As one of the most recognizable delivery companies globally, UPS (United Parcel Service) has a wealth of entry-level positions in a variety of different areas.

Given the additional demand for parcel delivery services, it’s a great time to try for a job with UPS.

Most positions are competitively paid and come with a range of benefits thanks to the unionization of its workers.

We’re going to cover everything you need to know about UPS and its current job openings, as well as how to submit a successful application.

What is UPS?

UPS is a global package delivery and supply chain management company founded in the early 1900s.

It has grown to become one of the world’s largest shipping couriers by revenue, with an annual turnover of $85 billion in 2020. That gives UPS Fortune 500 status.

As well as domestic shipping in the United States, UPS is also involved in international package delivery in over 220 countries and supply chain design, execution, and management.

As a result of their varied business operations, UPS employs over 540,000 employees across all major departments.

Why should you apply for this job?

Working at UPS in any of its many operational departments is an exciting prospect in terms of the salary and benefits package.

Here are a few of the great benefits UPS employees enjoy.

Career development

UPS offers plenty of developmental benefits that have a great impact on the careers of its employees.

There are multiple career goal coaching and mentoring initiatives, not to mention generous tuition assistance programs for employees seeking degrees or certificates related to working at UPS.

Healthcare

UPS offers affordable health insurance and dental care for employees, as well as maternity support, health education incentives, and even psychological counseling.

Financial benefits

UPS offers industry-leading financial benefits and incentives to employees, including a 401K plan, fully paid parental leave, paid time off, and disability assistance.

An overview of the positions at UPS

You can secure a position at UPS in a number of different operational areas under various job titles.

We’ve listed a few of them below.

Package Handling

These are entry-level jobs in UPS warehouses that see workers lift, lower, and slide packages that can weigh up to 70 pounds.

You can work as a package handler in a part-time or seasonal capacity. It’s one of the most widely available positions within UPS across the country.

When working as a package handler, expect the following:

• Package handlers typically have shifts lasting three and a half to four hours. Their work week ranges between 17.5 and 20 hours.

• The average pay rate for a UPS package handler is $14.50 per hour.

Driving

Consumer-level package delivery drivers typically drive and hand-deliver packages that weigh between 25 and 35 pounds.

Drivers must have good customer service abilities, pass a physical DOT test, and a valid driver's license.

There are full-time, seasonal, and part-time jobs available for drivers.

Package drivers enjoy the following:

• Eight plus hour shifts from either Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday

• Pay for drivers starts around $21 per hour depending on their location and shift

There are also tractor-trailer driver opportunities available for those with a commercial driver’s license.

These positions offer:

• Day, night, and weekend shifts

• $28 per hour depending on location and shift

Corporate

UPS offers corporate positions across automotive, engineering, finance, global business services, information technology, marketing, and sales operations.

Many of the non-technical positions in departments like sales are entry-level and don’t require a business degree. However, a business degree or qualification is preferred.

How to apply for a job with UPS

The UPS hiring process is made simpler by their online jobs portal, where you can search jobs and submit your UPS job application.

In this section, we will describe how to find a position on ups.com and explain the steps for applying.

1. Select your preferred employment type

Head to the UPS jobs and careers website to start your search.

Depending on what’s currently available, you can choose from package handling, driving, corporate, seasonal positions, warehouse associate, loader positions, and technician types of employment.

Keep your current skill set and qualifications in mind, as well as what your personal preference might be in terms of working hours and physical abilities.

2. Search for positions in your area

Once you’ve decided on your preferred employment type, you can narrow down the search to your geographic area using the location search tool.

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Note: You can also search on the Jobcase job board, and narrow your search by location, experience level, date posted, and more.

Assess the list of available positions and pick one that suits your needs based on the job description, pay rate, minimum age, location, and benefits.

3. Apply

Once you’ve found your ideal position, hit the Apply Now button to follow through to the online application form.

UPS offers what they refer to as a “comprehensive online hiring experience” for most non-corporate positions. This means you can complete the entire application process online. If successful, you can be hired without ever visiting a facility to interview.

Does UPS hire felons?

You can indeed get work at UPS if you have a criminal history.

UPS does not have a blanket policy on hiring felons, opting to make decisions about whether to hire felons on a case-by-case basis.

UPS allows felons to work in package handling and driving positions after conducting a background check to assess the severity of their crimes and the time between the end of their sentence and their application.

3 tips to apply for a job at UPS

There are many ways to increase your chances of success when applying for a position at UPS.

There are also plenty of employment opportunities available, especially for its more physically demanding roles. So don’t worry if you miss out on opportunities by not acting fast enough.

Here are the top tips and pieces of advice we have for job seekers applying for a position at UPS.

Improve physical fitness

Many of the package handling and driving jobs at UPS are extremely demanding on the body.

Long hours moving heavy packages requires a certain level of physical strength and fitness, so if you’re applying for one of those jobs, work on your fitness.

Additional qualifications

UPS has a ‘promote from within’ culture that offers employees great opportunities to develop their careers.

Accordingly, it might be a good idea to seek further education, qualifications, and certifications in something like automotive engineering to improve your chances of securing a job and accelerating your development in the company.

Keep your driving record clean

This may seem obvious, but UPS takes driver safety very seriously.

You are unlikely to secure a driving position at UPS with a blemished record. So, if that’s what you’re aiming for, ensure you drive carefully at all times to maintain a good record.

It could be worth checking your record with the DMV beforehand to know where you’re at.

A new career path with UPS

There are plentiful job opportunities available at UPS. With the recent boom in e-commerce, home delivery, and logistics technology, that list keeps expanding.

With some of the most expansive and generous career, healthcare, and financial benefits, this company is a great choice for someone looking for entry-level work.

Ready to find your next career? Check out available UPS jobs near you on the Jobcase job search.