UPS package handler?

Question

Hey everyone. I was just wondering how difficult is the UPS package handler position? I've considered this for awhile as a part time job while I'm in college. I'm a 19-year-old female, and I'm pretty strong when it comes to lifting packages. But I do have lower back pain from time to time. Should I wear a brace or is it even that difficult?

Also, is the pay worth it? I'm in southern California.

Thanks in advance =]

Answer 1

Well it's not the easiest. I actually applied this summer and when through the whole application process before deciding that it wasn't for me mainly because of the time commitment and I just needed a temp job before school.

You HAVE to devote at least a year to the position, they will tell you that upfront and if you can't then more than likely they can't use you. And also there is a lot of bending, lifting, squatting, in a continuous sense. You're moving almost like a machine handling packages up to at least 70 lbs.

The pay isn't that great, I can't remember the exact rate but it's not a double digit number but they make up for it by giving you pretty good benefits, which is what attracted me to the job at first. After 6 months I believe they give you all the benefits of a full time employee even if you are working part time and help pay part of your tuition if you're in school.

But for everything described and for the time commitment needed especially since I knew I wouldn't be doing it for the rest of my life, the pay wasn't worth it, or the working conditions.

You will be in the trucks where the packages are unloading with other crew members and the trucks are actually hotter than the outside temperature because they are sitting on asphalt soaking in heat from every other surrounding as well. Lower back pain may be a slight problem for you in the long run though and your body WILL hurt the first couple of days especially the first day because you're not use to it if you do so.

And if you do it part time you need to pick a shift that works well with your class hours because they don't excuse you for any reason. If you're involved in activities and have an event that day when you're supposed to work, you have to work. Hope that helps.