Con-Way Freight vs. FedEx Freight for new driver?

Discussion in 'Con-Way' started by Jeff505, Mar 29, 2010.

  1. Jeff505

    Jeff505 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 15, 2010
    Reading, Pa
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    Could you guys please help me with the pros and cons for a new driver between Con-Way Freight and FedEx Freight? Jakebrake12, you out there? I'm in your area, between Lancaster & Reading.
    I went to truck school in 2001 and got my class A with P,T,N endorsements. My HazMat background has just been approved and I'm waiting for the notice from Pa DOT. I didn't want OTR for peanuts and the local work I found didn't want to pay more than 10.00 an hour. I didn't know about LTL then, just found out recently. So, I helped my wife with her business for a couple of years. About 6+ years ago, I took a job driving a straight truck working the mid-Atlantic, usually from CT to VA. So I have an A license with 0 recent experience. I'll need to relearn how to shift and back a trailer.
    I talked to some Con-Way drivers and a TM about my situation. They said to apply. It surprised me that they didn't seem too concerned about my lack of experience. I just heard that Con-Way has a driver apprentice program, but they are not advertizing it in my area. FedEx Freight has a couple of driver apprentice openings in the area. What are the pay rates for both and which company is better for my situation? I think I'd like to get some type of line haul position when possible vs. a P&D job. I'll probably be happy to get anything that pays decent and keeps me home most of the time.
    Thanks for all your help.
    Jeff505
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2010
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  3. jakebrake12

    jakebrake12 Road Train Member

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    There' a few terminals around there - Mt Joy, Reading, and Emigsville down a little ways on 83. I'm not real sure how the apprentice thing works but I know we do it in certain locations. Neither Con-way or FedEx has set in stone experience requirements. Most of the guys we've hired lately are either experience LTL drivers or newer drivers so I would apply to both if I were you.

    I can't really compare the two since my knowledge of FedEx is second hand, but here's what I can tell you..

    Both are home daily, both pay about the same - top rate right now is around 23 an hour and mid .50's per mile although I think FedEx is a hair better than we are right now. We take 5 years to hit top rate whereas I believe FedEx is only 3. Both pay 8/40 OT. FedEx has much better trucks - the best LTL trucks period. A major difference is FedEx has a split board meaning you either hire for line-haul or city whereas we have one board and you bid yearly. I have friends that used to work here and now work and FedEx, and people here that used to work at FedEx and they all say the jobs and companies are pretty similar. They all say they made a little more at Con-way but worked more also.

    Good news.. You can't go wrong with either one if you're gonna drive a truck. If you can think of anything specific ask and I'll see if I can help.
     
    Jeff505 Thanks this.
  4. Jeff505

    Jeff505 Bobtail Member

    11
    2
    Mar 15, 2010
    Reading, Pa
    0
    I applied online to several terminals at both FedEx and Con-Way. I'll check in with the TM's and make sure they got them and introduce myself.

    Do you know what the starting rate is at each?

    What is the new driver orientation/training at Con-Way?

    Jakebrake12, I've read alot of your posts to other drivers. Thanks for taking the time to answer them and me. You have been a big help.

    If anyone has anything to say, good or bad, about FedEx Freight or Con-Way LTL, I'd really appreciate hearing about them.

    Thanks again.
     
    The Challenger and Leftlane101 Thank this.
  5. Slink311

    Slink311 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2010
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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    I'm going on an interview for Fedex Freight tomorrow. The guy on the phone told me that the starting rate is 18.6 up to 21.9 in 3 years and those rates grow as the years pass. I'll check back with more info.
     
  6. Jeff505

    Jeff505 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 15, 2010
    Reading, Pa
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    Good luck and let us know how it goes.
     
  7. Jeff505

    Jeff505 Bobtail Member

    11
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    Mar 15, 2010
    Reading, Pa
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    Hey Slink311 you out there??? How did your interview go and what did they ask?
     
  8. RJ33RD

    RJ33RD Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 27, 2009
    Baltimore, Md
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    I worked for conway before and as a new driver you will bust ### depending which terminal your at but just stick in there and you will make good money and have a really good career..
     
  9. Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

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    Aug 7, 2009
    Near Nashville TN
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    FedEx requires 6 months for contractors. Bet it is the same for company.
     
  10. Humanicide

    Humanicide Bobtail Member

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    Jul 12, 2010
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    I can't speak for Con-way, but the driver apprenticeships at BOTH FedEx Freights I worked at have ALWAYS gone to dockworkers or their hostlers. They will hire outside people, but I've never seen them do it for the driver apprenticeship. They will take someone from another employee from another city/state before they hire on the outside.
     
  11. RJ33RD

    RJ33RD Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 27, 2009
    Baltimore, Md
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    Since I now work for fedex I can speak on this ! At conway its rush rush or atleast at my old terminal , at fed ex its don't rush take ur time and get the job done as safely as possible.
     
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