FDX vs UPS
03-28-2023, 06:58 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2022
Posts: 4
FDX vs UPS
Hi,
I am a student pilot working on my PPL with a non-aviation bachelors. My end goal is to land a job at either of the cargo airlines and I want hear what the pros and cons are to each airline. Do both airlines have the same opportunity to fly international or does one focus on domestic flights over the other? I do know that some pros can be cons for the other person and vice versa, but I just want to hear what it's like.
I am also considering the pathway programs for each airline, but is it better for me to get an ATP and build time at a regional and then apply straight to the airline?
I tried searching the forums, but there are way too many and some are from pre-covid times, so I'd like to see if there are any updates from then.
I am a student pilot working on my PPL with a non-aviation bachelors. My end goal is to land a job at either of the cargo airlines and I want hear what the pros and cons are to each airline. Do both airlines have the same opportunity to fly international or does one focus on domestic flights over the other? I do know that some pros can be cons for the other person and vice versa, but I just want to hear what it's like.
I am also considering the pathway programs for each airline, but is it better for me to get an ATP and build time at a regional and then apply straight to the airline?
I tried searching the forums, but there are way too many and some are from pre-covid times, so I'd like to see if there are any updates from then.
03-29-2023, 05:22 AM
#2
I load my own boxes.
Joined APC: Oct 2016
Position: CRJ FO
Posts: 22
I’m not at either and I am waiting on my class date at my new airline in June. However, I had the same goal for a very long time before I learned about ACMI. FedEx and UPS are definitely the most recognized freight carriers but there are so many options for flying heavy cargo that would be potentially much easier to get hired earlier in your career.
Also try to get away from referring to regional airlines as “using them to build time”. Even though this is the case for most of us, people don’t really like to hear that especially when you are hoping they will hire you. Trust me I made that same mistake early on as well.
Either way, to get to FedEx or UPS you will most certainly be going after a couple thousand hours of flying and not without jet time so it helps to focus on the shorter term goals to keep from losing your mind.
the best way to get to know each airline is to find an active pilot that works there and talk their ears off. Im sure you will find someone here that can help with that. I personally know and have flown with 2 separate FedEx captains recently, one absolutely hates it and the other loves it… I thought that was hilarious as they have both been there for 20 years.
Also try to get away from referring to regional airlines as “using them to build time”. Even though this is the case for most of us, people don’t really like to hear that especially when you are hoping they will hire you. Trust me I made that same mistake early on as well.
Either way, to get to FedEx or UPS you will most certainly be going after a couple thousand hours of flying and not without jet time so it helps to focus on the shorter term goals to keep from losing your mind.
the best way to get to know each airline is to find an active pilot that works there and talk their ears off. Im sure you will find someone here that can help with that. I personally know and have flown with 2 separate FedEx captains recently, one absolutely hates it and the other loves it… I thought that was hilarious as they have both been there for 20 years.
03-29-2023, 08:56 AM
#3
Occasional box hauler
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,685
You are years away from being competitive at either. Take the time to read through the threads for both airlines and you will find most (all) of your answers.
Both airlines fly a significant amount of domestic and international routes. From the outside looking in you will find both have similar compensation and retirement. FedEx is currently lagging, but should be caught up when they sign a new contract. Both carriers will likely see significant improvements to at least pay as the industry signs a wave of overdue pilot contracts. Lots more details in the threads already posted. The conclusion I came to when I was job hunting six years ago was that they were similar enough that personal preferences would likely be the deciding factor if you had a job offer at both. Even then, you are just betting on which corporation will be the better fit for the next few decades.
Both airlines fly a significant amount of domestic and international routes. From the outside looking in you will find both have similar compensation and retirement. FedEx is currently lagging, but should be caught up when they sign a new contract. Both carriers will likely see significant improvements to at least pay as the industry signs a wave of overdue pilot contracts. Lots more details in the threads already posted. The conclusion I came to when I was job hunting six years ago was that they were similar enough that personal preferences would likely be the deciding factor if you had a job offer at both. Even then, you are just betting on which corporation will be the better fit for the next few decades.
04-05-2023, 04:00 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2018
Posts: 157
It’s likely that you may not really have a choice. Apply to both, then interview and accept a job offer from the first one to offer you a job. As long as you don’t accumulate ex-spouses and gambling debts, you will retire very wealthy from either. You will also be able to focus on the type of flying you want to do relatively early on in your career (domestic vs international)
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