Temping At FedEx and UPS

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vagabond , 12-20-2009 10:51 AM
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I find it interesting that the unemployment rate is 10%, but there are still lots of people sending packages thus necessitating the need to hire thousands more temps.

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From Associated Press:

NEW YORK - Ed Gullo never thought he'd be on this side of a package delivery.

Gullo, 61, of Newburgh, N.Y., is driving a truck for FedEx during the holiday shipping rush that started after Thanksgiving. Gullo is no veteran truck driver. He's a news writer with experience at ABC and CNN, who found gigs hard to come by in the weak economy.

FedEx and UPS, the world's two largest package delivery companies, hire thousands of extra workers every holiday season, usually college students and 20-somethings. This year, the unemployment rate is at 10 percent and many experienced professionals are looking for work. A lot more people came to job fairs wearing a coat and tie, said UPS spokesman Norman Black.

Out of work professionals temp at FedEx, UPS - Personal finance- msnbc.com
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MEMFO4Ever , 12-20-2009 11:27 AM
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It is just the typical seasonal run-up on throughput volume. The companies will send the temps packing after the peak is over. A flexible, non-committed workforce is key to profit maximization.
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MD11Fr8Dog , 12-20-2009 05:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vagabond
I find it interesting that the unemployment rate is 10%, but there are still lots of people sending packages thus necessitating the need to hire thousands more temps.
They're call "temps" for a reason!
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kalyx522 , 12-20-2009 08:26 PM
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huh. I could really use extra cash and was hoping to find some work during my vacation, so I was looking all over the UPS and Fedex sites last week for box thrower or driver helper jobs... found nothing. I guess the temp hiring period is over?
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JumpSeater , 12-21-2009 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by kalyx522
huh. I could really use extra cash and was hoping to find some work during my vacation, so I was looking all over the UPS and Fedex sites last week for box thrower or driver helper jobs... found nothing. I guess the temp hiring period is over?
At UPS, the holiday temp spots (they call them 'seasonal') run from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas eve. Beginning early November, start watching the UPS site. When you see your area come up, apply immediately - they get alot of apps. If you live close to an HR center, stop by. Talk to the drivers too - they could have some inside info and also tell HR about you and request you as a seasonal helper. Volume has been down a bit this year and I never did see any job postings for help in my area, but I recieved an email from HR asking if I would be interested in coming back. Based on volume, I believe the hiring this year has been less and mostly consisted of those they hired in years past.

I am assuming that your inquiry is, in-part, based upon potentially working there as a pilot someday. If you ever get the opportunity, it's a great seasonal position. I have been doing it for the past two years for two reasons. First to see what it is like to work for the company. I had already heard it was good and it is. In my opinion, the people make the company and the people here are great. Secondly, I am hoping that it will set me apart from other pilot applicants when hiring resumes in a few years. UPS, like FedEx, hires stongly from within. Although it is not a part-time/full-time position, it is the best I can do while flying and on a resume, it is better than nothing, in my opinion. Maybe some current UPS pilots have a better take on this. I also wanted to see if I look good in brown... I do!
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kalyx522 , 12-21-2009 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by JumpSeater
At UPS, the holiday temp spots (they call them 'seasonal') run from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas eve. Beginning early November, start watching the UPS site. When you see your area come up, apply immediately - they get alot of apps. If you live close to an HR center, stop by. Talk to the drivers too - they could have some inside info and also tell HR about you and request you as a seasonal helper. Volume has been down a bit this year and I never did see any job postings for help in my area, but I recieved an email from HR asking if I would be interested in coming back. Based on volume, I believe the hiring this year has been less and mostly consisted of those they hired in years past.

I am assuming that your inquiry is, in-part, based upon potentially working there as a pilot someday. If you ever get the opportunity, it's a great seasonal position. I have been doing it for the past two years for two reasons. First to see what it is like to work for the company. I had already heard it was good and it is. In my opinion, the people make the company and the people here are great. Secondly, I am hoping that it will set me apart from other pilot applicants when hiring resumes in a few years. UPS, like FedEx, hires stongly from within. Although it is not a part-time/full-time position, it is the best I can do while flying and on a resume, it is better than nothing, in my opinion. Maybe some current UPS pilots have a better take on this. I also wanted to see if I look good in brown... I do!
Hey Jumpseater, thank you for the information. I guess I was a little late in the timeline but will keep it in mind for the future. I've been looking at both UPS/Fedex sites the last 2 years for regular part time positions as well... but so far I've never seen any positions available in my area (I look at both my hometown and domicile.)
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