FedEx & UPS
Topic 6209 | Page 1
You want to make sure you're distinguishing between their local and their LTL services. UPSF (UPS Freight) and Fed Ex Freight are what you're probably interested in. They run linehaul operations and their drivers pull double trailers or pups. You'll see some 53' trailers, but that's their pickup and delivery operation, which is still different than their "local" gigs w/ the box trucks. Basically, you're probably going to be interested in their LTL divisions.
I'm not sure how to hire on w/ Fed Ex Freight. They actually subcontract their LTL freight to independent owner operators. UPSF can be contacted directly for employment - they might even have their own school or training program. I know UPSF is usually hiring, but I'm not sure if they hire w/o experience. If you're interested in LTL trucking, you can check out other companies besides UPSF and Fed Ex Freight. Companies like Estes, Conway-Freight, YRC, ABF, Old Dominion, Pitt-Ohio, and Saia.
I'm a linehaul driver for one of the above LTL companies. So is another fella on here, his name is Woody. I have a whole thread dedicated to LTL trucking here: LTL Trucking: My Linehaul Job
To answer your question more directly, it's not as hard as it used to be to get into LTL. In the past, most LTL companies wouldn't consider a driver unless they had 2+ years OTR experience. I went to a private school and then was hired by my LTL company. You will need to have tank, hazmat , and doubles / triples endorsements for most LTL gigs.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
Linehaul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
Another point worth noting, is that we are approaching the slow season for freight. If you're looking to get on w/ UPSF or Fed Ex Freight, the Spring might even give you more opportunity. Not saying you couldn't find a gig right now, just preparing you in case you find that they're not currently hiring.
Thanks 6 String and yep, I read your thread. It was great! If I understood right a lot of that LTL is at night so the P&D can be running the day. Frankly I don't wanna work only nights. Lots of reasons and I know OTR will involve a lot of nights, but at least it won't only be nights. I also understood you to say that to do LTL you gotta live nearby one of their terminals. I don't. I'm in the FL panhandle and I know some are out there, but not like some of the bigger areas.
I used TT High Road Training to pass my permit test and studying now for tank and hazmat. I basically want everything except buses. Increase my marketability.
Thanks again and be safe.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
P&D:
Pickup & Delivery
Local drivers that stay around their area, usually within 100 mile radius of a terminal, picking up and delivering loads.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers for instance will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
City drivers work days. Most linehaul is night. I'm actually on a day run right now and am loving it. But if I had to choose between a day time city gig and a night time linehaul, I'd take the night time linehaul. But generally speaking, night shift stinks.
Hopefully you'll find opportunities where you are.
Linehaul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
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Are those driving positions few and far between? Checking their websites looks like they are and I'm not interested in the local delivery driving. I'm speaking strictly of the OTR & dedicated variety.
Thanks, be safe.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.