VEDR Key Indicators (KIs) are the safety metrics FedEx® uses to measure how consistently service providers meet required driving and compliance standards. They are calculated from validated VEDR events and provide a clear picture of a provider’s overall safety performance.
FedEx® evaluates a service provider’s performance across several specific safety behaviors, such as speeding, distraction, seat belt use, complete stops (for P&D), following distance (for Linehaul), and camera equipment status. These behaviors are translated into KI categories, each with a monthly threshold established by FedEx®. If a provider’s monthly score for a category stays at or below the threshold, the provider “passes” that KI; if it rises above, the KI is marked as “fail.”
A KI score (also called an attainment score) is calculated using two factors:
The number of unsafe operator actions recorded in a month, and
The average number of active VEDR devices on the provider’s account during that same month.
This normalization allows FedEx® to fairly compare safety performance across service providers with different fleet sizes. A single month’s performance is shown alongside up to three previous months in the GroundCloud KI Dashboard, giving service providers clear visibility into their ongoing compliance and safety trends.
What Are Key Indicators (KIs)?
KIs are performance categories defined by FedEx® to evaluate a service provider’s safe vehicle operation within the FedEx® network. Each KI corresponds to a type of behavior or requirement monitored by the VEDR system.
KIs help FedEx® ensure:
Consistent safety expectations across stations.
Objective, data-driven comparisons among service providers.
Accountability for unsafe behaviors validated through VEDR events.
Each KI has a monthly threshold that determines whether a service provider passes or fails that indicator.
The Five Key Indicators
FedEx® currently defines five KIs. Some KIs apply differently depending on whether the provider is P&D or Linehaul.
KI 1 - Speeding
For P&D, KI 1 includes events where the vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by 10 mph or more.
For Linehaul, KI 1 includes both standard speeding events (10+ mph over the posted limit) and Max Speed violations (traveling 75+ mph).
KI 2 - Distraction
KI 2 covers any situation in which the driver is not paying sufficient attention to the road. This includes cases where the driver has an electronic device (phone, scanner, tablet, etc.) in their hand or lap. At the same time, the vehicle is in motion, whether or not they are actively interacting with it, as well as other forms of inattentive driving (for example, looking away from the road for extended periods).
KI 3 - Seat Belt
KI 3 measures instances where drivers (and any passengers) fail to wear a seat belt properly, including when the belt is buckled but not worn across the shoulder and chest as designed.
KI 4 - Incomplete Stop (P&D) / Following Distance (Linehaul)
For P&D, KI 4 evaluates whether drivers make a complete and safe stop at controlled intersections, including stop signs and traffic signals.
For Linehaul, KI 4 measures whether drivers maintain an adequate following distance (at least 3 seconds behind the lead vehicle).
KI 5 - Camera Equipment
KI 5 reflects issues with VEDR camera functionality or placement, for example, when the camera is obstructed (the driver cannot be seen), the view is misaligned, or the view is otherwise suboptimal, compromising AI performance or the device’s ability to record footage properly.
How KI Scores Are Calculated
FedEx® uses a simple formula to calculate KI performance for each category:
KI Attainment Score = (Number of Validated Unsafe Actions) ÷ (Average Active VEDR Devices)
Where:
Unsafe Actions = Evaluations applied by human reviewers to VEDR events
Average Active Devices = Average number of devices reporting during the month
This produces a normalized score that accounts for fleet size.
Example Calculation
For a more detailed, step-by-step example, see the FAQ section: How is a KI score calculated?
In a month, a service provider has:
7.5 average active devices
30 validated speeding violations
Calculation: 30 ÷ 7.5 = 4.0
FedEx® then compares this score to the published threshold to determine Pass or Fail.
Understanding Monthly Thresholds
Each KI has a maximum allowable score (threshold).
If the provider’s KI score is:
At or below the threshold → PASS
Above the threshold → FAIL
Thresholds are determined solely by FedEx® and updated as needed.
The current thresholds are:
KI 1: 5.0
KI 2: 5.0
KI 3: 5.0
KI 4: 8.0
KI 5: 2.0
Understanding What Counts Toward KI Scores
Only validated VEDR evaluations count toward KIs, not raw events.
Events Count Only If:
They are recorded by the VEDR device
They undergo human review
They are assigned an evaluation that FedEx® has defined as KI-impacting
Warnings do not count toward KIs, and many events do not affect KIs unless the evaluation specifically qualifies under FedEx® rules.
For a more detailed explanation of which evaluations count toward KIs, see the FAQ section: Which evaluations impact KIs?
Reporting and Visibility
GroundCloud is obligated to report KI results to FedEx® for the previous month on the third day of the following month. The same information that is sent to FedEx® is available to service providers through the VEDR KI Dashboard.
The KI Dashboard shows:
The current month’s KI scores
Pass/fail status for each KI
A four-month history for trend analysis
Device-level and event-level detail behind each KI
This visibility helps service providers:
Identify which behaviors need attention
Determine which drivers may need coaching
See whether equipment issues (such as camera problems) require resolution
By reviewing the KI Dashboard regularly, service providers can understand exactly what FedEx® will see in the monthly KI reporting.
Summary
KIs are FedEx®’s standardized way of evaluating safety performance across all service providers. They:
Reflect validated unsafe behaviors
Normalize for fleet size
Determine pass/fail safety compliance monthly
Understanding how KIs work enables service providers to manage their fleets better, improve safety performance, and maintain strong operational standing with FedEx®.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Counts as an Active VEDR Cevice?
An active VEDR device has been activated in GroundCloud and is currently set to a Service Status of “In Service.” Devices with a service status of “Inactive” or “Out of Service” are not considered active VEDR devices and are excluded from KI calculations.
Is a Vehicle Marked “Out of Service” still Considered VEDR-equipped?
No. When a vehicle is marked Out of Service, it is not counted as a VEDR-equipped vehicle for reporting or KI calculations during that period.
When Should I Mark a Vehicle as “Out of Service,” and How do I do it?
You should mark a vehicle as Out of Service whenever it is not being used in FedEx® operations for a period of time (for example, long-term maintenance, seasonal storage, or being removed from your active fleet). This ensures it is not counted as an active VEDR-equipped vehicle for reporting and KI calculations during that window.
For step-by-step instructions on how to set an Out of Service window in GroundCloud, refer to the Adding an Out of Service Window help center article.
Which Evaluations Impact KIs?
Only validated evaluations applied during human review count toward KI scoring.
If an event receives any of the evaluations listed below, it will be included in the respective KI category for that month.
FedEx® defines all evaluations in the Minimum Standard for VEDR Triggering Events (available in MyBizAccount).
KI 1 - Speeding
Evaluations that impact this KI include:
Excessive Speeding
Exceeded Maximum Fleet Speed (Linehaul only)
KI 2 - Distraction
Evaluations that impact this KI include:
Electronic Device
Reading Paperwork
General Distraction
KI 3 - Seat Belt
Evaluations that impact this KI include:
No Seat Belt – Driver
No Seat Belt – Passenger
KI 4 - Incomplete Stop (P&D) / Following Distance (Linehaul)
Evaluations that impact this KI include:
For P&D:
Incomplete Stop / Failure to Stop / Failure to Yield
For Linehaul:
Unsafe Following
KI 5 - Camera Equipment
Evaluations that impact this KI include:
Camera Obstructed
Suboptimal Camera Position
Non-Performing Camera
What if I Disagree with the Evaluation of an Event?
If you believe an event was evaluated incorrectly, you can submit a dispute directly from the event details screen. The event will be re-reviewed, and if the original evaluation was applied in error, it will be corrected and any associated KI impact will be adjusted automatically.
For step-by-step instructions on submitting a dispute, refer to the Disputing VEDR Events help center article.
If an Event is Disputed and Overturned, is the KI Score Adjusted?
Yes. If an evaluation is corrected, the KI score recalculates automatically.
Do Warnings Count Toward KI Scores?
No. Warnings are not stored, not reported and never counted toward KIs.
What Happens when a Driver has Multiple Events for the Same Behavior in a Single Day?
Each validated event is counted separately for KI scoring, even if it involves the same driver, the same behavior and the same day. Events are not combined or squashed into a single entry; every qualifying event is included in the KI calculations.
Does my Device Need to be AI-capable for KI Scoring?
Yes. FedEx® requires AI-capable VEDR devices to detect the behaviors used for KIs accurately.
I am a P&D Service Provider. Following Distance is Not One of my KIs. Why Will my Drivers Still Receive Following Distance Warnings or Violations?
All drivers are subject to the full set of AI safety monitoring features, including Following Distance. Even though Following Distance is not tracked as a P&D KI, P&D drivers may still receive warnings and violations for behaviors such as Close Following or Tailgating. These alerts are part of FedEx’s standard safety expectations for all vehicles and all contract types.
I am a Linehaul Service Provider. Incomplete Stop is not one of my KIs. Why Will my Drivers Still Receive Stop-related Warnings or Violations?
AI safety monitoring applies to all drivers, regardless of contract type. Linehaul drivers may still receive warnings and violations for Stop Sign Violations, including Failure to Stop, Incomplete Stop or Failure to Yield. These alerts are generated because stopping behavior is part of FedEx’s universal safety requirements, even though it is not included in the Linehaul KI structure.
How is a KI Score Calculated?
Here is a detailed example showing how to calculate Average Active VEDR Devices and KI Attainment Scores, using a P&D operation for illustration.
1. Calculate Total Active VEDR Devices for the Month
As a P&D service provider, you had:
5 active devices per day for the first 15 days of the month
10 active devices per day for the remaining 15 days of the month
The total number of active VEDR devices for the month is calculated by adding up the active devices across all days:
First 15 days:
5 devices per day × 15 days = 75
Remaining 15 days:
10 devices per day × 15 days = 150
Total active VEDR devices for the month:
75 + 150 = 225
2. Calculate the Average Active VEDR Devices
Average Active VEDR Devices is the total number of active devices divided by the number of days in the month.
Total active VEDR devices for the month: 225
Days in the month: 30
Average Active VEDR Devices:
225 ÷ 30 = 7.5
3. Total Unsafe Operator Actions for the Month
Speeding: 30
Distractions: 20
Seat Belt: 45
Incomplete Stop: 27
Camera Equipment: 20
4. Calculate the KI Attainment Score for Each Category
The Attainment Score is calculated as:
Attainment Score = Unsafe Operator Actions ÷ Average Active VEDR Devices
Using the monthly average of 7.5 devices:
Speeding: 30 ÷ 7.5 = 4.0
Distractions: 20 ÷ 7.5 = 2.6
Seat Belt: 45 ÷ 7.5 = 6.0
Incomplete Stop: 27 ÷ 7.5 = 3.66
Camera Equipment: 20 ÷ 7.5 = 2.6
For a visual example showing this calculation specifically for Speeding, refer to the accompanying image.
Can I Lose my Contract if I Fail a KI?
GroundCloud can’t speak to FedEx® contractual or disciplinary actions. For questions about how KI performance may affect your contract or standing, please consult your station management or your FedEx® representative.
Questions or Support
If you have other questions about VEDR or KIs, please read this VEDR & KI - FAQ help center article.
For more information on MV/AI VEDR, refer to this MV/AI VEDR help center article.
If you still have questions about AI VEDR or need assistance, contact GroundCloud Support at (218) 864-7900 (option 2) or email servicedesk@descartes.com.