All About FedEx Driver Jobs: Pay, Requirements, and Reviews

FedEx is one of the top carriers in the U.S., with consistent work and a heap of employee benefits for those who take on FedEx driving jobs. However, despite good wages, insurance, and flexibility, working as a FedEx truck driver can be arduous. Like other truck driving positions with large carriers, the job is often demanding with a busy schedule, timely delivery requirements, and heavy loads.

If you’re interested in becoming a FedEx truck driver, learn about typical salaries, benefits, qualifications, and what drivers say about working for FedEx.

Types of FedEx Driving Jobs

FedEx comprises eight business entities, with FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, and FedEx Freight all offering truck driving jobs.

• FedEx Ground provides business-to-business and residential delivery services and uses independent contractors to fulfill linehaul and pickup and delivery driver roles.
• FedEx Express provides air-ground express service and hires ramp transport drivers, tractor-trailer drivers, and driver couriers.
• FedEx Freight employs local and long-haul drivers to provide less-than-truckload freight shipping services to residences and businesses.

As a whole, FedEx driver jobs generally fall under two categories: city and road. City drivers, often referred to as local delivery drivers, pick up and deliver freight between service centers and customers. Road drivers or long-haul drivers transport freight between service centers and turn-point locations. These over-the-road (OTR) drivers are often away from home for long periods and travel long distances.

With so many options, which do you choose? “If you want to do teams, you want to double up, you like to be in the truck with another person, you want to get on much easier, jump through less hoops, FedEx Ground might be good for you,” vlogs Alex of the Asian Mai Show on YouTube. “Now, if you want more money, it’s gonna be harder, but I would recommend FedEx Freight for those people.”

FedEx Truck Driver Salary

Drivers’ pay largely depends on the FedEx driver job description. Local drivers are typically paid via a fixed daily wage, per stop, or per hour, but wages can vary significantly depending on the specific position. A FedEx delivery driver, for instance, earns an average of $20 per hour, while a FedEx CDL A driver can earn $29 or more per hour.

While the average base pay for a FedEx company truck driver in the U.S. is $59,469 per year, wages vary based on your location.

FedEx Driver Jobs Average Pay by City

Average wage data compiled using ZipRecruiter reporting for FedEx Truck Driver and FedEx CDL Driver jobs (2021).

FedEx Driving Jobs Perks and Benefits

As a leading carrier, FedEx can offer its employees a wide variety of benefits. Full- and part-time workers have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as paid personal, sick, and vacation time.

FedEx offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and employees can purchase FedEx Corporation’s common stock shares. Employees and their families also receive discounts on some products and services offered by FedEx, as well as discounts on care services to help maintain a healthy work-life balance, such as childcare, summer camps, prenatal care, adult care, and pet care. Employees pursuing adoption can utilize the company’s reimbursement initiative of $15,000 ($5,000 per year) for adoption expenses.

When it comes to professional development, full-time employees are eligible for $5,000 in tuition assistance each year from FedEx (part-time employees get $2,500). Specific to drivers, FedEx Freight driver apprentices can complete truck driving school while maintaining employment with FedEx through the Driver Development Course. This intensive apprenticeship program trains employees to become drivers.

Some employees, though, think the benefits at FedEx need a refresh. “Overall good company. Pay and benefits have declined over the years and are not keeping pace with inflation or the competition,” says a current employee on Indeed. “With today’s tight labor markets I think they will have to address this issue soon.”

FedEx Truck Driver Requirements

As with any trucking job, applicants must meet some specific requirements before becoming FedEx truck drivers. You must:

• Have a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with double/triple, hazardous materials, and tank endorsements
• Have one year of recent driving experience or have successfully completed the Driver Development Course
• Have an acceptable driving record
• Meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulatory requirements under section 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier (FMC) regulations
• Meet the requirements for long combination vehicles if operating these
• Have basic arithmetic, written, and verbal skills
• Be able to lift freight of 100 pounds
• Be able to sit for long periods and get in and out of a truck
• Be able to follow instructions and complete required training
• Have the ability to work independently and in a team environment

FedEx Driver Application: Instructions and Advice

The FedEx truck driver application requires a resume, personal contact and address information, educational background, and employment history. Once FedEx approves a candidate’s application, they call the applicant for an interview. Anonymous job candidates on Glassdoor.com describe the interview process as fairly straightforward.

“Interview process was very interactive and clear. They presented the basic duties and expectations of the job,” says a delivery driver in Atlanta, Georgia. “I had a pleasant interview and was hired within a couple of days. They ask many questions about your work ethic and if you have clear understanding of the expectations of the job.”

Several applicants described the interview as easy, casual, and an overall positive experience. Prospective drivers can apply online through FedEx by creating an account profile or via a job board like Indeed, which also posts information about in-person hiring events across the country where applicants can learn about multiple positions and schedule interviews.

Reviews of FedEx Truck Driving Jobs

Thousands of FedEx reviews describe a positive work environment where employees are able to meet goals, establish a sense of purpose, and have flexibility with their location and schedule. However, trust in co-workers, a sense of belonging, and management support are lacking for some reviewers. Employees note the job offers an amendable schedule and decent benefits but comes with long hours and little free time.

“Long hours, not enough personal/down time but I enjoy my co-workers,” an anonymous driver in Horseheads, New York writes in a review of FedEx Ground.

While work-life balance and family time may be difficult to achieve with this job, many former and current drivers describe a fun environment where you can travel and meet new people. “I enjoy delivering for FedEx and the people I work with. It’s always nice to come into work, load your truck and be on your way,” a current driver says. “No dealing with micromanagement and no drama like in your usual work place.”

An employee in Washington describes the company culture as family-oriented. “Great way to get your foot in the door as a delivery driver driving big trucks. Another great [way] to also stay in shape,” the reviewer states.

Current and former employees emphasize that the job is physically demanding but offers a great learning opportunity. “Great experience for someone looking to become self employed or someone who wants work as a P and D [pickup and delivery] sub contractor,” a former FedEx delivery driver in Maryland says. “It’s a young person’s opportunity to grow as an independent contractor.”

Another current employee explains how financially lucrative FedEx driving jobs can be: “If you want to make the BIG BUCKS with this company, get hired on as a road driver, transfer to a relay yard ASAP and get LCV [long combination vehicle] certified…6 FIGURES IS EASILY OBTAINABLE AT THIS COMPANY WITH HARD WORK AND THE RIGHT MOVES. 660 MILES A DAY (every relay yard is different in regards to miles) 5 DAYS A WEEK. CURRENT RATE, .70 CENTS PER MILE (that’s with the 3 year top out pay plus 0.05 cents extra for LCV) plus we get paid for fueling, drops, and hooks (they add up) Do the math, Home every night.”

Where Else Can You Apply?

If you want to work for FedEx but feel you don’t yet have the skill set or necessary experience to apply, other options can help make you more competitive in the job market. For example, you can begin by working for other freight carriers like UPS to gain the work experience you need.

Applying to FedEx’s driver apprentice program can also help you reach your goal of becoming a FedEx truck driver. Here, you can complete your professional truck driving school training while remaining employed in another position in the company. Upon successful completion of your course, you may be promoted to a driving position.