How to Improve FedEx Driver Retention Rates: Tips and Strategies

Retaining top talent is a challenge that many companies face. This is especially true for businesses that rely on a strong workforce of drivers, like FedEx ground contractors.

High driver turnover rates can be costly and time-consuming, not to mention the negative impact it can have on a company's reputation.

To combat this, businesses need to implement effective strategies to retain their best drivers. In this article, we will discuss tips and strategies to improve FedEx Linehaul driver retention rates.

Understanding the Reasons for Driver Turnover

Before we dive into the strategies, it's important to understand why FedEx drivers leave their jobs in the first place. Some of the most common reasons include low pay, lack of benefits, poor working conditions, lack of job security, and lack of growth opportunities. To address these issues, businesses need to implement effective retention strategies that focus on improving employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

One of the most effective ways to retain top drivers is by offering a competitive pay and benefits package. This means researching the local market to determine the standard rates and benefits of your competitors. You want to offer a package that is comparable or better, so your drivers feel valued and appreciated.

In addition to standard benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, you can also consider offering bonuses and other financial incentives.

In a recent interview, Randy Mobley, the President of Resource SEVEN explained, “CDL drivers care more about health benefits. Drivers who tend to be older have more health issues. So they care about providing care for their children and spouse.”

Positive Workplace Culture

Creating a positive workplace culture is another effective way to retain FedEx drivers. A positive work environment fosters employee engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.

To cultivate a positive culture, start by promoting open communication between drivers and management. Encourage feedback and suggestions to create a sense of shared ownership in the company.

Recognize drivers' hard work and milestones by celebrating accomplishments and providing incentives. Offer opportunities for socialization and team-building activities to create a sense of camaraderie.

Even a remote or passive owner can take the opportunity to show their employees they care.

Jessica Meadows, a Professional Recruiter at Square One Recruiting explained to us, “Care about your drivers. Caring means knowing if they have kids. Find out about their kid’s birthday. Even their first day of school! Send their kids things like a bag with their favorite TV show character. Do something that will cost you so little but will give you a return of 5-10 years.”

Career Development

Providing opportunities for career development is another key factor in retaining drivers. Drivers want to feel that their hard work is leading to growth and advancement within the company.

This can be achieved by offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development. Provide a clear career path and communicate opportunities for advancement to motivate and retain your best drivers.

Does your driver have dreams of being an operations manager? Can you empower them to do certain tasks to prepare them for that role? Does your driver have dreams of being a contractor? Nourish those dreams.

Drivers who have goals come to work motivated and want to establish themselves as experts, they appreciate the recognition as well as extra income from taking on more tasks. An engaged driver can make the job of an A/O much easier. Learn to utilize these specific drivers.

Safety and Wellness

Safety and wellness should be a top priority for any FedEx company. Ensuring your drivers have access to proper safety training, equipment, and resources to minimize accidents and injuries is critical.

Promote driver wellness by offering health screenings, wellness programs, and even gym memberships. A Planet Fitness black card membership is $20 a month. Supporting drivers' well-being shows that you value them beyond their work performance and encourages them to stay with your company long-term. Healthy drivers call out less because of sickness and are more productive employees.

Finding ways to make sure your team drivers are taking care of themselves on the road can be a great way to increase the longevity of your team. How do you encourage them not to eat fast food and soda, a struggle for many over-the-road drivers? Your challenge as a business owner is to connect with them in a way where this is possible.

A linehaul contractor out of Marietta, GA, Jon, explained in an interview “When I bought the business, I inherited a team of 2 brothers who were clearly in great shape. They had weights in the truck and would do workouts in the parking lot of the Loves where their butthead is. I realized their truck didn’t have a fridge in it, so I found one on E-bay for $240 and installed it. I also got them a $120 Vitamix blender and a thing of protein powder from Costco. I haven’t had anyone thank me that aggressively in a while. It was an easy way to make them a little happier while they were driving my truck all week long.”

A simple gesture that has paid dividends.

As a Linehaul contractor, especially those who run wild teams, how do you manage the downtime, the times when you can’t get them a run, or you need them to head in the opposite direction of home late in the week?

We believe fostering a relationship of mutual trust and caring about them as a person goes a long way toward managing the curveballs the FedEx linehaul game can throw at you.

Improving FedEx driver retention rates requires a holistic approach. By offering competitive pay and benefits, promoting a positive workplace culture, providing opportunities for career development, and prioritizing safety and wellness, businesses can create an environment that fosters loyalty and satisfaction among their drivers.

Taking these steps will not only reduce driver turnover rates but also improve the overall success and reputation of the company. By implementing these tips and strategies, businesses can attract and retain the best drivers in the industry.

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Looking for help to retain your FedEx drivers and reduce turnover rates? Linehaul Solutions can connect you with top recruitment agencies that specialize in linehaul driver recruitment and can help you find and hire the best drivers for your company, ensuring a positive work environment and higher job satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about our services.