In August 2023, UPS and the Teamsters Union reached a labor deal that raised the starting minimum wage for part-timers to $21 an hour. The average top wage for full-time workers will gradually increase to $49 an hour.
The deal was made to avoid an employee strike, but the result has been a major buzz surrounding jobs at one of the world’s largest shipping companies.
Before you look to join UPS in the hope that you can stop living paycheck to paycheck , here are 15 things you need to know about becoming a driver.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially It’s possible to make good money
Thanks to the new deal with the union, part-time and full-time UPS workers should see a nice boost to their bottom line.
The top pay for a full-time driver after four years is $44 an hour, and the average year salary is $95,000. According to UPS, that’s the best pay in the industry.
However, with the new deal, things get better: The highest-paid drivers are now on track to average $49 an hour, giving full-time drivers a six-figure income.
So, working for UPS can help you get ahead financially .
Do you owe the IRS over $10K? Ask this company to help you eliminate your late tax debt.
Higher pay doesn’t appear right away
UPS workers have to go through a progression system before they can earn those high wages. Specifically, it’s a four-year progression to reach a position’s top rate.
According to the Teamsters union, the $49 top rate will not be reached until Aug. 1, 2027. The first increase, a bump of $2.75 per hour, already went into effect.
Accepting tips is OK — sort of
While FedEx drivers aren’t allowed to take tips or gifts, there’s no such rule in place for UPS drivers.
However, UPS encourages drivers not to accept tips.
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Work days can run long
Drivers can't know what their day will look like until they get to work. It can be very unpredictable because they never know how many packages need to be delivered or what traffic will be like.
This unpredictability extends to daily schedules. Some days can be eight hours, while others can be longer. That poses challenges to a life outside work, especially for those with families.
Getting a good route can be a challenge
Locking down a good delivery route is key to enjoying the job, but it isn’t easy. Dedicated routes don't become available often.
When they do, drivers can bid for the route by putting their names on a list. The most senior driver is usually offered the route. If that driver doesn’t take it, the route is offered to the next most senior driver, and so on.
Left turns are discouraged
UPS drivers are asked to avoid making left turns whenever possible.
Avoiding left turns means you won’t cut across traffic, which lowers your chances of getting into a crash. It also saves time and gas since you don’t need to wait to squeeze through a break between vehicles.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt The trucks get warm
Those delivery trucks you see heading through cities and neighborhoods across the U.S. are not luxury vehicles. And they get hot during warm weather.
Workers frequently complain about the heat inside the vehicles. In 2022, two drivers died in their trucks on hot days.
Starting in January 2024, all new UPS small package delivery vehicles now come installed with air conditioning.
You will have to go to UPS ‘boot camp’
Training when joining a new company is pretty standard. UPS does it a little differently, however.
Its “Integrad” program is closer to a boot camp. Drivers learn how to manage heavy boxes, of course. The training also goes over potential hazards, how to operate vehicles efficiently, and even how to navigate across ice.
The trucks don’t have radios
Hitting the road and cranking some tunes is a time-honored tradition for many people, but UPS delivery trucks don’t have radios.
So, while you certainly can listen to music while delivering packages, you’ll need to find a way to provide your own soundtrack.
Break the Cycle: 8 moves to escape the paycheck to paycheck grind Dog bites are a hazard
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they aren’t always so fond of delivery drivers. That means dog bites are a real hazard.
Sometimes, the injuries are bad enough that drivers have to be hospitalized. One driver was hospitalized in Mississippi when he was attacked by two dogs in 2022.
UPS will personalize your vehicle
If you stick with the company long enough, UPS will give your delivery truck a bit of personalized flair.
Drivers who put in 10 years get a nameplate for the side of their vehicle. Drivers who maintain a safety record for 25 years or more get a “Circle of Honor” emblem.
UPS will probably watch you
UPS is all about logistics. After all, it’s at the core of their business. It also means the company needs to know where its drivers are at all times, which means you’ll probably be watched if you join the team.
A DIAD — delivery information acquisition device — is a handheld computer that drivers mount to their dash. It keeps track of their routes.
Make Money: Discover 17 legit ways to make extra cash Some drivers have issues with management
Some UPS drivers have expressed frustration with how management and supervisors operate.
In particular, drivers have said that they are made to feel guilty about taking time off despite being owed sick days and personal days as part of their union contract.
It can be tough to find a bathroom
As you might guess, UPS delivery trucks do not have bathrooms onboard. And if you’re on the road delivering packages all day, you’ll eventually need a bathroom break.
On the plus side, UPS has stated on the record that routes are designed specifically to give drivers the opportunity to go when nature calls.
Driving jobs might not be great for social people
Except for getting their truck loaded before a shift, drivers spend the day alone. Once they’re on their route, that’s it: It’s just them, their packages, and the road.
Some people may prefer that. But if you enjoy being with colleagues and having supervisors nearby, a driving job might not be for you.
Bottom line
There’s no doubt that UPS offers competitive wages. However, potential drivers should be prepared for the unique challenges of the job.
If you're willing to meet those challenges, the new union agreement has created extraordinary gains for workers. No wonder a lot of folks are looking to score a job there. Working for UPS might be a great way to boost your bank account .
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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