Once you become a multi-route owner, finding qualified, dependable drivers is one of the most important things you will do. At first, it can seem like an intimidating process, but it really isn’t. Here are some simple steps to help you with hiring drivers for your FedEx route.
FedEx Requirements
Before you start looking around, it is important for you to understand that any driver you hire will have to meet FedEx standards. That means you have to make sure they pass a background check, a driving record check, and go through FedEx training.
The easiest way to do this is to find a driver who is already qualified or has experience in the industry. They are more likely to meet these requirements if they don’t work for FedEx already and hiring them can be a much faster process.
Typically, your Station Lead, effectively the FedEx employee who is in charge of the FedEx ground station where you work, can be a great help during this process.
Look Around the FedEx Station
Want drivers who are already experienced? Look around the FedEx station. Another contractor might have a substitute driver who wants to be full-time or who can take on more work. Or you may find one of the loaders or package handlers who is already qualified as a driver and waiting for a slot to open.
The key is to look around and ask around. You never know when you will find a driver who is already qualified and FedEx Certified.
Consider FedEx Temps When Hiring Drivers
From time to time, during peak and other times of the year, FedEx will hire temporary workers to drive for them directly. This means they have already been through the FedEx hiring and training process and can start running your route right away.
Even if you don’t have need for a driver right away when these candidates become available, often route owners will team up to keep them busy with vacation and substitute work, knowing they will need a qualified driver eventually.
And it isn’t just FedEx Ground. FedEx Express also hires temp drivers, and many of them are looking for permanent employment when their time as a temp is complete. This is a rich pool of workers who know the job and already know and understand the job.
Watch Other Drivers on Your Route
There are times when those who drive for other services are looking for a change in employment. In that case, you already know they are comfortable with the job, understand the business, and if they are working for another carrier, can probably qualify easily to drive for FedEx.
It’s pretty common to have conversations with these other drivers when waiting on pick ups or making business deliveries. Keep your ears open, and if they are looking for a new opportunity, offer it to them.
Ask for Referrals when Hiring Drivers
If you are already a multi-route owner, your drivers probably know other drivers. The loaders and other FedEx employees may interact with and know about drivers you don’t. Ask if they know someone, and maybe even offer an incentive of some sort if you hire that person and they work out.
This is common practice for contractors, from a $500 bonus after 90 days to other incentives. It’s a great way to expand your network of driver candidates, and often will get you the best ones. After all, your crew doesn’t want you to hire someone they don’t want to work with.
Take Out an Ad
Lastly, you can take out an ad. Most of the time, you won’t even get to this stage when hiring drivers, but it can happen in today’s competitive job market. Just be careful with your job description when hiring drivers:
- Make the job description clear.
- Put the salary in the job description. More and more employees are looking for this information before they even apply for a job.
- Make the job requirements clear, including the background check and the FedEx driver requirements. You don’t want to waste time with unqualified candidates, either theirs or yours.
Ask a lot of questions when hiring drivers about future plans, how long they plan to work as a driver, and ask about any relevant experience. Check out common interview questions online, and choose the ones that match your situation.
Whether you are buying a new FedEx Ground route or expanding your business and splitting your route or purchasing an adjacent one, hiring drivers is of vital importance. Follow these steps to be sure you get the right candidates.
And if you need help buying that new FedEx route or an expansion route, contact us here at Route Advisors. We’re here to help you every step along the way.