One cost that all FedEx Ground route owners face is the cost of insurance. Even if you hire independent contractors as drivers, you will have to do with the insurance on your vehicles along with basic business liability insurance.
One way to lower that cost, and the risk of other costs on your route, is to offer ongoing driver training. What does that look like, and how does that impact lowering your FedEx Ground route risk? Here are some tips.
Initial Training and Starting Off Right
Driver training is required for anyone who drives a FedEx vehicle, and the training program is extensive and thorough. Drivers will come to you prepared for most of the challenges they will face on a route.
If you purchase a FedEx Ground route, you will need to go through this training yourself as part of the intake process. This provides you and your drivers with the right foundation to be safe on the road.
You’ll learn yard and dock safety, other driving safety tips, and how to manage your route to reduce the risk of accidents. But what if you or your drivers have been at it for a while? You might think you know everything you need to know to keep yourself safe. But there is more advanced training out there along with some great refresher courses.
CDL and Advanced Training
If you are running a standard FedEx route and driving a P700, P1200, or a Sprinter van, you won’t need a CDL, or at least one is not required. However, it can be a good idea to go through CDL training just to get a better perspective on driving larger vehicles in various situations.
It can also save you money on your insurance. In most states, those who hold a CDL are held to a higher standard than other drivers. Any serious driving violations, a DUI, or even too many tickets can result in the loss of their CDL endorsement and even their driving privileges. Insurance companies know this and offer reduced rates for CDL holders.
Not only that, but the training you get is exceptionally valuable. CDL courses run drivers through intense scenarios, and there are those that do not involve semi-trucks and trailers but focus more on other commercial vehicles. It’s a small cost for the peace of mind and insurance savings that comes with it.
Ongoing Refresher Training
There are also companies that offer ongoing, annual refresher training for drivers. Often just after the peak of the holidays and just before the summer season starts, there is a good time to get drivers back up to speed.
This training is just a reminder about the hazards of speed, neighborhood driving, dock courtesy and maneuvering, and more. It can also give you an idea of where your drivers are with their skills. If you need to retrain them on anything, this is a good time to do so.
It’s also a good time to do ride-alongs with your drivers and see how they and their routes are doing. If you are looking to expand your business or you have purchased a new route, this is always a good first step.
Tickets and Driving Violations
Tickets and driving violations can be a nightmare when it comes to lowering your FedEx Ground Route risk. They increase insurance costs and can even put your driver’s job or your route ownership at risk.
Always handle these issues right away. If your state or city offers driving school to remove points from the offender’s license, make those mandatory. They can soften the blow of citations and make the cost negligible and easier to manage.
Remember, your drivers, or if you are a solo route owner, yourself, are your greatest asset. Protect yourself and your cost and risks with all the tools at your disposal.
You are in the business of driving and delivery. Driver training can be a cost of doing business, but it can be a great benefit to you and your customers, not to mention your bottom line. Driver training works at lowering your FedEx Ground route risk whether you are a new owner, soon to be owner, or a veteran managing your business.
It’s an investment in safety and people, and you can’t go wrong with that. Questions about buying your first FedEx Ground route or expanding your business by buying another one? Contact us at Route Advisors today. We’re with you every step of the way.