Do you have what it takes to be a FedEx Ground Contractor?

[@BadEditorJake]

Hey Mike, I have been a driver for my contractor for 3 years and have became a manager in the past year, she is looking to retire and so she invited me to lunch last weekend. At cracker barrel. She wants to retire and she offered me half of the CSA. I love my job and my people. the CSA consists of 14-16 trucks, 16-18 people on payroll. I am 23 years old I love it beyond words. I am worried however people will think I don't know what I am doing and give me a really hard time for it. On the other hand I stepped into a management role in stride. I want to take this opportunity business and just simply carry on its reputation as being an exemplary contractor. Thanks for the insightful content and just know that you are helping the next generation sir.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Perfect age to get started as an owner. Just continue with what you are doing and don't let others pull you down.

[@Christophertruck]

If you don't want the position tell her I'll take it

[@limeallens6160]

14 yrs here as a FedEx ground contractors out of Hagerstown MD. One thing you have to keep in mind is its not just driving there are more responsibilities that are required to stay in the game and you must be able to balance them out. it helps to understand how to do basic maintenance on your vehicles anything above that the better. find a good accountant that KNOWS how to make you money and not pay more than you should 80% of accountants are worthless. Find a good shop or two that you can trust and build a good relationship with also have a few side mechanics in your back pocket it helps a great deal, treat them like royalty 😉. I could go on with this list but these are the main things must haves.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Maintenance is key to a successful business with FedEx in my opinion and this is why I had my own mechanics and some outside vendors that I could call on. We had 5 mechanics , 2 service trucks and our own wrecker.

[@ericcaesar5457]

How many trucks can you start with? Is it possible to start with 1 truck? Thanks for any information you give.

[@limeallens6160]

@@ericcaesar5457 start with one and work up

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@ericcaesar5457 You have to have a minimum of two trucks in linehaul. You also have to be a S corporation or a C corporation. Not an LLC.

[@makg83]

Great video! As someone who's looking to eventually purchase a few FedEx routes, this answered a lot of my questions.Lots of good knowledge

[@MichaelJones1527]

Glad to see that it was helpful.

[@thephantomzoneboxing]

@@MichaelJones1527 how much does a fedex route cost? is this video for delivery vans or OTR routes?

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@thephantomzoneboxing That's too much of a general question. Routes are valued by the length of the route and the type of route. They are also controlled by the independent contractor. FedEx does not set the rate.

[@snaprmedia1443]

Pro Tip: The videos audio is only on the (left track) you can duplicate the same audio track and paste it into the right track to create a stereo tack for your next video. Just a friendly suggestion have a great day.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Had not realized that it was more dominant on the left side. I did go back and listen to it and the balance is more dominate to the left. It may have been from the mic mixer I was using on this video. I'll try to make sure and check that better in the future. I have several mics I like to use and I don't remember which one I used for that video. It's still stereo but out of balance.

[@Jerseytrucker911]

Thank you for sharing this information.. have a great week.

[@MichaelJones1527]

You're welcome Jersey Trucker

[@frankroper3274]

I've had problems with packages marked delivered that were not and got a box 18 days late that had been opened and the contents stolen! Then when you try to contact the local hub you get CS in a foreign location that will tell you they will call you back and they don't in a timely manner!

[@MichaelJones1527]

I'm sorry I was just a linehaul contractor and had no contact with packages. We picked up sealed trailers and delivered them to our assigned destination. You will have to complain to someone at the corporate level. Plus I've been retired for two years. Sorry I can't help you with this type of stiuation.

[@justinrice6924]

If you do have what it takes and the money to buy into a large one. And the willingness to be there. What would still be some of the challenges. Currently one I’m looking at has 18 trucks and 15 drivers with 3 managers. Business on paper looks outstanding.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Is this linehaul or P&D vans?

[@Kathinz]

Thank you for the advice I know somebody who started a contract with Amazon and they let somebody else do it for them and they really lost a lot

[@MichaelJones1527]

I would never contract with Amazon again. Amazon is big for a reason, not because they have a concern for anyone. They will eat you up and spit you out. Hated my time with Amazon.

[@RM-rz3ph]

Thank you Sir for sharing your Wisdom

[@MichaelJones1527]

My pleasure

[@PrevailPal]

RPS (Roadway Package System) "We delivery more than packages." I was in it since 1999

[@MichaelJones1527]

I started as a package delivery contractor in 1987 when it was still RPS. I switch to a linehaul contractor a year later.

[@nathansubbotin174]

Roadway as in the yellow trucking company that fell apart?

[@dalp6657]

I am driving for FedEx Ground (semis) since 2004 and I don’t feel appreciated for them. There is no program to help drivers ( 10 years + ) to be a contractor. Only those established trucking companies has opportunities that drivers don’t.

[@MichaelJones1527]

You can go on BuildaGroundBiz.com and that explains how to be a contractor. It's getting tough to be a contractor and it takes a lot of stamina because it turns quickly into a 24/7 job.

[@dairyfarmernc]

Thanks for the continued advice in your videos mike.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Thank you Robert. That's what I intend to do with some videos.

[@DmitryHealthyHub]

Hi, I hope you're doing well! I own 4 a 2022 Freightliners semi-trucks, and I've been driving for Amazon. Now, I'm looking to try something different and am interested in exploring opportunities with FedEx Could you please let me know how I can register my trucks with FedEx transportation network? If you have a referral link or any advice on how to get started, I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for your help!

[@MichaelJones1527]

Go to mygroundbiz.com and follow the links.

[@championsbreakhub]

Great video and great advice.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Glad it was helpful!

[@death_2kid586]

Can you start with only one semi-truck?

[@MichaelJones1527]

No

[@justOKN]

Where should i send an email or should make a call for a route request?

[@MichaelJones1527]

You first have to become an approved contractor then they talk about routes. Go to buildagroundbiz.com

[@kevinlamarr1424]

I can tell you without hesitation, no I do not have what it takes to put up with all that.

[@MichaelJones1527]

It can be a very demanding job that’s for sure.

[@Spacecaptain10]

For routes that are available would you still have to buy it? And is there a tractor age requirement?

[@MichaelJones1527]

You have to be a contractor before you can bid on an open assigned route. Yes, there are restrictions on the age of the truck along with having all the forward collision hardware that is required on all trucks now.

[@jamieo8653]

Thank Mike. Great Content!🇺🇸

[@MichaelJones1527]

Hope you're doing well Jamie. Keep working hard and maybe I'll catch you again one day when you make it to North Carolina again.

[@marcusarvie4161]

Thanks for the great advice

[@MichaelJones1527]

You bet!

[@Spartan-xg7vg]

I may not have what it takes to be a contractor but let me tell you I am getting promoted soon.I been working with fedex ground since December 8 of 2021 and my contractor is fairly new only 6 months old and my contractor and BC talked and decided starting this Monday or next can’t remember there going to start training me to be his replacement so I’ll be the next in line to be a BC and To be in charge of a fleet of 15 drivers

[@MichaelJones1527]

Good deal, work hard that's what it takes to succeed at FedEx.

[@damianrodriguez5907]

I am not employed by fedex but can I still get awarded for fedex routes if I was to buy my own trucks and hire employees?

[@MichaelJones1527]

You have to be approved by FedEx to be a contractor. Just because you own trucks they will not automatically hire you. There is a process that you have to follow. Go to buildagroundbiz.com.

[@siarrahicks9557]

Hello, Would you by any chance know any freight brokers that work with FedEx routes ? Because I only have one truck. Thank you

[@MichaelJones1527]

Are you trying to be a linehaul or P&D contractor?

[@siarrahicks9557]

@@MichaelJones1527 Linehaul

[@ortizrus]

Hello Mr. Mike, question, as a contractor, can you sell your contract in pieces, meaning if you have 10 runs total, could you sell some to one contractor and some to other contractors?

[@MichaelJones1527]

You can in linehaul. I did that very thing myself. I sold my runs to 5 different contractors. I was such a large contractor myself it made it easier to do it that way for me.

[@stephenramnarine7396]

It does depend on if your CSA is in one area, say all 10 routes are in one zip code or mostly in the same zip code FedEx would like you to keep your area together. Technically you could sell but it might break up your area and isn’t really ideal having your route in a bunch of different zip codes it just doesn’t make sense business wise.

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@stephenramnarine7396 It may make sense in the package vans but the line haul operation is a different animal. Like I said when I sold out I sold to five different contractors in four different hub locations.

[@Jason000111mmw]

@@MichaelJones1527 yeah I’m in linehaul rt now I run 662 miles a day lol.

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@Jason000111mmw Wow you've got a good run. I had a few runs like that. They are hard to keep drivers on because of the grind on the driver. I hope you're young and can take it on a daily basis. What route are you running with that kind of daily mileage and how are you able to do that with a 65mph truck?

[@PrevailPal]

Being contractor is like owning a JOB✔️ Owning adult daycare.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Being a contractor is a full time 24/7 job. I worked 7 days a week for 34 years.

[@chewy98ta28]

Must be tough to keep people driving for you when UPS drivers can work three days and take home $1200 per week or max out on their hours and make 160K per year.

[@MichaelJones1527]

It is competitive but those UPS Jobs are not easy to come by. It usually takes years to move up in the ranks at UPS. They are union so you have to bid on your routes and rank. I was a Teamster in my early days of the transportation business.

[@brelendwiggins7238]

Hey mike, I been driving for FedEx in line haul for four years out of Charlotte an concord. I am wanting to buy a contract an I appreciate the advice. If I can talk to you in person that would be great.

[@MichaelJones1527]

I was a contractor out of Charlotte I was one of the first contractors when they opened that terminal in the early nineties. I saw a lot of linehaul managers come and go from there. Have you talked to Rick Starnes about what you want to do. He could tell you of any opportunity in the Charlotte hub. That would be my first word of advice.

[@brelendwiggins7238]

@@MichaelJones1527 no sir I haven’t. Is he at the Charlotte hub?

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@brelendwiggins7238 Yes , he’s the Linehaul manager

[@brelendwiggins7238]

@@MichaelJones1527 thank you mike.

[@galynasoloviova2924]

How to become a FedEx contractor? We have 4 semi Trucks and haul Amazon relay loads Thank you in advance!

[@MichaelJones1527]

Go to Buildagroundbiz.com

[@DataGeek903]

demanding because of your scale? would 5 LH runs be more manageable?

[@MichaelJones1527]

A lot has to do with your experience. I was a driver contractor when I started out. I know how to drive and repair the vehicles. Some people have these skills some do not. The level of your experience in the trucking industry can be a big benefit.

[@solarcognac7112]

Yes you have to be hands on because my old contractor I used to work with in the linehaul space got mad with another contractor because his driver would always be late on the butthead runs. My contractor said, “He needs to stay is f****n a** off the golf course and do some damn work lol 😂” we burst out laughing but it was true. Dude was late despite he only had to drive 4 hours and we had to drive 8 to swap trailers.

[@MichaelJones1527]

I know it was harder work on my part, but I thought I ran a more efficient operation by being the guy to go to instead of hiring all these extra managers.

[@melissagonzalez5686]

I will love to ask questions about becoming a contractor for fed ex

[@MichaelJones1527]

Go for it!

[@josephcoffey1001]

My question is did you hop and skip in joy when you retired?

[@MichaelJones1527]

I did.

[@josephcoffey1001]

@@MichaelJones1527 I sure hope I make it to that day before going crazy.

[@lijinkannoth]

How many truck contractors need to buy minimum?

[@MichaelJones1527]

I think now it's 3

[@lijinkannoth]

@@MichaelJones1527 Thanks

[@MrLineHaul]

As a current LineHaul FedEx Ground Contractor in Canada , I can say that you are probably one of the very best in this business, well you were , since you sold out because of health reasons, most LineHaul wannabe contractors out there in the outside world , don’t even know what this is until they get in and realize how hard it is, how much attention FedEx Ground needs all the time and how hard do you have to work for it, it is also very rewarding, personally I have the best life that I had never imagined that was going to happen to me and my family only because of FedEx Ground and nothing else in this world, I have to say and I totally mean it, ( by the way I’m not pretentious and I don’t play politics very well unfortunately ) , if FedEx Ground was its own country and they will go to war, I would go fight and even give my life for it , if that was the case, that strongly I believe in the company. To make a long story longer LOL I am advising friends and other contractors to watch your channel because we all have something to learn from old-school guys like you, unfortunately they don’t make guys like you anymore, the “ factory “ was outsourced I guess to some other country LOL.

[@MichaelJones1527]

Thank you for the kind words and I do appreciate seeing the worth in my comments. I have the utmost respect to people that want to take the challenge to become a FedEx Ground contractor, but that being said they don't need to be fed a line of bull by someone who is only in it to make a quick buck. I have a few more FedEx videos that I'm preparing, thank you for watching and again I appreciate the kind words.

[@brandoncherry1651]

I been driving 3 years now fed ex ground 65 mph bout to kill me 😁

[@MichaelJones1527]

It's not only FedEx, other companies are doing the same. Trucking is evolving daily. We have too many people that can sue a large carrier with the drop of the hat. I know we have had some frivolous large suits against our trucks, so I know a little about this first hand.

[@sophiaa3667]

Where do I apply for fedex ground contractors?

[@MichaelJones1527]

Go to Buildagroundbiz.com

[@Jason000111mmw]

Great video. I love working with FedEx ground.

[@MichaelJones1527]

I enjoyed it for 34 years until I retired and sold out in 2020

[@Jason000111mmw]

Yes sir I have a really good contractor and enjoy my job every day. I have been kicking around the thought of becoming a contractor myself recently. I really appreciate your videos

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@Jason000111mmw What terminal are you working at?

[@tommygunter5283]

17 years..8years contracting..I'm tired of all the politics ..its bullshit daily

[@MichaelJones1527]

It can be a challenge. I did it for 34 years and I'm much happier now that I'm retired.

[@thephantomzoneboxing]

why tommy whats the big deal?

[@Jeff250lbc]

Well no I don’t .... I don’t even have a year driving...... five months ... helllo sir great to catch a vid..

[@MichaelJones1527]

Hang in there Jeff, you'll be there before you know it.

[@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix]

No! I dont know how to drive!

[@MichaelJones1527]

Do you have a question?

[@xamidullaevaxrol1456]

I have 53ft Dry Van. How can I set up with Fedex so I could get loads directly from fedex, not from ITS etc. Anybody can help please ?

[@MichaelJones1527]

I wish I could help you, but I was never involved with trip leasing loads independently. I really don't know who could help you with that.

[@xamidullaevaxrol1456]

@@MichaelJones1527 Thanks for trying, really appreciate that )))

[@steelzmb4262]

No 401k know that first

[@MichaelJones1527]

I'm sorry but we offered a 401 as a company.

[@antoinebradley88]

Bro you not telling no requirements or nothing this whole video is prolong with no information

[@MichaelJones1527]

I have different videos with different content. Content that explains how to become a contractor, although some of that is changing since I sold out. Go to buildagroundbiz.com for more info from FedEx.

[@matthewneill4494]

I will tell you that you don't want to be a pick up and delivery contractor🤣. But if you really do, contact me 😂

[@MichaelJones1527]

I would agree. I started as a P&D Van contractor back in 87. I did that for six months until I could get a linehaul assignment. I did way better as a linehaul contractor.

[@jordanmcguirt5628]

Could you elaborate? I’m looking at purchasing a P&D route in the near future

[@adiletbai]

Too much of pessimism sir. I do amazon, ups and fedex. Too much stress naaah . Ez pz money with new truck. Never buy old junk pete or kw

[@MichaelJones1527]

I have never been pessimistic about being a FedEx contractor. It gave me 34 good years of work and a good retirement after I sold. I did work a short time at Amazon and was very disappointed with the way they ran their contracts.

[@EverettArnold-y5s]

Stay away, do yourself a favor.

[@MichaelJones1527]

If you're not willing to work hard you won't make a success with a FedEx contract.