Anyone work at UPS?

[TeenageRiot]

How's it going everyone, I was just wondering if anyone here is or has worked at UPS. I applied, and I have to go to my interview, but I have been told by my brother that if I study the "codes" then I don't have to be a package handler. Is this true? If so, where can I get information about these codes, so that I can start studyin them. Any help appreciated, thanks.

 

[ivol07]

Almost every job at UPS involves handling packages at some point. What I think your brother is probably talking about is becoming a "Sorter". You can't do this right off, you have to take a bunch of tests first and have the right seniority.

Speaking from my experience you will either become a loader or an unloader. These are the two "entry" level jobs. If you are a loader you will need to learn a list of zip codes that are for your area. You will need to check the zips on the packages, scan them and load them. They train you EXTENSIVELY on doing all this. It's not the hardest job, and it's actually kind of fun. UPS is a great company to work for. They treat their employees great and if you work hard you can definitely move up.

Now, with that being said my number one piece of advice I could give you is IGNORE ALL THE UNION BULL that you will be hearing. You are going to have to become a Teamster...aka...organized cry babies. For the most part this isn't that big of a deal, but I guarantee you you will meet at least one "Old guy" who will try and fill your head with the grand knowledge that you should do only what is the bare minimum required and not one thing more. Now this advice is great if you aspire to one day become one of these Old Guys who go around taping up boxes on light duty for 8 hours because of their numerous "back injuries", but if you want to actually get somewhere in the company I recommend you work hard. Trust me, you will be rewarded nicely if you do.

I started at UPS as a loader, moved up to Management and left a few years back.

 

[drum]

ups hires from within. therefore you will be 1 of 2 things when you start, a loader or an unloader. after 30 days you can apply for a supervisory position.
i loaded for a while and currently I sort. i'm responsible for knowing the zip codes for northern and southern california, most of texas, west virginia, and ohio.
i 'sort' about 7000 boxes a night, not counting irregulars that are 70lbs+ usually up to 140 although the max UPS allows is 150lbs

 

[V00DOO]

I worked for UPS as a loader when I was in college. Being a loader is an intense manual labor job. The first 2 weeks will be very hard on your body however you body will adjust. I also study to be a sorter. There isn't an UPS universal codes for sorting. Every UPS hub sorts zip codes differently. If you have the desire to become a sorter which I think is an easier job than being a loader and sorters get pay a little more, you'll have to spend you own time in the UPS training facility. I passed the sorter exam within 2 weeks of training. I also got paid $100 for my time fo training. This is more 10 years ago and things might not be the same. Good luck.

BTW, don't do what one of my coworker did. He bought his own shipping label with his girlfriend's address on it and put it on top of all the merchandises he wanted. The FBI hand cluffed him and walked him around the facility.