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Graduated Qualifications


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  • Home > Operations > Driver Qualification Resources > Entry Level Driving Standards for P&D > Graduated Qualifications.


Graduated Qualifications (GQ) *GDT Program(s)

The Driver Safety Standards set forth a provision for service provider personnel to be assigned to provide driving services without prior driving experience (Section 2.1(A)(1)(d)). One option for qualifying personnel under this provision, regardless of the amount of previous driving experience, is via Graduated Qualifications (GQ), which entails successful completion of each level (candidates must start at the first level and then have the ability to qualify at each successive level). Levels are defined by vehicle type, and each level includes the successful completion of a vendor’s training program, road test and observation ride(s) in the type of vehicle that the candidate will be operating. Please direct any questions to GraduatedQualifications@fedex.com.


Basic Overview of Levels

  • Level 10 (L10) - GVWR less than 10,001 lbs.: L10 encompasses:

    • A four-hour introductory course including defensive driving techniques

    • Regulatory understanding and a safety technology overview applicable to this type of vehicle

    • 12 behind-the-wheel hours observed in no less than three days

Note: Due to COVID-19, temporary changes have been made to the GQ - L10 program until further notice. These changes include suspension of the Road Test and observed hours (U.S./ Canada) as well as suspension of drug tests and physicals (U.S. only).

  • Level 20 (L20) - GVWR less than 23,001 lbs. (up to P1000 step van in size): L20 includes:

    • Successful completion of L10, plus two hours of knowledge verification online

    • 4.5 hours of skill development in an L20 vehicle

    • 12 behind-the-wheel hours observed in no less than three days

  • Level 30 (L30) - GVWR less than 26,001 lbs.: L30 includes:

    • Successful completion of L10 & L20, plus additional knowledge verification online

    • 4.5 hours of skill development in an L30 vehicle

    • 12 behind-the-wheel hours observed in no less than three days

Service providers agree that the “Qualified Observer” is an employee of the service provider who meets the agreed-upon Qualified Observer terms as set forth in each standard. The terms are summarized below.


Graduated Qualifications (GQ) Terms

Before assigning personnel under an agreement with FedEx Ground, service providers agree to:

  1. Confirm personnel is at least 21 years of age and has a valid driver's license for at least two years.

  2. While processing an order for a new candidate, select Position Type ‘D’ to initiate a non-DOT driver less than 10,001 pounds and select Driver Type ‘U’ to initiate a new L10 candidate. After reviewing the completed application profile, the service provider places the order using Package ‘D’ - Non-DOT Driver Less Than 10,001 pounds.

    • If this is not a new candidate (the driver is already active)

  3. Advance the candidate through one of the following qualified vendor training programs:

  4. Ensure the candidate satisfies the applicable Driver Safety and Background Standards as set forth in the Agreement(s).

  5. Ensure the candidate properly completes the vendor program for the level's associated vehicle type and submit the certificate:

    • U.S.: Upload to First Advantage

    • Canada: Provide to station

  6. Administer a Road Test using a qualified road test administrator (RTA) in a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds.

  7. Submit the road test:

    • U.S.: Upload to First Advantage

    • Canada: Provide to station

  8. At this stage, the service provider should confirm with FedEx Ground station management that the candidate is designated as 'Active' at 'Level 10.'.

  9. Ensure completion of 12 behind-the-wheel observed hours with a Qualified Observer in the appropriate size vehicle for the GQ level using the SF-260 form.

  10. Verify with FedEx Ground station management that the driver shows 'Complete' at the completed level.

*All steps must be completed within 21 days of the candidate's certificate completion date. Observation rides must be completed on separate days.

*FedEx guidelines as of 3/2021.

Contact Descartes GroundCloud Support at (218) 864-7900, option 2 for further assistance.


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