UPS Careers

UPS Careers & Jobs – Application, How to Apply, Requirements & Interview Tips

Last Updated: January 14th, 2020 by Noah Shaw

With a UPS career, you’ll be working at a Fortune 50 company specializing in transport and freight. That means it’s one of the top 50 companies in the whole United States!

UPS, or United Parcel Service, is headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia. It was founded in 1907 as the ‘American Messenger Company’. Now, it delivers to more than 220 countries worldwide.

This guide will show you everything you need to know to get a job at UPS. Here, you’ll find out about jobs you can apply for and salaries you can earn. You’ll even find a few interview questions a recruiter might ask you!

At UPS, you can work as a Package Handler, Driver Assistant, an Owner Operator Driver and so much more!

UPS Careers & Application

To submit your UPS application, you can head on over to their jobs website

Here, you can find out more about what life is like working at UPS

You can also find answers to frequently asked questions.

At UPS, you can apply to many different jobs like:

Owner Operator Driver

If you have your own trucking business, you can sign on to UPS as an Owner Operator Driver

By doing this, you’ll get a steady supply of freight and a lot of miles to cover. You’ll only work with no-touch freight and deliver between UPS terminals.

You’ll love this job if you’re already running a trucking business and you’re looking for a reliable source of work

It’s a great way to work for an industry leader while staying an independent trucker.

Package Handler

As a Package Handler, you’ll be loading and unloading packages on UPS trucks. You’ll work efficiently so that delivery drivers can start their deliveries early and reach customers on time.

You’ll love this job if you enjoy very physical work

It’s important that you have the stamina to work on your feet all day and do lots of lifting.

Delivery Driver

As a Delivery Driver, you’ll be driving UPS trucks to deliver packages straight to customers. You’ll cover a specific area where you’ll deliver packages safely and efficiently.

This job is great if you’re a self-starter

You’ll love it if you enjoy working independently. This is because you’ll be managing your own time without a boss always watching over you.

Driver Assistant / Helper

As a Driver Assistant or Helper, you’ll be helping Drivers with everything except for driving. This means helping file paperwork or call customers. It also means responding to any customer complaints.

You’ll love this job if you’re a resourceful multitasker. 

It’ll help a lot of you’re good at solving problems. When necessary, it’s also important that you’re good at interacting with customers, especially on the phone.

Copy Center Associate

At The UPS Store, you can work as a Copy Center Associate. Here, you’ll help customers with copying, faxing, printing and also packing boxes for delivery.

You’ll enjoy this job if you prefer working in a more retail setting. It’s important that you’re organized and professional because you’ll be helping customers with their delivery tasks.

Manager Jobs

At UPS, you can apply for many different Manager jobs as well. For example, you can apply for the Business Manager or Road Manager positions.

As a Business Manager, you’ll oversee the business’ operations. This means maximizing profits and improving efficiency by keeping to UPS’ standards.

As a Road Manager, you’ll lead employees who work on the road delivering to customers. Making sure that drivers are able to get packages to customers on time will be your top priority!

Seasonal Jobs

UPS does hire seasonal employees for certain roles. UPS even has a special section of their jobs website dedicated to Seasonal Jobs. Here, you can apply for jobs like Seasonal Personal Vehicle Driver and Seasonal Package Handler

It’s not clear what seasons these jobs become available for exactly. However, it’s safe to assume that these jobs become available around holiday seasons like Christmas, for example.

How Much Does UPS Pay (Hourly & Salary)?

At a minimum, you could earn $12 an hour as a Cashier, which meets the national average pay for this kind of job. To get a better sense of what you could make at UPS, here are a few more examples:

With a job at UPS, you’ll get access to a wide range of benefits. 

These include health benefits like dental, vision, health and life insurance. UPS also offers a 401(k) plan and a Tuition Assistance Program if you qualify.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At UPS?

You have to be at least 18 years of age to work at UPS

This is true for all jobs you might apply for. At this age, you can apply for entry-level jobs like:

  • Driver Helper / Assistant
  • Operations Clerk
  • Sales Support Specialist
  • Cashier

Does UPS Drug Test?

Yes, in some cases UPS does perform drug tests

So far, it seems that UPS only uses urine tests. These are usually done on-site but could also involve a third-party medical facility.

Does UPS Do Background Checks?

Yes, UPS does background checks on applicants

In some cases, applicants with criminal records have been hired at UPS. However, there is no information on how far back into your history they will check.

Possible UPS Interview Questions & Tips

Here are some interview questions they might ask you at UPS:

Why Do You Want To Work With UPS?

Recruiters want to know that the job will mean more to you than just a paycheck. Tell them your personal interests and strengths and how they’re connected to the job you want.

What Can You Tell Us About UPS?

Recruiters never expect you to know every detail about the company. However, you should at least know the basics. Always do your homework before the interview!

Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?

Show them that you have ambition! You can tell them that you see yourself in a Manager or Supervisor position in the near future.

What Would You Do If You Saw Another Employee Slacking Off?

For a question like this, you want to show that you’re responsible while still avoiding conflict. A good answer might be to simply report the situation to your Supervisor or Manager.

What Are Your Strengths/Weaknesses?

Be honest but humble when answering this question! 

Be proud of your strengths but don’t overstate them. If you’re telling them about your weakness, always mention how you’re managing or overcoming that weakness.

UPS Hiring Process

Overall, the hiring process at UPS should only take a few days. Most applicants have found the process to be easy and positive.

The hiring process might start with a screening phone call. Then, an on-site interview takes place at a UPS location. In some cases, you may be interviewed as a group.

No matter what job you apply for, its always a good idea to look your best. Dress in your best casual or business casual outfit for your interview.

About Noah Shaw

An editor & writer on staff at LandYourLife, Noah is a career research enthusiast passionate about helping others find & work towards their ideal vocation.