FedEx Freight | Driver Development Specialist

SwampRatt

TB Legend
Credits
421
Listed as an internal career opportunity... (Driver Development Specialist)

Anyone familiar with this position? What they actually do?
 
Isn't almost every position listed as a “specialist” now? I’m pretty sure it’s the same as an “instructor” position, or DDI.
Thanks Red,

It sounds a little like that, BUT it includes quite a few interesting duties/responsibilities and qualifications, including all CDL related.

Also the pay grade is 9 and listed as salary. I'm told grade 9 is on par with entry level supervisor, while grade 1 would be at the far other (Mike Ducker) end of the scale...

May need to verify, since there must be more to the story...
 
Last edited:
Thanks Red,

It sounds a little like that, BUT it includes quite a few interesting duties/responsibilities and qualifications, including all CDL related.

Also the pay grade is 9 and listed as salary. I'm told grade 9 is on par with entry level supervisor, while grade 1 would be at the far other (Mike Ducker) end of the scale...

May need to verify, since there must be more to the story...
More to the story indeed.
Endorsed CDL with haz mat class X, doubles,triples.
Liftgate certified.
Forklift certified.
Medically qualified.
Able to install deck bars properly, and not drop it on your toe.
Know not to set 3000# skid of steel on top of pallet of light bulbs, just because it is flat.
Coop Certified.
Willing to work weekends.
Able to clear low viaduct, or low hanging wires while driving less than 15 mph.
Can read a GPS well enough to get out of downtown Cedar Rapids, and arrive in New Jersey without driving on anything made of wood.
Will not ask Big Dave if you can try on his hat.
Will not ask Donna out on a date.
Willing to spray paint your right shoe red, and your left shoe gold.
Can back up triples into dock on 1 try, like BRG.
 
Last edited:
More to the story indeed.
Endorsed CDL with haz mat class X, doubles,triples.
Liftgate certified.
Forklift certified.
Medically qualified.
Able to install deck bars properly, and not drop it on your toe.
Know not to set 3000# skid of steel on top of pallet of light bulbs, just because it is flat.
Coop Certified.
Willing to work weekends.
Able to clear low viaduct while driving less than 15 mph.
Can read a GPS well enough to get out of downtown Cedar Rapids, and arrive in New Jersey without driving on anything made of wood.
Will not ask Big Dave if you can try on his hat.
Will not ask Donna out on a date.
Willing to spray paint your right shoe red, and your left shoe gold.

I'm pretty sure you won't find any of these in the Carolinas!
 
More to the story indeed.
Endorsed CDL with haz mat class X, doubles,triples.
Liftgate certified.
Forklift certified.
Medically qualified.
Able to install deck bars properly, and not drop it on your toe.
Know not to set 3000# skid of steel on top of pallet of light bulbs, just because it is flat.
Coop Certified.
Willing to work weekends.
Able to clear low viaduct, or low hanging wires while driving less than 15 mph.
Can read a GPS well enough to get out of downtown Cedar Rapids, and arrive in New Jersey without driving on anything made of wood.
Will not ask Big Dave if you can try on his hat.
Will not ask Donna out on a date.
Willing to spray paint your right shoe red, and your left shoe gold.
Can back up triples into dock on 1 try, like BRG.
:biglaugh:
Exactly! Plus no safety review in prior 3 years, Microsoft word-excel-Outlook exp, knowledge of smith system & project management techniques, FMCSRs, ect, etc, just to name a few... And willing to travel, work flexible schedule as needed, whIle being exposed to hot/cold weather, dust, fumes...
 
:biglaugh:
Exactly! Plus no safety review in prior 3 years, Microsoft word-excel-Outlook exp, knowledge of smith system & project management techniques, FMCSRs, ect, etc, just to name a few... and willing to travel, work flexible schedule as needed...
I can do that... wonder if Coop Dispatch will let me work for fed ex on Sunday?
 
Is this job posted at a specific center? I heard a rumour a couple months ago that our center was going to be one of 2 on the country "training DDI's".

Maybe this job posting is for a Driver Developent Instructor Instructor.
 
Thanks Red,

It sounds a little like that, BUT it includes quite a few interesting duties/responsibilities and qualifications, including all CDL related.

Also the pay grade is 9 and listed as salary. I'm told grade 9 is on par with entry level supervisor, while grade 1 would be at the far other (Mike Ducker) end of the scale...

May need to verify, since there must be more to the story...
I’m pretty sure our DDI is already salary but I’ll double check with him to make sure...and almost everything he does is CDL related. Also, when he’s not training/instructing, he runs the city like a normal driver.
 
I’m pretty sure our DDI is already salary but I’ll double check with him to make sure...and almost everything he does is CDL related. Also, when he’s not training/instructing, he runs the city like a normal driver.
He's not salary. I heard him say he had to clock in.
 
Is this job posted at a specific center? I heard a rumour a couple months ago that our center was going to be one of 2 on the country "training DDI's".

Maybe this job posting is for a Driver Developent Instructor Instructor.
The location was listed as "OPEN". You might be on to something... (Training DDIs) Sounds about right.
 
Driver Development Specialist.
So far all the DDIs have produced are steering wheel holders. Would like to think this might produce different results but I’m not holding my breath.

We've had a few pretty good young drivers get trained up. I've watched one in particular go down the road like a 15 year vet. I suppose that some are just naturals...
 
We've had a few pretty good young drivers get trained up. I've watched one in particular go down the road like a 15 year vet. I suppose that some are just naturals...
I’ll grant you that, but anymore those are the exception rather than the rule.
We have more than a few that when doing pre/post trip inspection never get beyond the landing gear. I’ve seen at least two rail containers arrive with all four corners unlocked.
 
I was one when I was there.
Dosent mean much, and less in regards to pay

The position used to pay an extra dolla per hr WHILE you were in training mode.

Basically, after the new driver has completed the driver development class, they are given over to a "specialist" to get more hands-on, and real world training, outside the confine of the class.
Specialists rides with them daily, on a regular city route. Student performs 100% of the duties that a seasoned driver would. Pretrip, hook, pallet jack, liftgate, paperwork, all bills, ect. You don' let them get in a bind, or a situation that a green driver couldn't handle, tricky backing situations, ect, This lasts for about a month. At the end of the day, the Specialists submits a quick report in regards to the students progress, where he needs work, ect. You sign off, and it' faxed in to wherever.
Generally, they will also spend a week with a road driver after their time with a city guy,before they are released to full driving capable.
No extra pay goes with the position.


I never minded it, and actually enjoyed helping new guys become more comfortable behind the wheel, using my knowledge, and experience (such as it was) I was never given a bad student. Most were eager to learn, and not hard to work with.
 
Last edited:
Generally, they will also spend a week with a road driver after their time with a city guy,before they are released to full driving capable.
This is part of the program they do not do anymore. I feel it is somewhat more important than the time spent in the city. Hopefully they will bring back the road coach week.
 
I’m pretty sure our DDI is already salary but I’ll double check with him to make sure...and almost everything he does is CDL related. Also, when he’s not training/instructing, he runs the city like a normal driver.
Our DDI gets paid $1 more per hour than the other drivers.
 
Listed as an internal career opportunity... (Driver Development Specialist)

Anyone familiar with this position? What they actually do?

FHMJUAJ.jpg
 
Top