FEDEX/UPS Help?
 

I have been reading a lot of threads, but have yet to post any. So I am giving it shot. First let me say thank you to those of you that take the time and share information with the average Joe. The information here at this site is invaluable to a guy like me. So please keep posting.

I am soon to be un-employed, after 12 years, from Uncle Sam. My date of separation is the 31st of Dec, so you can bet it will be a hell of a New Years Eve party! I was late to rate, and have been flying KC-135's for the last seven years and just broke the 3000 hour mark. During that time I have become and AC, IP, EP and the DO of my squadron.

I would love to get on board with either company but really don't know anyone at either place. So here is the million dollar question, how do I find people to recommend me when I don't know anyone?

I am not into begging or bothering people. To try to get my foot in the door, I went down to the local FedEx + UPS Distribution Center at the local airport and applied for jobs loading boxes on airplanes. I am not afraid to work and thought that this might be a way for me to get my foot in the door with these companies. The manager at one, told me I was over-qualified and the other said that they are not hiring.

I am a good pilot and from what I gather not an "undesirable". Can anyone give me any advice on how to get my foot in the door? I will walk dogs, wash cars, or mow the lawn if that what it takes. Any help would be great.

I'm not mil, BUT will offer what I have heard....

I bet if you did some looking around the cockpit, you might find someone who knows some ex kc guy that is flying on the backside of the clock for fdx/ups. Alot of mil guys work at those companies, it might not be as hard as you think.

Now the distribution thing, at fedex, your granted an interview after 1 year, but honestly you might have a better shot just throwing your resume in. Just my .02

If you've been in the military in the KC's for 12 years you have to know somebody at FedEx. Hard to believe you don't if you think about it. If you don't, the handler job may be the only option. They are always hiring in the Hub in Mem.

i wanna fly for fedex someday too and i thought id get a head start by gettin a job loading the planes too. i ve made some good contacts doin it and they should come in handy down the road for my military and fedex aspirations. however, i am only 22 with only a ppl, so our qualifications are somewhat different, haha. good luck.

Throwing boxes won't help with UPS. You need to get a line pilot to recommend you. It's all about networking.

Apply to UPS yesterday!

There are quite a few people with similar backgrounds to yours that are getting interviewed without a single recommendation.

What dfw said! Get your online app in now. Not everyone has or needs a referral.

DITTO. How can you be 12 years flying and NOT know someone at Fedex? Even if you're still active duty, you still have to have an old acquaintance that has since seperated and is flying with the Guard/Reserve. Give that buddy a call and he WILL know somebody who can point you in the right direction. From there, get the employee list and read names until you go,"Hey! I know that guy...I think he still owes me money!"

If the quals you posted are accurate (IP, EP, DO) then throwing boxes is not a resume enhancer.

More info
 

Just to clear up some confusion. I have been in uniform for 12 years but flying for just 7 of them. I started UPT in Sep 99 and finished Sep 00. Been mission Qual'd since Mar 01.

The base that I am currently at is the only flying base I have been to. The people I have met have come and gone mostly young guys that signed up for ten years. In this time I have met only one guy that departed and got a job with FEDEX. I have called and spoken to him. He is already sponsoring someone and has said he will help me after his other buddy gets hired or denied. So I am back to square one.

I have applied with both companies and got my fingers crossed waiting. I really don't know what else to do. Washing cars, walking dogs, and mowing the lawn might become my new job.

I must say, knowing what I know now, I wished I had joined the Guard or Reserves. That way I would know more people who know people, that count.

After everything I have read at this site I am led to believe that in this "brotherhood" just like any other facet in life that’s ultimately what it boils down, "who you know" and not how good you are.

So these young guys that have come and gone, where have they gone too? Drop a dime, because if they're in a Guard or Reserve unit, they have a contact in almost every major airline you can think of.

Even if your Fedex bud can't sponsor you, he can get you good gouge. He can provide you names of other Fedex guys. He can give you access to the Fedex employee list. He can still be one of your three "recommendees". I would hardly think you're back to square one.