FedEx Handler Job

[fartknocker]

I am considering applying for a job as a handler. To my knowledge, these are the folks that bring cargo to and from the planes at the airports.

I am hoping that I can meet some pilots and maybe get a recommendation or sponsor.

Does anyone know if this will help me get an interview at FedEx as a pilot? Will this job help or hurt me in my goal of becoming a pilot for FedEx?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Cardinal]

I tossed boxes there briefly while furloughed, and have pretty much written off any goodwill between myself and Fedex.

It's a difficult proposition. To apply as an internal applicant you have to have been in your position for 1 full year AND meet all their stated requirements (1000 turbine PIC, etc) Your record must be squeaky, spotlessly, imaculately clean. Never late, never sick, never injured, hard working, all out, get noticed, and get your supervisor to love you. Your sup's recommendation is critical. Conversely, if you have a decent work ethic and half a brain it isn't difficult to rise above your co-workers. They're decent people, but lets face it, there aren't many Harvard grads waking up at 2:00am to lift heavy things for $11.18/hr. FWIW, as an organization they keep the new guys away from the aircraft. At a larger sort facility, count on being "inside," breaking and stacking cans for the first 6 months before being able to move outside.

As an aside, I know a guy who worked for FedEx for a whole decade, and then left to pursue flying. He's long since met their minimums and decorated the resume, yet it's still taken the last two years of aggressive, high-level, no holds barred schmoozing to get an interview.

 

[adqrip]

You will still need a sponser (FedEx line pilot) & at least two other recommendations from other FedEx pilots to get your application in front of the board to get called for an interview. With all the applications on file I don't (IMHO) see how to get the call otherwise.

Working as a handler will not hurt, and it will get you on the planes to meet pilots. However nearly everyone I know in the recent past that has been called for an interview has flown with other pilots here previously.

g'luck rip

 

[VaB]

I don't know how many pilots you think you'll get to meet while smashing boxes. I mean, the pilots show up at the plane 45 mins prior to push, maybe an hour. They have stuff to do and sit up front doing their thing. You'll be in the back doing your thing, shoving the cans in the back. You might see a pilot every now and then, but it's really only the ramp agents that interact with the crew. And that's very brief, not enough time to meet and get to know someone.

On the other hand, it couldn't hurt. But I think the oppurtunity for pilot networking would be quite low. Plus, the coworkers on your team would probably give you a blanket party if they saw ya schmoozing with the "overpaid jerks" in the front.

 

[acarpe3448]

I would not touch that job! It's a dead end! I am not saying that it can not be done, but there are so many obstacles to jump over there. I did it for 14 months hoping for that interview. One of the posters here told you that you needed your supervisors recomendation. That is exactly right. My experience and the experience of three other furloughed pilots working the hub at the same time as me, found that the managers will do anything to keep you from moving up. If you are white and work in the hub, forget it. The race relations in the hub are a nightmare. I do not know why it is that way but it is, and there is nothing you can do about it. Throwing boxes at the pace they want you to, you most likely will injure yourself. Every injury at FedEx is your fault!!! No questions, no defense!!! When you are injured you are written up, it goes on your record. If you get injured three times in a year (which is possible) you are prohibited from bidding on any other position for the next year. Flying for FedEx is a great job!! Working the hub is a nightmare. I would try anything else first.

 

[semperfido]

I am considering applying for a job as a handler. To my knowledge, these are the folks that bring cargo to and from the planes at the airports.

I am hoping that I can meet some pilots and maybe get a recommendation or sponsor.

Does anyone know if this will help me get an interview at FedEx as a pilot? Will this job help or hurt me in my goal of becoming a pilot for FedEx?

Thanks for your input.

come up with a new plan...one that has you flying

 

[Ty Webb]

Do a search . . . They talk a good "promote from within", but they don't see you as a pilot who is willing to work the ramp to get the job, they see you as a ramper "trying to be a pilot".

 

[VaB]

Hey Rhoid,

You sound like a cool guy. Send me your info and I'll fill out an online recommendation for ya.

 

[Rhoid]

Hey Rhoid,

You sound like a cool guy. Send me your info and I'll fill out an online recommendation for ya.

Thanks. Is that true what they call the shift change at the sort?

 

[semperfido]

i think he was yankin ya

 

[Rhoid]

I heard those navy guys like to do that, they get awfully lonely out on cruise.

 

[Echopapa]

Is that why they call the shift change at the hub the "renig"?

That is an outragously inappropriate thing to say. I don't know of any airline that would tolerate that type of "Joke".

 

[semperfido]

edit in order ASAP

 

[FedExpert]

NOTE: THIS IS NON-EXPERIENCE RELATED!
Everything I've heard about throwing boxes to get an interview was way prior to the recent hiring wave. But I believe the basics still apply.
First, you have to have a spotless record as a box handler ("hubbite") and your supervisor has to like you. I've heard supervisors sometimes look down upon folks trying to get into flight ops. If they put a bad mark on your record, you will have a hard time. I don't know how this applies to today's hiring practice. See my disclaimer above, but it may be altogether different now.
I will say it would be cool to have a low employee number when you start training!!!

 

[seefive]

fk,

I've met at least a dozen pilots here randomly that threw boxes in hopes of getting hired so it does work. Never really asked the details though. you might try getting a "professional" position. 3 year commitment to be a sim instructor and then you move to the line. it's 3 years without a line number but it is a signed contract to move to the line when the time is up. good luck.

 

[joepilot29]

I bet Rhoid will get hired with CRJ FTD time. What did you log it as simulated turbine.

 

[Daveman]

come up with a new plan...one that has you flying

I second this advice.

 

[fartknocker]

come up with a new plan...one that has you flying

I am flying now, but I wanted to do the FedEx handler job part time. The job line says they only work 3.5 to 5 hrs per shift.

 

[Metro752]

....................................

 

[seefive]

Rhoid

You'll never go anywhere in life with a classless act like yours.

 

[fartknocker]

seefive,


Do you know how often these instructor positions open up? I looked on the FedEx website job search and didn't find any positions listed. I would like to do this job and then move over to flying. I have done it here for over a year now and love instructing.

 

[VaB]

Hey Rhoid,

You sound like a cool guy. Send me your info and I'll fill out an online recommendation for ya.

For those who forgot to bring their sarcasm meters, that one was meant peg the needle. Oh well.

And, oh yeah, I get it. Navy guys. Yanking. Long cruises. HAHA. That's original. Really. Never ever heard that one.

 

[fartknocker]

bump tt

 

[Palomino]

i hear they love 'boat' airshow drivers

 

[fartknocker]

yes, I think you are right about boats

 

[Kav]

Hey Fartknocker..

Of course, box packing is always an option. But personally, I would keep flying like you already are... and get a job bartending at the local Irish pub just off of Beale Street or working the check-in counter at the local golf course.. You would be surprised who you might meet on the other side of the bar ordering up pints of Guiness from ya or warming up on the first tee for that beautiful score of ninety...... no.... 75! Trading a few of those pints occasionally, along with some friendly, honest conversation and letting those "special customers" what your occupational desires are, might just go one heck of a lot further than boxhandling at the hub.

...Just a thought... it's all about finding out where they are when they are off duty and making the effort/time to get to know them and let them get to know you.

GLTY,

Kav

 

[RAC396]

As an internal hire,and current flex in the Boing,I know quite a bit about this subject. Throwing boxes,or any other job with FEDEX is a good way to get an interview,if you don't have a sponsor. As mentioned it will take a year on the property before you can submit an app for transfer.They must be hiring at the time,and your supervisor must fill out the back of the app. but I know of several people who went to the interview with less than stirling supervisor input,and got hired. Once you get the interview you are competing with all the other interviewees, recentsy of experience will be a factor.I was a professional instructor,and know of several other profesional instructors who didn't get hired the first time.Hope this helps.

 

[FN FAL]

As an internal hire,and current flex in the Boing,I know quite a bit about this subject. Throwing boxes,or any other job with FEDEX is a good way to get an interview,if you don't have a sponsor. As mentioned it will take a year on the property before you can submit an app for transfer.They must be hiring at the time,and your supervisor must fill out the back of the app. but I know of several people who went to the interview with less than stirling supervisor input,and got hired. Once you get the interview you are competing with all the other interviewees, recentsy of experience will be a factor.I was a professional instructor,and know of several other profesional instructors who didn't get hired the first time.Hope this helps.

I briefly know a FedEx line pilot who took this route. At least that's what he say.