How Do I Become an Independent Contractor for FedEx?

FedEx is one of the largest delivery companies in the United States and employs many drivers that deliver packages all over the nation. The company also contracts with independent business owners for package delivery and pickup. FedEx has many opportunities available for independent operators, including those contracting with its Custom Critical or Ground Independent divisions. Operators in each division are required to perform a specific set of duties and meet certain requirements.

Instructions

Custom Critical

1. Choose to contract with the Custom Critical division. Custom Critical operators are responsible for delivering critical or sensitive packages that require special care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Operators will travel across the lower 48 states and Canada and have no dedicated routes. In addition, drivers can be on the road for 10 days at a time. Contractors are reimbursed for mileage and performance.

2. Meet the basic requirements. Custom Critical contractors can have no record of a preventable accident resulting in a serious injury or fatality, no more than three moving violations in the past three years and no more than one moving violation and a preventable accident in the past year. In addition, the contractor must pass a drug test and physical given by the state department of transportation, must already have a class CDL driver's license with a haz-mat endorsement and must be able to cross the Canadian border unrestricted. Canada considers all drivers with felonies, violent misdemeanors or DUI convictions to be inadmissible.

3. Obtain the required vehicle. Custom Critical operators must have either a cargo van, 14- to 22-foot straight truck or tractor-trailer.

4. Call a FedEx recruiter at 866-711-3599 or submit your information online (see Resource).

Ground Independent

1. Contract as a Ground Independent operator. Ground Independent is divided into three categories: pickup and delivery (P&D), home delivery and linehaul. P&D contractors both pick up and deliver from customers and are paid based on the amount of packages picked up or delivered. Home delivery operators are solely responsible for delivery packages to residences and are paid based on the number of packages delivered. Linehaul operators pick up and deliver packages on a regional route and are paid for mileage, pickup and delivery.

2. Meet the basic requirements. For each category, an operator must be at least 21. It is preferred that operators have at least one year of commercial driving experience, but FedEx does offer driver-training courses for those with less experience. Operators must also pass a physical and drug test given by the state department of transportation and have a satisfactory driving record.

3. Obtain the required vehicle. Ground Independent contractors must have a cargo van, a step van, a double-tractor or a straight truck with no sleeper.

4. Apply for a contractor opportunity online. Go to FedEx's online opportunity search and browse through available opportunities by state, then complete the online application (see Resource). Or call 866-832-6339.

References

• FedEx: Independent Contractors

Resources

• FedEx: Custom Critical - Submit Your Info
• FedEx: Independent Ground Contractor Opportunity Search