Mephesto

Got a question regarding commuting on cargo flights. I fly for a pax airline, and may begin commuting on FedEx/UPS to Miami. I've never commuted on the cargo flights before, as it never really fit my commuting pattern, but I'm ready to give it a shot.

My biggest question, how does one get from the cargo ramp to the passenger terminal, specifically in MIA, but if there are any good rules of thumb for other airports, I'd appreciate any pointers.

Thanks!

Twin Wasp

Some airports have employee bus routes you can get on with an ID card but in MIA I think you're stuck with taxis.

Adlerdriver

If you are flying in/out of some of the major sort facilities operated by Fedex (MEM, IND, EWR for sure, maybe OAK and the LAX domicile) there is transport available to go between the cargo facility and the pax terminal.


Most other stations you are dealing with a cab. You can get the address of the facility when you make your jumpseat reservation or just use google. Having the phone number of the ramp office at the station you want to jumpseat from can be helpful if you get lost. I would also recommend contacting the cab company before hand to make sure they can pick you up. Depending on the airport and their local ordinances, some cab companies cannot operate on the airport property. It would be worth finding one that can before you arrive.


Depending on the trip details of the crew flying you in, you may be able to bum a ride with them to the terminal if they are doing the same or their hotel (if it's an airport hotel) and then take the shuttle from there.


MIA info: Ramp phone - 786-265-6600/6777
Address: 6100 NW 36TH ST.

Mephesto

Thanks, guys! I may just give it a shot next month.

740i

Both UPS and FedEx are on 36th street, you could hoof it to one of the hotels like the Sleep Inn or the Comfort Inn and try to snag a ride from a hotel van, just offer the driver 5 bucks. Might be worth a shot.

HKGuy

I used to commute to MEM from MIA before I moved "East." It's not a bad commute on FedEx as there are several flights with many seats. There are some FDX guys who commute there but I rarely saw any flights "full." The only time I would be careful is the Sunday morning MIA-MEM flight. That one gets full a lot!

As 740i said you could walk down LeJune and try to get a ride from one of the hotels. I always just took a taxi between the ramp and terminal.

If you are going from the terminal to the ramp, be sure and ask the taxi guy for a BLUE TAXI. These are special taxis that only service the area immediately around the airport. Since they only go to a limited area they wait in a separate, shorter line than the normal yellow taxis.

From the ramp back to the terminal the number I have for a taxi is (305) 888-5500. It does take a few minutes for them to arrive so call as soon as you can.

Another option is to park at the ramp! There is a mechanical gate for the employee parking. Press the intercom button and tell the guard you are jump seating on flight XXX and they will let you in. There is usually plenty of space and I don't think its a problem for offline guys to park there. You may want to ask the ramp agents to be sure but I think it is OK.

I haven't lived there for about 4 years so this info may be a bit old, but I hope it helps!

chazbird

Some airports rental car lots are next to, or near the cargo area. It won't work everywhere but I've done this: Hop on the rental car van and get off at the cargo area, if they let you, or go the lot, it might be very walkable. When I've done it no one was the wiser or complained.

ZapBrannigan

Might have to occasionally take advantage if JS in TUL and OAK. Does anyone have any experience getting between that terminal and the FedEx facility at either of those cities?

What kind of "thanks for the ride" treats do you bring? I usually bring a bag if Ghiradelli chocolates for gate agents and flight attendants when I'm begging for a lift.

Thanks in advance.

Packrat

I always brought a back of mini-Reeses cups. They universally loved that.

avi8orco

I used to do this a couple of times with late finishes in Chicago, cabbing is really the only easy way. JFK has a free bus that runs around the cargo ramps to the AirTrain station (federal circle) 24hrs. Never rode UPS but from experience with FedEx: the need to all night commute sucks but it is by far the most stress free commute you will ever do. FedEx hauls plenty of commuters all the time in their system and their system for taking care of us runs just as efficient as the Memphis hub (it's a spectacle just do ride with them at least once just to see Memphis at work!).