Any UPS package drivers here?
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Any UPS package drivers here?
I'm thinking about becoming a UPS package driver/deliverer, in the brown uniform and all. 
I was wondering if anyone here is a UPS driver or knows someone who is, and has any comments or thoughts on the job. From what I understand the benefits are terrific and they pay is good, too. Also, is it possible to start off working as a package driver/deliverer, or do they make you start off in the warehouse tossing packages, first?
Thanks, guys.
I was wondering if anyone here is a UPS driver or knows someone who is, and has any comments or thoughts on the job. From what I understand the benefits are terrific and they pay is good, too. Also, is it possible to start off working as a package driver/deliverer, or do they make you start off in the warehouse tossing packages, first?Thanks, guys.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
I knew a bunch of folks who work for "Brown." You have to work your way up to driving. It's one of the best positions in the company so you have to earn it. Of course that may have changed but that's the way it was up til last year that I know of.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 1
From: Adams TN
Frank, i don't think they are worried about how hard they're driving them, it's more like to make sure they're driving it hard enough.
Our UPS guy is cool. it's got a 300. but his back up is a PSD.
Drives the crap out of them
DT
Our UPS guy is cool. it's got a 300. but his back up is a PSD.
Drives the crap out of them
DT
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
I've known a few UPS drivers when I worked shipping and receiving at the dealership I used to work at.
UPS drives their workers into the ground over here.
Every so often the drivers have a manager go with them on their routes and time them. The manager just stands there with pen and electronic clipboard and jots down notes.
Most of the drivers I know, left to work at different delivery companies and were glad they did.
Now, that's just second hand info and is the UPS way of life here in S.F.
UPS drives their workers into the ground over here.
Every so often the drivers have a manager go with them on their routes and time them. The manager just stands there with pen and electronic clipboard and jots down notes.
Most of the drivers I know, left to work at different delivery companies and were glad they did.
Now, that's just second hand info and is the UPS way of life here in S.F.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 0
From: just outside of Phila.
I thought that they would sometimes have openings for drivers. Stop into the big UPS building, there's normally an HR department separate that will be ablw to tell you what positions they're hiring for and you can apply in there. I used to load for UPS, and they never mentioned anything about the possibility of moving up to driver. I understand the whole 'been in the company longer', but being a un/loader really has nothing to do with whether or not you could be a good driver...I think you can just go in and drive.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, MA
In my area i see help wanted ads for ups and fedex drivers all the time,the only requirment is that your 21. I dont think you have to work your way up the ladder
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: N. Mississippi
Fedex wants contract drivers...you furnish your own vehicle.
My oldest brother started with UPS way back in the late 70s after being in management with Sears and Radio Shack. He started out as a driver, lost 30 pounds in the process. Eat and run he said. He was rear-ended in Memphis but was held accountable for the accident for some reason. He moved up to a management position and last I heard, he was a time engineer; riding with drivers and timing them all day long.
He retires from them in 2 more years and said he was so glad to get off the package trucks. One more thing, when he started, he went to Nasville TN for training and said it was almost like being in boot camp in the Army.
Edit: I also worked with a guy that became a UPS driver only to be let go because he didn't "hustle" enough.
My oldest brother started with UPS way back in the late 70s after being in management with Sears and Radio Shack. He started out as a driver, lost 30 pounds in the process. Eat and run he said. He was rear-ended in Memphis but was held accountable for the accident for some reason. He moved up to a management position and last I heard, he was a time engineer; riding with drivers and timing them all day long.
He retires from them in 2 more years and said he was so glad to get off the package trucks. One more thing, when he started, he went to Nasville TN for training and said it was almost like being in boot camp in the Army.
Edit: I also worked with a guy that became a UPS driver only to be let go because he didn't "hustle" enough.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
Likes: 2,800
FedEx Ground drivers are contractors or work for contractors.
FedEx Express are company drivers. 21 and a clean driving record can get you started, usually part time. Full time will come in about 6 to 12 months depending on how well you do.
As for being held accountable for a rear-ender, the test is "did you do everything you could to avoid the accident?" So, if you stopped short or didn't signal early or tap the brakes long before you stopped, or if you didn't know the guy was back there, you're held accountable.
As for UPS, as the CEO of FedEx once said, they are "a fine company and a worthy competitor."
Also note UPS is Teamster, FedEx is mostly non-union outside of the pilots. UPS pays more but has a tighter environment productivity and otherwise.
FedEx Express are company drivers. 21 and a clean driving record can get you started, usually part time. Full time will come in about 6 to 12 months depending on how well you do.
As for being held accountable for a rear-ender, the test is "did you do everything you could to avoid the accident?" So, if you stopped short or didn't signal early or tap the brakes long before you stopped, or if you didn't know the guy was back there, you're held accountable.
As for UPS, as the CEO of FedEx once said, they are "a fine company and a worthy competitor."
Also note UPS is Teamster, FedEx is mostly non-union outside of the pilots. UPS pays more but has a tighter environment productivity and otherwise.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
If you want to be a driver you better count on being down to 6-8% body fat at the most because you will have to hustle. As someone mentioned, they time how fast you walk with a stop watch. My cousin lost 30 pounds in one year and he "thought" he was fit. Count on being a part time driver for a while unless you are exceptional. The good news is, you make a killing at XMAS time with the overtime. Its union and the last time I check full time drivers earned $25 an hour.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: N. Mississippi
Originally Posted by 85e150six4mtod
As for being held accountable for a rear-ender, the test is "did you do everything you could to avoid the accident?" So, if you stopped short or didn't signal early or tap the brakes long before you stopped, or if you didn't know the guy was back there, you're held accountable.
By the same reasoning, I could be held liable in an accident if I was rear ended because I didn't warn the driver behind me that I was going to stop.
Anyway....I prefer UPS over Fedex anyday and good luck on becoming a UPS driver.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Make sure on your resume that you mention that you know how to throw packages containing glass at least 20' to make sure it breaks.
Also, when driving a forklift to load make sure you know how to pierce the packages with the forks 2 or 3 times.
One last thing,make sure you learn to show the "Look of Wonderment" when discussing the result of damaged goods with the recipient
Good Luck !
Also, when driving a forklift to load make sure you know how to pierce the packages with the forks 2 or 3 times.
One last thing,make sure you learn to show the "Look of Wonderment" when discussing the result of damaged goods with the recipient
Good Luck !
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Thanks for the advice from everyone, so far. I'm not concerned about being in good shape - I played competitive soccer from age 5 up until the end of high school. 
One problem I encountered from Mudder's post, and later found after some research on the internet.... you have to be 21.... I'm turning 19 in a month.
I guess I'd have to work doing other things there until I turn 21, or just wait until I'm 21 to work for UPS at all, and keep doing what I'm doing for now.
If anyone else has experiences to share, please do. The more I know about it, the better.
One problem I encountered from Mudder's post, and later found after some research on the internet.... you have to be 21.... I'm turning 19 in a month.
I guess I'd have to work doing other things there until I turn 21, or just wait until I'm 21 to work for UPS at all, and keep doing what I'm doing for now.If anyone else has experiences to share, please do. The more I know about it, the better.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
UPS drivers will earn their pay. You carry a zippered wallet that holds money/checks you collect from costumers.
You lose that wallet and it comes out of your pocket.
A buddy of mine (UPS driver) lost a little over $400.00 and had to pay it out of pocket.
At least UPS is not as bad as working for CYSCO (food service co.).
Or at least that's what I heard.
You lose that wallet and it comes out of your pocket.
A buddy of mine (UPS driver) lost a little over $400.00 and had to pay it out of pocket.
At least UPS is not as bad as working for CYSCO (food service co.).
Or at least that's what I heard.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: Long island NY
we get UPS shipments daily at work, and we got to know the driver prety well, he was telling us how the inspector was watching him deliver packages, and was counting the steps it took to get from the truck to the house.. COUNTING STEPS!!!
besides the strictness, it seems like a good job
besides the strictness, it seems like a good job