Working for UPS...

**Thai Boxer 9901** · 12.03.06, 10:39 AM

Is there anyone here who is or has worked for UPS? Im asking because I start my new job there on tuesday as a package handler and im kinda nervous about the whole thing. I got the early morning shift (2 AM - 9 AM) which im not crazy about but I'll be makin close to $10 an hour. No uniforms and I can keep my goatee which is nice cuz I was worried that I was going to have to get rid of it. Liz is excited about the fact that I will actually be putting on some muscle which is another plus I guess haha. So if there is anyone who has had experience working with these guys, any advice, info or suggestions would be appreciated a bunch.

**hatchetforce** · 12.03.06, 11:22 AM

There used to be a Linker named Maurice the UPS Guy many moons ago

**LoveWalkinIn** · 12.03.06, 11:42 AM

I knew somebody that worked there. He said it was alright, quit after a few years. Doing work like that all night for years takes a toll on you after a while...Good luck.

**5150** · 12.03.06, 11:47 AM

I've heard the van drivers make upwards of $18/hr in our area. I'd hate to work there this time of year, tho.

**WinterlessIceness** · 12.03.06, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by hatchetforce

There used to be a Linker named Maurice the UPS Guy many moons ago

*the UPS Driver, but yeah it's been ages. Anyway we have deliveries from UPS in my store (alright, the store I work in

) and they seem to have a better equipment than most of the others, and overally it seems to be a leading company at least here in the UK.
Is it a holiday, or perm job?

**Bugs Meanie** · 12.03.06, 11:58 AM

Way back in the day in college I loaded UPS semis for 5 mos. I started as seasonal help much like yourself and kept it going for a bit after the new year. No uniforms, Nine bucks an hour (huge cash in '91 for a college kid).

It's a gritty atmosphere. A lot of loaders/unloaders I worked with used it as their second job and don't really take kindly to upwardly mobile 18 year olds. No big deal, just mind your business, keep quiet and work your ass off and you'll be fine.

The work is pretty tough if you're loading trucks. They stick you in a semi and fire packages at you down a conveyer belt. You have to "build walls" of packages quickly as the boxes keep coming. You won't get a lot muscle cuz most of the packages weigh less than 20 lbs. Pretty good aerobic workout though. I wasn't really that good at the job but I got by on my work ethic. If you're really good at putting puzzles together, you'll do well (you'll see what I mean by this after you start).

All in all, it's a pretty good company to work for a young guy. If you're good, it's easy to get promoted out of loading/unloading quickly. I knew a couple guys that advanced to management really quickly (within a year of getting hired to load/unload) and were making pretty good coin with benefits.

One more, don't be careless or reckless. I used to see a lot of guys get hurt, pull muscles, stitches and stuff like that. Be careful and lift with your legs.

Good luck!

**JMJ** · 12.03.06, 12:07 PM

i'm not tryin to scare you-but yer gonna be physically fucking drained

it's a lot of physical work, make sure yer abs are in good shape with all the lifting yer gonna be doing

your daily schedule is gonna get fucked up. you'll crash for hours when you get home. take a long time to get used to those hours.

make sure you sleep a few hours before work or you'll regret you didn't.

it'll build character and make you appreciate things later in life

do it, do it right. you have 2 to work for them 2 years before you can drive

good luck

**bkaraujo** · 12.03.06, 12:32 PM

I worked for them when I got laid off from my job a couple years ago. It is hard work, but it will get you in shape. I worked there so I could get free benefits, they also pay 2,000 per semester to go to school. The one I worked at did this. I used the benefits and that was it. Cool gig to get all that for free.

**Nostalgia Act** · 12.03.06, 12:49 PM

A friend of mine has worked for UPS for 25yrs. He also started out as a package handler.He used to call it "throwing boxes".

Follow jmj's advice
about catching a nap before you go in.I could never get used to the 3rd shift
hours. At 18yrs old you have the chance to have a job for many years.

Not wanting to sound like your father, but if i can give you the advice i gave my daughter, and will give to my other two kids. Give them an honest days work. Being a newbie, they will be watching your work ethic.If some of the guys that have been there a while hang out when break is over, you should go back to work.There are unwritten laws in all workplaces. New people haven't "earned" the right to do the things that people that have been there a while have.Go to work ,do your job, have fun when those occasions arise and if driving is something your interested in, go for it when that time comes.

oh and btw, my buddy will retire from there in 10yrs at the age of 53
with 35yrs on the job.

**Thai Boxer 9901** · 12.03.06, 12:55 PM

Yeah I know that im going to have to bust my ass in order to keep up with it all. My main concern is my chronic back problem. It happened a few years ago in kickboxing and ever since then, it has given me hell. Hopefully, this job will strengthen the muscle.

Unfortunatley, my abs arent what you would call "in the greatest of shape". After working at a pizza place for 4 months as a driver, their pizza started to taste really good lol.

Im pretty sure this is a permanent gig but who knows. With the holiday season, they told me that once january hits, they will lay off half of their work force because the pace slows down so much.

The only thing im really worried about is getting drained too quickly. I know that my first night will be hell and when I come home, ill be out for the rest of the night. I just hope that I can get it somewhat under control. Its kind of weird going to sleep at 8 or 9 at night. Im usually still wide awake at that time.

I like the idea though of having them help me out with college tuition. So far, UPS is the only company I know of that will help out with college and give you full benefits when doing part-time work.

One of the many things I hope to gain from this job is actually getting in shape. I know its not the best way to do it but if it works, then what the hell? And I will even surprise myself if I can lift 50 lbs.+ because I didnt take weight lifting in school so I dont have the biggest arms to lift stuff lol

**jrk5150** · 12.03.06, 01:59 PM

You will work your balls off. Work hard and work smart, and you'll be fine.

If you decide you can't hack it, just file a W/C claim for your back and get paid for nothing...

Also, by the way, be very carefull who you discuss your back with, and if you do, watch yourself. Don't lie - if they offer you a support belt, use it, if they offer any kind of ergonomic training or workshops, take them, etc. It's illegal as hell and UPS as a corporation wouldn't condone it, but it wouldn't surprise me if individual supervisors tried to run people off with physical issues under the radar screen...

**OLO** · 12.03.06, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by IED

If you decide you can't hack it, just file a W/C claim for your back and get paid for nothing...

I think this is extremely LAME!!! If you have a pre existing condition thats NOT UPS's fault, why should they have to pay you for that. Few years back I hired a guy that was down on his luck, he had been framing houses for years, we gave him a shot. He worked great for about 30 days then started to have Doctor Appointments, missing work etc etc. Next thing I know the guy just doesnt show up and we get a nice letter from Labor and Industries. Costs us close to a thousand dollars in his medical bills and our L&I rates went up. Later we found out that he had done the same thing to two other construction firms.

Thai Boxer be honest dont be a lame employee that rides the lazy pony. If you get hurt on the job thats one thing but if you back starts to bother you because of a old injury be honest about it with them.

Originally Posted by IED

Also, by the way, be very carefull who you discuss your back with, and if you do, watch yourself. Don't lie - if they offer you a support belt, use it, if they offer any kind of ergonomic training or workshops, take them, etc. It's illegal as hell and UPS as a corporation wouldn't condone it, but it wouldn't surprise me if individual supervisors tried to run people off with physical issues under the radar screen...

I wouldnt offer up the info about your back BUT if you start have have pain and discomfort BE HONEST!!!!

I have always thought being UPS or FedEx driver would be a cool job for 11 months of the year.

**OLO** · 12.03.06, 05:13 PM

**Thai Boxer 9901** · 12.03.06, 05:40 PM

Yeah, I will be going to an orrientation tomorrow so im hoping that I will be able to talk to someone about my back. Its the kind of condition where I can only stand for so long and only sit for so long before it goes into spasms. I know that there is alot of movement and lifting involved with this job and im hoping that the movement will help strengthen my back. My chiropractor told me that it is a back muscle that is very difficult to treat because of its location. Its right where your back meets your hip and that particular spot on me has always been a problem.

Dont worry, I wont be a lame ass and have UPS pay for it because it wasnt their fault but I will let them know about it.

**SecretWind** · 12.03.06, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by FiftyoneFtfty

I've heard the van drivers make upwards of $18/hr in our area. I'd hate to work there this time of year, tho.

My cousin has been driving for UPS in the San Diego area for 10+ years, and he makes quite a bit more than $18/hr. Plus, I think they have good bene's as well. But of course the Christmas season is rough and he works a lot of overtime.

I had another friend who was working for UPS doing what you'll be doing Thai, and some of his coworker buddies got busted for stealing random boxes, and trying to sell whatever was inside. Don't get caught up in that crap! My friend, just out of association, almost went down with them.

If you have a bad back, keep going to the chiropractor, and if I were you (I have a bad back too), I'd look into whatever support you can use on the job, and start working on your situps! Better to try and avoid injury now that deal with it after the fact.

Also, not sure what your plans are for the future, but you can always look at this position as a stepping stone to becoming a driver..if that's what you want. Like I mentioned, I know my cousin makes pretty good money.