Is it really tough to work as a package handler at ups?

What's it like to work for UPS as a package handler?

• How strong do you have to be? Can a reasonably fit but not super strong woman do this work? It seems like a good part time or holiday job but might only be suitable for young strong men.

• Answer:

  I worked as an unloader and later as a sorter. Where I worked, we were required to unload feeder trailers at a rate of 1200-1500 parcels an hour. It was a 3 1/2 to 4 hour shift with a 10 minute break. At times it was very strenuous. Because of time constraints you must unload quickly so the parcels can be sorted and sent off to their departing hub in a timely manner. As a sorter, you must first pass a test to become a skilled worker. You will get a raise and a position that doesn't require as much back-breaking labor. I sorted parcels by zip code into color-coded chutes. Rate of sort was the same at 1200-1500 an hour. It's a good job with great benefits and the ability to become a package car driver, which is of course where the big bucks are!