Truck Types and Leasing Options for FedEx Ground
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or scaling your current FedEx Ground operation, one of the most important components of running a successful logistics business is your fleet strategy. The types of trucks you purchase—or lease—and how you manage them will have a direct impact on your costs, efficiency, and long-term profitability.
In this blog, we break down the key truck types used in FedEx Ground operations and explore different options for purchasing, leasing, and maintaining your fleet.
The Two Primary Truck Types for FedEx Ground
1. Pickup & Delivery (P&D) Vehicles
These vehicles are used for local residential and business deliveries and are typically:
Step vans (16–22 feet)
Box trucks with liftgates (for bulk stops)
Cargo vans (in some urban markets)
P&D vehicles must meet FedEx branding and safety standards, including rear-facing cameras, ELD compliance, and reflective striping. Many contractors also look for lightweight, fuel-efficient models to reduce overhead and maintenance.
2. Linehaul Tractors
These vehicles handle longer-distance routes, often moving freight between hubs or to other terminals. Typical specs include:
Sleeper or day cab tractors
5th wheel compatibility for FedEx trailers
DOT compliance for long-haul operations
Linehaul equipment requires a higher upfront investment and is subject to additional regulatory standards, but it also supports higher-paying, lower-touch contracts.
Buying vs. Leasing: What’s the Right Fleet Strategy?
Truck acquisition is one of the largest capital expenses for FedEx contractors. The right approach often depends on your financial model, route density, and risk tolerance.
Buying Trucks
Owning trucks outright offers long-term savings and asset value, but comes with:
High upfront costs
Maintenance and repair responsibilities
Depreciation over time
Buying may be a smart strategy if:
You plan to operate for the long term
You want to control maintenance schedules and part sourcing
You have the cash reserves or financing in place
Leasing Trucks
Leasing offers lower initial costs and often includes maintenance services, but may result in higher long-term expenses. Common benefits include:
Predictable monthly payments
Turnkey maintenance packages
Easier scaling for growth or seasonal spikes
However, leasing can come with restrictions, including mileage caps, brand limitations, and buyout fees. Be sure to fully understand the lease terms before signing.
Full-Service Leasing vs. Ownership
A popular trend among growing contractors is full-service leasing, which bundles truck use with fleet maintenance, insurance compliance, and substitute vehicles for breakdowns. This can reduce the burden on your operations team and improve route consistency.
That said, full-service leases typically cost more than owning, and you won’t build equity in the equipment. For larger operations with complex routing schedules, the time and resource savings may outweigh the cost difference.
FedEx Vehicle Compliance Considerations
All FedEx Ground trucks must meet specific operational and branding standards. Before purchasing or leasing, confirm:
Vehicle type is approved for FedEx use
Required decals, ELDs, and camera systems are installed
The vehicle passes terminal inspection
Proper DOT paperwork and insurance is in place
Purchasing a truck that doesn’t meet FedEx standards can delay onboarding or result in denied approval.
Final Thoughts
Your truck fleet is one of the most important investments you’ll make as a FedEx Ground contractor. The right mix of vehicle types, lease structures, and compliance planning will determine not only how smoothly your routes run, but how profitable your business becomes.
At Route Consultant, we help contractors make smart, strategic decisions when it comes to vehicle acquisition, leasing partners, and long-term fleet planning. Whether you're launching a new business or scaling a high-volume operation, we’ll help you choose a strategy that fits your financial goals. 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.
