anyone ever work for UPS

[CaseyRyback]

Just wondering if anyone has had any bad experiences working there. Everything I have heard so far has been extremely positive, and I want to make sure that it is as good as it sounds

[daphatty]

Never worked for them but I have worked in that industry. Depending on what you do the work can be back breaking. Being a driver is cool. Working on the dock (like I did full time for over 2 years) takes its toll on your health.

[smalien1]

You driving or doing office/warehouse work?

[Rig]

I've never worked at UPS.

[CaseyRyback]

loading and unloading packages is what I would be doing.

The pay and benefits are really good.


As far as work, while I heard it was pretty hard, but you only work like 3 hours a day.

[smalien1]

I've never worked at UPS.

Did you really need to say that?

[smalien1]

I've never worked at UPS.

Did you really need to say that?

Did I really need to say that?:roll:

[big_squirtle]

definately depends on what your position is. If your at the bottom (loader/ unloader) it isn't bad. You ave a unioin and it isn't that easy for them to fire you. A driver you got it made, these guys take lunches like its nobody business. Sometimes depending on their route they make tips too. Supervisors although they should have it better, dont. Depends on how high you go. If you let me know what position your looking at I can definetly give you some info.

[CaseyRyback]

loader and unloader on belts is what I would be doing.

I thought about being holiday help, but I really would prefer to get a steady job.

[Rig]

I've never worked at UPS.

Did you really need to say that?

No, I really didn't. :)

[bsschorr]

I worked briefly for UPS unloading trucks during their holiday rush (September to October). During the training they mentioned that their attrition rate for unloaders was 90% and after doing the job I can believe it. Loading and unloading is back breaking work; if I remember correctly, they require you to unload a minimum of 300 packages per hour with a rough average weight of 20-30 lbs per package. It does not sound that hard, but after a week I was so sore I could barely move.

[big_squirtle]

Loaders / unloaders work for 5 hours usually. If they work less they still get paid for 5. If they work more then they get paid for those hours. If they double shift they get OT pay. Hope this helps.

[big_squirtle]

I worked briefly for UPS unloading trucks during their holiday rush (September to October). During the training they mentioned that their attrition rate for unloaders was 90% and after doing the job I can believe it. Loading and unloading is back breaking work; if I remember correctly, they require you to unload a minimum of 300 packages per hour with a rough average weight of 20-30 lbs per package. It does not sound that hard, but after a week I was so sore I could barely move.

The trick is to knock the packages onto the conveyer belt, less efort and more pieces per hour!

[CaseyRyback]

the guy I talked to said that he usually starts at 5:30 and is out by 9:15.

and I did hear that it was pretty hard to do, but I really need to lose some weight and I figured this would be a good way to shed some extra pounds.

[daphatty]

Ah, the memories return. My worst nightmare was a trailer that came in with it's entire cargo headed to various home depot's throughout our region. It had well over 100 shipments of various sizes. It took me an entire 8 hour shift to unload that fucker and I had help for all of 20 minutes. I was subsequently written up for "poor performance." I think I was setup...

Enjoy Casey!

[daphatty]

the guy I talked to said that he usually starts at 5:30 and is out by 9:15.

and I did hear that it was pretty hard to do, but I really need to lose some weight and I figured this would be a good way to shed some extra pounds.

Weightloss? Nah, you won't see any of that. Muscle gain definitely, but not weightloss. You have a better chance of losing weight jogging for 30 minutes a day.

Oh, one other thing I hated about working on a dock, winters. You work outdoors in VERY cold weather. Not fun.

[The Gifuto]

I worked as a pre-loader for UPS for about a year. It was great pay and benefits, the hours sucked though (3:50am until about 8am). If you have your choice, get a postion loading the trucks, as opposed to un-loading the semi trailers. Loading the trucks paid an extra $1.00 an hour.

My experience wasn't stellar, but it paid the bills.

[zewone]

I work in a wherehouse and alot of the time I have to unload and load trucks. Its not fun. Maybe for 3 hours it wouldn't be so bad, but I work 8-10 hours doing that and it kills me physically.

[big_squirtle]

the guy I talked to said that he usually starts at 5:30 and is out by 9:15.

and I did hear that it was pretty hard to do, but I really need to lose some weight and I figured this would be a good way to shed some extra pounds.

Thats called the Twi-Sort. Be prepard during peak they have you there until around 10:30-11:00. Try to be an unloader if you get a choice. It is definately easier than loading. As far as shedding the pounds, most definately this will help. All you have to do is show some hustle for the November-December months, and you will be in there. They hire a bunch of people for the holidays, and there is a freeze on joining the union for those months. As soon as January rolls around, you will pay your first dues. I think its like $30 a month.

[MadChedar0]

The past two summers I've worked at a lumber yard in Buffalo and yeah, it takes a lot out of you. It is a good workout though :)

[big_squirtle]

If you wanna get the extra $1 an hour ask your supervisor about being a sorter. These are the guys you are sending the packages to via the conveyer belt. All they do is grab the box, look at the zip, and put it on 1 of 5 other belts. EZ money, less work, same benefits. All you have to do is memorize like 6 different area codes. You can ask to be a sorter after working there for 1 month.

[devilmaycry218]

I loaded trucks for UPS and it is backbreaking work. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter in the trailers you'll be loading. The pay and benefits aren't bad and if you can move up to driver then you have it made but that could take years. The injury rate there is really high too especially with back problems. As for losing weight and gaining muscle...you will do both but I would rather go to the gym. Good luck on whatever you decide!

[RavingGoat]

My experience was typical. Good pay and benefits but the work was hard and the morning shift sucked. It was the best paying job to get while in college though.

[CaseyRyback]

If you wanna get the extra $1 an hour ask your supervisor about being a sorter. These are the guys you are sending the packages to via the conveyer belt. All they do is grab the box, look at the zip, and put it on 1 of 5 other belts. EZ money, less work, same benefits. All you have to do is memorize like 6 different area codes. You can ask to be a sorter after working there for 1 month.

the guy I was talking to told me about that. He works the conveyor belt, basically he said they take the boxes out of the conveyor and scan them in to ship.

At least I do not live in DC or NYC like you guys. At least here in Raleigh there is not the same volume to deal with

[LV-426RS]

They have their main hub where I live, although I've never worked there I know many people who have. I've never really heard anyone complain. They have awesome benefits for students. They will even pay part of you housing.

[Scrubking]

My friend used to work for them and they ride your ass like a fucking animal.

Like was mentioned, they have quotas that workers are supposed to meet on an hourly basis and if you are not breaking your ass you get fired immediately. And if you enjoy the slave driving you get benefits after a couple months.

[jlarlee]

I had a friend at work who did it as a second job and he only had positive things to say about them. They also wanted to promote him some kind of shift manager after only 4 months there so being promoted may be a possiblity.

[Scrubking]

I had a friend at work who did it as a second job and he only had positive things to say about them. They also wanted to promote him some kind of shift manager after only 4 months there so being promoted may be a possiblity.

My friends became managers as well and they still ride your ass, except instead of being in one spot you have to go and help pick up the slack wherever it is needed. So basically you are now running back and forth busting your ass instead of being at one station.

[LV-426RS]

That's one thing I did hear is that it's kind of easy to get promoted. No one in their right mind would do that job.

[warboe]

I work there now, being a pick. The job itself isn't too bad, but the workplace sucks ass. You can become a sorter as soon as you step through the doors though, and if your hub/center is any thing like mine, there are a lot more than five zips to memorize. Try to remember which of 11-13 belts to send a box. Unloaders now have to get up around 500 boxes an hour and loaders should get at least 350 an hour. Don't become managment, they can and do fire you if they feel like it. Stay union, good benefits and decent money, but the hours suck. I work overnight and usually work 25-28 hrs. a week.

[jetblac]

I've worked at UPS twice. One xmas the container for plane shipments. just had to make sure it was tight. I was temp but after my performance the wanted me permanent. I told them I can't do it. The second time I loaded trailers. I hated it. I did lose 10 pounds and got some new muscular definition in my shoulders. But I never made it to week 5.
note: If you leave one day and never show back up, they will mail your check to you.

[jalu6]

ive worked for UPS for a few years, but its in the corporate IT offices, not in one of the hubs. from what i hear they do a lot of promoting from within, so if you break your back for a year or so, there could be a good future in it for you...

[ryanbph]

what kind of pay do they offer?

[CaseyRyback]

They have their main hub where I live, although I've never worked there I know many people who have. I've never really heard anyone complain. They have awesome benefits for students. They will even pay part of you housing.


they give 1000 for schooling a semester which is nice.

[warboe]

Not sure if it's just around here, but I get 1500 a semester or 3000 a year for school. About the only reason I am still there.