Find solution
What does it take to become a Professional Driver?

What would it take to become a FedEx, UPS, or DHL driver? What licences would I need?

  • I have a Bachelors of Science, but I know that does not matter. I want to become a driver delivering packages to business/houses. I worked for Fedex Ground as a package handler for about 7 months, but that was hell! So if I want to become a driver for one of these three companies, what would I need to do? What, how many license do I need to be qualified? How much do drivers make at these companies? Hope someone can help.

  • Answer:

    I worked part-time at UPS for 3.5 years and as a P/T package handler i started at $8.50 but was up to over $14/hour after 3 years. Its very possible to live off that if you have a second part-time job as well. I've been a driver for 2. All I needed was a Chauffeur license, and pass a week long driving and classroom course provided by UPS. I got paid my hourly rate to go to the class and got paid mileage for driving there. I have full benefits that I pay nothing for, paid vacations, a pension...(biggie these days). As a driver my starting wage was: -first 30 days (qualifying period, no accidents, don't be slow, etc.) $14.70 -Gain seniority and for the 1st year $15.75 -2nd year $16.80 -last 6 months of wage progression $18.90 -Once you hit 2.5 years as driver it goes to current top rate which is $28.28 in my center. With overtime (trust me you'll get it whether you want it or not) top rate drivers at UPS make over $70,000 a year. You only need a CDL if you plan on driving the semis, but you won't get that opportunity for years at UPS. Its all based on seniority there.

Mean Geno at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

If you have a BS why do you want to be a driver? Don't you think that is a waste of your degree? I was a recruiter @ DHL and you would just need a pulse to be a driver there. They only pay 9 for PT and 10 for FT. You also need a class B or C license. A job as a driver with DHL is brutal for the pay. However I know that it is very hard to get into FedEx or UPS (both pay a lot more than DHL) so you could go to DHL with the hopes of being called up one day with the other guys, but not likely. Not hard to get into DHL because a lot of people cannot afford to work there for that money. Don't let anyone fool you with the Union progression scale for pay. You will have to be there 6 years before making any $$$.

fever87

I dont know about fed ex or dhl but for ups you have to work at an entry level position and move up. It takes like 7 to 10 years sometimes before you can become a driver but they make bank and many work there untill they retire because they have good benifits and have the option to join the union.

E

I wouldn't recommend working at FedEx Express-it's not going to be any easier than FedEx Ground, it's still going to be miserable repetitive work--I've been there six years but if you want to know the answer: take a job at any courier company, even if it is a lousy one and get some experience===even if it is a few months of experience, then go apply at FedEx or DHL and they will probably hire you because you have experience---I have a bacherlors degree to but it is meaningless to them...oh, and when you apply, make sure you check off on the application that you will be a handler even if you don't want to be one--they will think that you are willing to do be a team player and do anything even though you will be hired as a driver

totalratbag

A CDL license. Go to a driving school they will help you.

mary k

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.