’t as easy to start with. FedEx Ground offers cheap delivery in 1-5 days within the United States and 3-7 days to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
While FedEx Ground is cheap, customers cannot choose the time of their delivery and it won’t arrive as quickly as it will with FedEx Express.
As a Ground driver, you need to know that a customer cannot choose the delivery time. You are the one to make the decision.
As a Ground delivery driver for FedEx, you’ll deliver lightweight and less time-sensitive items to individual homes and pick-up points during the day.
Due to the volume of goods you deliver, you should have a vehicle with plenty of space. The number of packages and stops you have to do may vary, but you must deliver all of them.
With Ground, you have to call and alert customers that their package is out for delivery and sometimes, your customers will not be at their pick-up points, which can be frustrating. It also means that you have to be happy giving an excellent level of customer service.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| FedEx Express | FedEx Ground | |
| Type of Orders | Urgent | Less-time sensitive orders |
| Turnaround time | 1-3 days and is time-specific | 1-5 days, day time deliver and doesn’t promise an exact time |
| Location | Anywhere | Business and Homes |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper |
| Items to be delivered | All types | Large volumes and lightweight |
| Route | Longer routes | Shorter routes, depending on customer orders |
How to Become a Delivery Driver for FedEx
If you want to become a FedEx Ground or FedEx Express driver, you can register by doing the following:
1. Search the FedEx Career portal on the FedEx website
The first step is to go to www.fedex.com. On the site, click on the careers tab at the bottom, under “Our Company,” and then “Create an Account.” Go to the portal. Click on “JOIN NOW” under the driver section.
Go to the talent community platform. You will have to fill the talent community sign-up form. Becoming a FedEx delivery driver or any position in the company is about joining a talented team.
2. Fill in the Talent Community sign-up form
Write your contact information, such as first name, last name, email address, your address. Also, you need to include your location and phone number (including phone type).
You will need to fill in your latest job details and educational background. Your experience and education are essential in dealing with clients. By asking these questions, FedEx would determine whether you are a beginner or an experienced driver.
3. Enter additional information
You will need to supply your career experience in a resume. At this point, a resume is the only document you need to upload.
Customer service and time efficiency is an essential skill you should not forget to mention. Remember to include all your skills, whether related to the delivery job or not.
4. Proofread and Submit Your Application
You must proofread your application to make sure you entered the correct information. Remember to submit true and accurate information, and try to condense everything into one page for easy viewing.
Once you’ve verified that all the information is correct, you can click on the “Submit” button. Once you have done so, the next step is to wait for the approval of the application.
FedEx Delivery Driver Requirements
As an effective FedEx delivery driver, you must make sure that you can handle packages efficiently. You will always be carrying packages from the store to delivery centers. If you lack enough strength, then you will most likely have a hard time in this role. Aside from your physical capability, you must meet the following conditions.
- Have professional driving experience and a valid license: Your driving ability plays a crucial role in getting hired as a delivery driver for FedEx. If you have a driving experience of not less than three years, you have a higher chance of success. Your driving experience can be in any sector, including Uber or Lyft. Plus, you can consider signing up for an entry-level driving course to help you get started on the right path.
- Be 21 years or older.
- Pass the FedEx drug test: For any recruit, FedEx conducts a drug test to make sure you do not drive under the influence of drugs. So, you better have a clean drug history.
- Complete a background check: Potential delivery drivers for FedEx must not have any criminal records.
Your application may take seven to 21 days before you get feedback. For the FedEx Ground delivery drivers, you must also be familiar with the routes to start quickly.
What is the Salary for a FedEx Truck Driver?
According to the FedEx website, the average pay for drivers ranges from $14 to over $43 per hour. However, a typical FedEx delivery driver’s hourly pay is approximately $19. Whether you are a full-time or part-time driver, your payment will depend on the number of hours for the delivery.
Your actual earnings will depend on your state, the amount of time you take delivering the package, and the division you work for, among others.
Also, your average pay varies significantly by as much as $3.61. This suggests that you have the opportunity to maximize your pay based on your skills, years of experience, and location.
For instance, if you are a driver in San Jose, CA, you will likely be one of the most active drivers. As a result, your payment will be a bit higher due to the high demand for packages.
In the United States, the average pay for a FedEx driver is $39,053 per year. If you are a top driver who always hits the target, you are likely to earn $49,000 per year.
In the United Kingdom, a typical FedEx delivery driver’s salary is around £11 per hour. In addition, the average annual FedEx salary ranges from £13,151 per year for Associate drivers to £45,000 per year for Owner-Operator Drivers. These ranges are according to Glassdoor and are based on the average of 52 salaries for FedEx employees in London.
A FedEx delivery driver job may be a good start for you. The pay is enough both in the United Kingdom and the United States. Also, you are in control of the number of hours and deliveries you accomplish in a day. With three to four orders a day, you will have earned a good amount to keep you comfortable.
Your main aim is always to exceed customer expectations. With that said, it is vital to make sure that you’re happy with the amount of work. A FedEx delivery job is only interesting if you are enjoying it. Always have your customers at heart, and you will have no problem hitting your target
Here’s what a delivery driver for FedEx can expect to earn in the US and UK:
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |||
| UNITED STATES | United Kingdom | UNITED STATES | United Kingdom | |
| Top Earners | $49, 000 | £45, 000 | $24 | £32 |
| 75th Percentile | $42, 500 | £36, 654 | $20 | £24 |
| Average | $39, 053 | £31, 374 | $19 | £11 |
| 25th Percentile | $35, 000 | £18, 984 | $17 | £8 |
What’s it Like to be a FedEx Delivery Driver
Perhaps you are thinking about joining FedEx, but you are still wondering what it feels like to be on the road?
Drivers have mixed experiences during their work as FedEx delivery drivers. According to reviews from Indeed, FedEx is an excellent place to work. The work environment is friendly, and the management of drivers is outstanding. The majority of the drivers gave a rating of 4.0 for the workplace.
Also, FedEx delivery driving is fun for those who love driving and interacting with customers.
Glassdoor delivery drivers’ reviews reveal that FedEx drivers have decent hours and flexible schedules. This means that you are in control of what you earn. If you pick more packages, you will earn more. However, you must also be ready for hard work with relatively moderate pay. FedEx delivery drivers need to work extra hard if they want to reach their pay goals.
Most delivery drivers work for long hours and there is no overtime or medical pay.
The best thing you can do is to have a partner. If you are a single driver, it’s nice to have a co-driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are FedEx drivers independent contractors?
FedEx is the only delivery company in the US that still regards drivers as independent contractors.
This means that you will not be entitled to overtime pay. Also, you will not get expected typical employment benefits, such as health care coverage.
California approved delivery drivers as independent contractors on November 3, 2020.
What is a shuttle driver for FedEx?
What comes to your mind when you hear about shuttle drivers? You may be thinking about a driver who picks up and drops off people. At FedEx, shuttle drivers are those who are responsible for the packages.
FedEx shuttle drivers load and unload freight, as well as scan and sort the freight within the facility. FedEx delivery drivers perform shuttle functions using non-articulated vehicles. They can load aircraft, deliver vehicles, and sort the packages according to customer names.
So, FedEx shuttle drivers do not deal with people but with packages. When you reach a pick-up point, the people you see in small vehicles like trams are the shuttle drivers.
What is a FedEx shuttle driver’s salary?
Working as a FedEx delivery driver is a great experience. Apart from handling different packages, shuttle drivers have good pay.
FedEx shuttle drivers’ salaries can range from $15 to $24 per hour. Their annual pay is $28000, which is the same as the national average pay for shuttle drivers.
What disqualifies you from driving for FedEx?
Many things can hinder you from becoming a FedEx delivery driver. The first item is illegal drug usage. You will likely be declined for a job at FedEx if you have a history of using any illicit drug. FedEx always performs a drug test during recruitment, and you will be automatically disqualified if you test positive.
Secondly, criminal records might disqualify you from driving for FedEx. If your driving license has been suspended for moving violations, you will not be employed. Also, your application will be disqualified if you have criminal records for reckless driving and a lack of concern for road safety measures. FedEx takes seriously any instance where you exceeded the speed limit by 15 mph.
Third, if you have ever engaged in fighting, felony theft, and so on, you will not be hired. Make sure that you are clean before applying to be a delivery driver for FedEx.
Who makes more, UPS or FedEx drivers?
UPS pays more than FedEx. UPS union drivers earn an annual wage of $80,000. The pay excludes overtime, healthcare benefits, and pensions.
FedEx delivery drivers earn around $40,000 a year and rarely are you entitled to benefits. However, you should understand that in UPS, you drive your own car while FedEx gives you a vehicle. UPS excels in workers’ compensation, while FedEx excels in work-life balance. The choice is yours. If you want good pay, UPS is a better alternative.
What is FedEx Freight?
FedEx Freight is a shipment of a package that exceeds 150 lbs. It transports goods in bulk through ships, planes, or roads. Any FedEx Freight driver must be ready to handle bulky and heavy goods.
How to Become a FedEx Driver: Driving it Home
The rise in demand for delivery services has opened opportunities for more FedEx delivery drivers. To recap:
- A delivery driver for FedEx can earn up to $49,000 per year
- The work is hard, but you get to be your own boss and manage your own time
- FedEx Express pays better than FedEx Ground but is also more intensive and you’ll likely work longer hours
- You’ll be given a vehicle whether working for Ground, or Express
Sometimes, all you need is a break from the desk job and become your own boss. Becoming a delivery driver for FedEx means that you have control of your working hours.
Furthermore, it’s a fairly simple process to get started.
However, the best choice for you depends on the work-life balance that you need. So use the information above as you go through the process of making your decision.
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