anyone ever work as a package handler for UPS/Fedex

[DaVortex]

Im a college student and thinking of being a package handler for UPS, I was told that this is a very hard job and not many people last very long. They only pay about $8/hr + change for 3-5hrs a day but I believe that they have tuition reimbursement for college and thats the main reason why I want a job there

 

[minendo]

Extremely physical work. Great way to get into shape or so I have been told.

 

[Zee]

time is calculated by 1/100th of an hour.

 

[NFS4]

My house mate is in college and works as a package handler for UPS. I think they help pay for his tuition as well.

He works from 11:00PM to ~ 2:30AM

 

[GrumpyMan]

Very hard work. Only the strong need apply. But it is a good workout.

 

[Svnla]

I worked for UPS as a part time package handler a few years back while I still in college. Warnning, if you are not in shape or can't stand the heat/cold/physical grunt work, don't bother to apply. It is very demanding on your body and you have to move the packages fast (every package in 2 to 3 seconds or less).

The benefits are great for part timers. You have tuitition reimbursement, healthcare, 401K, ect. even you only work part time.

You probably work the nighshift (7 to 11 p.m.) to unload trucks or graveyard (1 to 6 a.m.) to load the truck. Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

EDIT: if you get the job, remember to bring a big jug of cold ice water with you. You WILL need it. Wear some comfortable clothes and good comfortable boots. No need to be fancy, you are not in the office. Dress as contruction workers but without the hard hat.

 

[AdamSnow]

I worked as Key Entry for UPS.

Enter all of the package information into the computer for Customs and such.

Great job, $9+/hour, full benefits, etc.

Was great while in college.

Where are you applying ? I have a great connection for Southern Ontario Canada to get into UPS.

 

[dr150]

Extremely physical work.

Once you work for such a company and see how the kids throw around and damage boxes, you'll never, ever want to ship with one of these big shippers unless heavily INSURED!!

 

[RobCur]

Originally posted by: dr150
Extremely physical work.

Once you work for such a company and see how the kids throw around and damage boxes, you'll never, ever want to ship with one of these big shippers unless heavily INSURED!!

"work sucks, let's beat the crap out of it!" this is how kids have fun, they should not hire kids to do this boring kind of work in the first place.

 

[Mill]

I'm hardly in shape, but are all of you fricken high? I worked for Fedex as a package handler, and it was hardly a physically challenging job. Sure, I would sweat like a stuck pig and be tired after the 5 hour shift, but it wasn't like I was digging ditches. It is a physical job, but not that bad. I only quit because my boss lied to me.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: Mill
I'm hardly in shape, but are all of you fricken high? I worked for Fedex as a package handler, and it was hardly a physically challenging job. Sure, I would sweat like a stuck pig and be tired after the 5 hour shift, but it wasn't like I was digging ditches. It is a physical job, but not that bad. I only quit because my boss lied to me.

What position at FedEx did you work? I've worked as a UPS handler and currently my uncle works for the main hub in Memphis - from his description, it's not even close to being as tough as it was with UPS

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: Mill
I'm hardly in shape, but are all of you fricken high? I worked for Fedex as a package handler, and it was hardly a physically challenging job. Sure, I would sweat like a stuck pig and be tired after the 5 hour shift, but it wasn't like I was digging ditches. It is a physical job, but not that bad. I only quit because my boss lied to me.

What position at FedEx did you work? I've worked as a UPS handler and currently my uncle works for the main hub in Memphis - from his description, it's not even close to being as tough as it was with UPS

I did Sort from 2:30 AM to 7:30 AM for Fedex commercial sort in Birmingham. Maybe UPS is tougher, but Fedex pays better!

 

[RossMAN]

Don't let all the "extremely physical" work posts scare you but it is demanding.

During the summer time it can be BRUTAL because it's sweltering hot (hotter than outside temp) in the sorting facilities.

Fortunately they're short shifts (usually 4 hours) so the time can fly.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Don't let all the "extremely physical" work posts scare you but it is demanding.

During the summer time it can be BRUTAL because it's sweltering hot (hotter than outside temp) in the sorting facilities.

Fortunately they're short shifts (usually 4 hours) so the time can fly.

That is one thing I forgot to leave out. It is typically +20 to 40 degrees from the outside in the summer, and cold as balls in the winter. The short shifts make it bearable though.

 

[Insane3D]

How cold is "cold as balls" exactly Mill?