How to Recruit Drivers for FedEx P&D Routes
As e-commerce continues to grow, the demand for last-mile delivery drivers rises. This means contractors must have a strong recruiting strategy. Finding qualified candidates who fit your organizational expectations and FedEx Ground’s contractual requirements is no easy task.
We highly recommend hiring a recruiting team. If you run an operation of fewer than 8 routes, you could potentially manage your recruiting in-house. However, handling in-house recruiting means you will spend less time managing the business to focus on hiring.
If you have more than 8 routes, you need to outsource your recruiting strategy. It’s time-consuming, and outsourcing allows you to focus on essential aspects of the business while maintaining a constant pool of driver candidates. This is even more important during peak season because recruiting is a full-time job.
Driver Requirements
FedEx Ground made significant monumental changes to the way contractors train new driver candidates. Driver qualifications for P&D are simple: they must undergo training with approved FedEx Ground training vendors such as JJ Keller, Smith Systems, Impact Solutions, or GroundCloud.
These vendors offer a Train-the-Trainer Program in which the owner will select one or multiple people within the contracting organization to go through a training certification program. For example, this could be your BC or lead driver.
Drivers do not need prior experience. However, drivers with or without previous driving experience must undergo the training. Training will take 3 to 4 days which includes:
Classroom instruction
E-learning with quizzes and online evaluations
Road time
Once they have completed their training and pass, they are ready to drive.
Types of Benefits
The competitive driver market can make it challenging to recruit. However, offering various benefits can help attract new candidates. Some benefits you can in your operation include the following:
Family Oriented and Safe Work Environment: In any job, there will be difficult and stressful days. Drivers have the option to walk away if they are too stressed or feel unsafe in their work environment. For this reason, creating a family-orientated and safe environment for your employees can help attract and maintain drivers.
Newer Trucks and Well-Maintained Fleet: Even if you offer an enjoyable working environment, drivers can become frustrated with vehicles that are old and tend to break down. Having newer trucks and maintaining your fleet can be a significant perk. Plus, drivers will more than likely take better care of newer trucks.
Incentive Structure: A great way to recruit new drivers is by offering incentives. Provide drivers with an opportunity to perform above and beyond your company expectations. Incentives can include PTO, bonuses, and raises for increased stop loads.
We Can Help
Bright Flag Recruiting specializes in recruiting last-mile delivery drivers for FedEx P&D routes and Amazon DSPs. We understand the various challenges FedEx Ground contractors face. With our help, we can create a specialized recruiting strategy for your specific market, while you focus on the day-to-operations of your business.
