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5 Key Things to Know: FedEx Linehaul

FedEx is always looking for ways to improve its shipping services, and one of the ways it does that is by using linehaul tractors. These tractor-trailers are specifically designed to help transport packages across long distances, and they’re a crucial part of FedEx’s shipping infrastructure.

If you want to become a FedEx Linehaul contractor, you will need this tractor to start working on the route. Here are some things to know before purchasing one:

Basic Ground Requirements by FedEx:

If you’ve decided to buy a tractor for FedEx linehaul, make sure to meet these requirements:

  • Maximum length = 27ft 5 in
  • Maximum height = 13ft 6in
  • The tractor should have a white color with the Contractor Name and FedEx Ground DOT#
  • Maximum fifth-wheel height = 49in
  • Should have FCAM system
  • Must have FedEx approved ELD
  • Should have VEDR
  • Mush contain compliant reflective devices and lamp
  • Must be equipped with FedEx Ground specified Safety Chain Hookup and Pintle Hook
  • Daycab or Sleeper, Tandem axle or Single

Tips for Choosing the Right FedEx Ground Linehaul Tractor:

You can almost guarantee lower profits and efficiency if you don’t get yourself the right tractor for the FedEx Ground Linehaul run. Make sure to follow these things when getting a tractor:

  • Make sure to only use sleeper tractors for Team Runs.
  • For solo runs, go for single axle day cab tractors. They offer better fuel economy and have lower maintenance costs.
  • Don’t go for older tractors that have over 450k miles. You’re guaranteed to have a giant $50k expense on repairs in the near future.
  • Avoid purchasing glider trucks.
  • For better fuel economy, go for automatic, aerodynamic, or those trucks with fairing kits.

Be Familiar with Linehaul Tractor Maintenance Costs:

Remember, one of your biggest expenses in this business is going to be tractor maintenance costs. According to American Transportation Research Institute, maintenance costs for tractors are:

  • $0.15 for new trucks
  • $0.35 for old trucks

Solo Run tractors typically rack up nearly 100,000 miles or more a year, while Team Run tractors drive around 225,000 miles or more per year. Based on this:

  • You’ll spend nearly $15,000+ per year on repairs and maintenance of a new Solo Run truck. Used trucks may incur up to $35,000 per year.
  • You’ll spend around $30,000+ per year for a new Team Run tractor and over $70,000 per year for an old truck.

Tractor Life:

Although heavy trucks can be on the roads for several years, their repairs and maintenance costs start getting higher as they get older. Therefore, we suggest replacing a truck that’s in the danger zone. By danger zone, we mean a truck with over 450,000 miles on it or has been used for over five years. Make sure to keep the following replacement schedule:

  • Replace Team Run tractors after they rack up 600,000 miles or become 2-3 years old
  • Replace Solo Run tractors after they rack up 450,000 miles or become 3-4 years old

Remember this when purchasing a used truck as well. You do not want to get stuck with a tractor that eats up a major chunk of your profits in repairs and maintenance.

Costs of Linehaul Tractors:

If you go for new linehaul tractors, keep in mind they’re quite expensive. However, you don’t have any choice but to go for new ones as old tractors may cost you a lot more money in the long run in terms of repairs and maintenance. Below are some general costs of linehaul trucks (new):

  • Tandem Axle Sleeper can cost $155,000+ and an additional 12% Federal Excise Tax
  • Tandem Axle Daycab can cost $140,000+ and an additional 12% Federal Excise Tax
  • Single Axle Daycab can cost $125,000+ and an additional 12% Federal Excise Tax

Lastly, if you’re investing so much money in a truck, it is extremely crucial to have FedEx parcel delivery insurance. In case the truck is damaged, your investment will be protected.