As one of the world‘s largest employers with operations spanning the globe, FedEx offers a world of opportunity for its over 500,000 team members. For many FedEx employees, that includes the ability to transfer to new locations – whether that‘s across town or clear across the country.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about transferring to another state with FedEx, from eligibility requirements to the application process to how a move impacts your benefits. So if you‘re a FedEx employee dreaming of a change of scenery, read on!
Types of Transfers at FedEx
First, it‘s important to understand that not all transfers are created equal at FedEx. The company has various distinct operating companies:
- FedEx Express
- FedEx Ground
- FedEx Freight
- FedEx Office
- FedEx Supply Chain
- FedEx Services
In general, transfers within the same operating company are considered "internal" and are a more straightforward process. So for example, if you currently work for FedEx Ground in Pennsylvania and want to transfer to a FedEx Ground facility in Florida, that would be an internal transfer.
On the flip side, transferring to a different operating company is considered "external." In keeping with our example, if that same Pennsylvania FedEx Ground employee wanted to transfer to a FedEx Express position in Florida, it would be deemed an external transfer.
This distinction matters because the transfer process and policies can differ depending on the type. But don‘t worry – we‘ll walk you through both!
Eligibility for Transferring
So who is eligible to transfer within FedEx, and what are the requirements? Let‘s break it down:
Tenure
All FedEx employees must work in their current position for at least six months before being eligible to transfer. This ensures you have ample time to learn your role and make an impact before moving on to a new opportunity.
Performance
You must be meeting minimum performance expectations and not be on any type of corrective action plan in order to be eligible for a transfer. Basically, be in good standing!
Unique Requirements
Certain positions may have other unique eligibility requirements for transfers, such as additional tenure, specific certifications, or background checks. Your manager or HR representative can advise you on any special criteria for your role.
The Internal Transfer Process
Alright, now that you know if you‘re eligible for a transfer at FedEx, let‘s dive into the actual process for internal transfers within your operating company. While the exact steps and systems might vary slightly between OpCos, the general process is:
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Search for open positions in your desired location using your OpCo‘s internal job posting site or tool. Common ones include JCATS and MyGroundCareer.
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If you find a role and location of interest, submit an application through the internal system. You‘ll usually need to include an updated resume and indicate your employee ID number.
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All employee applicants are scored based on factors like tenure, performance, and skills. Candidates are then ranked by their overall score.
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At the end of the application period (usually one week), the candidate with the highest score is offered the transfer position.
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If you are offered the transfer, work with your current and future managers to agree on a transition date and plan. Prepare to make your move!
Internal transfers are generally easier than external ones as your employment history and performance are already known to FedEx. Your tenure and benefits also seamlessly transfer with you to your new position.
The External Transfer Process
If an internal transfer isn‘t an option based on your desired location or role, you‘ll need to apply for an external transfer to another FedEx OpCo. Here‘s how that process works:
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Search for open positions at other FedEx OpCos via the main FedEx Jobs site: careers.fedex.com. You can filter by location, OpCo, and job type.
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If you find a position of interest, you‘ll need to apply through the external FedEx Jobs portal as if you were a candidate outside the company.
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Your application will be reviewed along with other external candidates by the Recruitment and Hiring teams for that OpCo. However, your FedEx experience can give you a leg up on the competition!
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If selected, you‘ll need to go through the standard hiring process for that OpCo, including interviews, background check, drug screen, etc.
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Once hired, certain benefits like pensions may carry over, but you‘ll be subject to that OpCo‘s policies, pay scales, and benefit programs as a new employee.
The key with an external transfer is allowing extra time since you‘ll be going through the full recruitment process. It‘s also important to have realistic expectations, as your tenure and pay may not be identical to your current role.
Benefits Implications of Transferring
One of the most common questions from employees looking to transfer is: what happens to my benefits? The good news is most of your key FedEx benefits will carry over, regardless of whether your transfer is internal or external:
Retirement
Your 401(k) and pension benefits are tied to FedEx as a whole, not your individual OpCo. So those will seamlessly move with you to your new position without interruption in vesting or employer contributions.
Healthcare
Your health, dental, and vision insurance elections will typically remain intact if you transfer internally. If moving to a new OpCo, you‘ll likely have a special enrollment window to choose new plans.
Vacation & Sick Leave
Your accrued paid time off will usually transfer with you to your new position, though the policies for earning new PTO may differ slightly by OpCo. Be sure to clarify your new PTO policy with your hiring manager.
Perks & Discounts
From employee discounts to tuition reimbursement, most FedEx corporate perks will remain available to you as a transferring employee. Some, like gym reimbursement, may vary based on your new location and role.
The best advice is to partner with your current manager and HR contact, as well as your new hiring manager, to fully understand any changes to your benefits upon transferring. A move to a new state can also impact things like tax withholding and 401(k) deductions, so be sure to update your information accordingly.
Tips for a Successful Transfer to Another State
Transferring with FedEx is a great way to find new opportunities while maintaining your tenure and benefits, but it‘s not without its challenges – especially when moving to a new state! Here are some pro tips to make your transfer journey a smooth one:
Start Early
Transfers can often take longer than expected, so it‘s best to start your search and application process as early as possible. Build in extra time for hiccups so you don‘t feel rushed or panicked.
Be Flexible
The more flexible you can be on things like timing, location, and position type, the more likely you are to lock in that transfer. Prioritize what‘s most important to you (i.e. moving to a certain city to be near family) and be willing to compromise on the rest.
Leverage Your FedEx Network
As a current employee, you have a built-in network of managers, peers, mentors, and contacts across the company. Don‘t be shy to let them know about your transfer goals – they might just know of an opportunity or be able to put in a good word!
Maintain Strong Performance
The better your performance in your current role, the more competitive you‘ll be for those coveted transfer positions. Focus on exceeding expectations, building positive relationships, and making an impact so you‘re highly desirable for new roles.
Real-World Transfer Examples
To illustrate how FedEx transfers really work, let‘s take a look at a few real examples from employees who have made the leap:
"I started my career with FedEx Ground in New Jersey as a package handler in 2010. In 2016, my family decided to relocate to North Carolina for my husband‘s job. I was nervous about finding a new job, but then I learned about FedEx‘s transfer policy! I ended up transferring internally to a FedEx Ground driver position in Charlotte. My tenure, pay, and benefits all carried over seamlessly – I even got to keep my original hire date for seniority and vacation. The whole process took about three months from application to my first day, and it was so worth it to have a great job lined up in our new hometown!" – Erica, FedEx Ground
"After working in IT for FedEx Services in Colorado for six years, I was ready for a new challenge. I decided to apply for a manager position with FedEx Express in Memphis. As an external transfer, I had to go through the whole interview and background check process, but having that FedEx experience on my resume definitely gave me an advantage over outside candidates. FedEx also made sure I knew exactly how my benefits would transition and put me in touch with a relocation specialist to make my move easier. I ended up getting the job and have been thriving in my new role in Memphis for almost two years now!" – Steve, FedEx Express
These are just a couple of examples, but they demonstrate that with proper planning, strong performance, and a solid understanding of the process, transferring to another state with FedEx can be an amazing way to advance your career while exploring a new corner of the country.
The Bottom Line
FedEx is a global company that takes pride in offering growth and development opportunities to its employees, including the option to transfer to new locations and roles. By following the eligibility guidelines, understanding the different transfer types, and proactively managing your performance and network, you can absolutely make your transfer dreams a reality.
Just remember – a new state means new adventures, both personally and professionally! Take advantage of all the resources and support FedEx offers to ensure your transfer journey is a positive one. Happy moving!
The information provided in this article is based on FedEx‘s transfer policies as of 2023. Please consult your HR representative or manager for the most current and accurate details of the company‘s transfer process.
