What is ELDP Training?

Category: Best Practices

A strong driving team is critical to the success of your FedEx route business. When your delivery drivers are properly trained and feel confident behind the wheel, you can expect fewer accidents or problems on the road.

However, there are times during the recruitment and hiring process that you may discover a strong candidate only to find out they lack the necessary driving experience to become a FedEx delivery driver. For pickup and delivery (P&D) contractors, a simple solution exists in the form of the entry-level driver program, or ELDP.

But first, let’s look at the requirements an individual must meet before they can become a FedEx delivery driver.

Qualified candidates must have:

  • One year of professional driving experience within the last three years (includes construction and/or military)
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Ability to pass a physical and drug test from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Holds a valid driver’s license
  • No DUIs or DWIs within the last five years
  • No record of a preventable accident resulting in death, serious injury, or payout greater than $100,000
  • No record, citation, or conviction of using a handheld mobile phone while driving in the last 12 months
  • No more than one moving violation in the last 12 months
  • No more than three moving violations over the last three years
  • No felonies in the last seven years
  • No misdemeanors in the last three years

What if you find a qualified candidate who meets all of the requirements except the prior driving experience? 

This is where ELDP training comes in handy.

Contractors can onboard candidates that do not have prior driving experience using FedEx-approved ELDP training, such as the programs offered through Fleet Response. First, you will need to complete the program yourself before becoming a trainer. After that, you can easily guide potential candidates through the program.

ELDP coursework can often be completed in several days and provides the necessary training required for new drivers, even if they do not have prior driving experience. Lessons and quizzes can be completed online and cover key topics such as safe driving and maneuvering, weather conditions, speeding, and more.

Once the coursework is completed, a candidate will meet the FedEx requirements and you can submit their application for approval.

Interested in owning a FedEx route business? Talk to the team at KR Capital. 

Before you can start hiring drivers, the first step toward becoming a FedEx contractor is understanding how FedEx routes are bought and sold. A great place to start is the KR Capital blog, which features informative posts about buying, selling, and owning your own FedEx routes, as well as tips for recruiting, hiring, and retaining an efficient drive team. You can also view our complete list of FedEx routes for sale. If you find a route you are interested in purchasing, contact KR Capital by phone at (503) 664-0753 or fill out the contact form on our website. Our expert team will help you navigate every stage of the process.