Hiring Strategies for Finding and Keeping FedEx Drivers
In the FedEx Ground contractor model, your team is the backbone of your business. Whether you're operating Pickup & Delivery (P&D) or Linehaul routes, recruiting and retaining a dependable team is one of the most critical factors in long-term success.
Unlike traditional companies, FedEx contractors are independent business owners who must build and manage their own workforce. This means developing strong hiring practices, building a positive workplace culture, and minimizing costly turnover.
In this blog, we break down what effective recruiting and retention looks like in a FedEx route business—and how to do it well.
Why Team Building Matters
For FedEx Ground contractors, drivers and managers are the engine of the business. If you can’t keep routes staffed, trucks don’t move. And if trucks don’t move, revenue stops.
FedEx holds contractors to high service-level expectations, and missed routes or late deliveries can lead to performance penalties or contract risk. That’s why a strong workforce is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
The Real Cost of Turnover
Turnover is one of the most expensive and disruptive challenges in the industry. Every time you lose a driver, you incur:
Recruiting and advertising costs
Onboarding and training time
Service interruptions or missed deliveries
Risk to customer satisfaction and FedEx compliance
Reducing turnover by even a small percentage can have a major impact on profitability and operational stability.
Recruiting: Where to Start
1. Define the Role Clearly
Create a job description that outlines:
Daily route expectations
Physical requirements (lifting, walking, weather conditions)
Required licenses (CDL for Linehaul, standard license for P&D)
Pay structure and benefits
2. Use Multiple Hiring Channels
Successful contractors use a mix of recruiting sources, including:
Online job boards (Indeed, Craigslist, local classifieds)
Local driving schools
Word-of-mouth referrals
Social media and neighborhood groups
3. Screen for Fit
Look for candidates with:
Clean driving records
Reliability and punctuality
Experience in customer-facing or logistics roles
Willingness to work independently
Even if a candidate lacks delivery experience, the right personality and work ethic can be trained for long-term success.
Retention: How to Keep Your Team
Once you’ve hired the right drivers, keeping them on board requires an intentional approach.
1. Offer Competitive Pay and Incentives
Pay alone won't solve turnover, but it's a major factor. Consider:
Bonus structures for safety, attendance, or peak season
Weekly pay for financial stability
Overtime pay and route flexibility
2. Maintain Reliable Equipment
Breakdowns, delays, and unsafe vehicles are major sources of frustration for drivers. Investing in a well-maintained fleet shows your team you value their time and safety.
3. Build a Positive Work Culture
Respect and recognition go a long way. Simple things like:
Regular check-ins
Celebrating milestones
Offering clear career paths or advancement opportunities
...can improve morale and reduce the urge to look elsewhere.
4. Create Efficient Operating Systems
Chaos leads to burnout. When your business has clear systems for scheduling, dispatching, and communication, drivers can do their jobs more effectively—and with less stress.
Owner Involvement and Scalability
In small operations, the owner is often closely involved in day-to-day staffing and morale. But as the business grows, it's important to develop repeatable recruiting and retention systems that do not rely solely on the owner.
Contractors who build scalable teams with strong driver retention tend to:
Operate more efficiently
Have higher route valuations
Exit their business more successfully
Final Thoughts
Recruiting and retaining strong teams is the foundation of a successful FedEx Ground business. It requires thoughtful hiring, competitive compensation, and a commitment to driver satisfaction. When done well, it not only strengthens daily operations but also builds lasting value in your business.
At Route Consultant, we help contractors build smarter hiring practices, improve team retention, and scale their operations with the right support in place. Ready to take the next step? Browse Available Routes for Sale.
Want to Learn More?
For a comprehensive understanding of FedEx Ground routes, consider enrolling in our FedEx Ground Routes 101 Course. This course provides foundational knowledge to help you decide if investing in logistics routes aligns with your goals.
