Hi MCM, best shift for you is whichever fits in your schedule. unless your other job is next door to UPS, you'd best try the commute in advance (try driving from UPS @ 8:40 to other job and to UPS after other job). Don't forget to allow for a meal/snack while driving, you will need the fuel. Also, at least here, the "nominal" hours for your UPS shift are just that, "nominal". I'd ask what the hours are really like (before the interview if possible) and factor that in, especially ask about "peak" season hours. The plan is for 3.5 hr shifts most of the year, up to 5 hrs peak time. Personally I work a day job usually 3 days 7AM to about 4PM then the UPS twilight/reload shift that usually starts after 5:30PM. I think the most important thing is you can always be there on time or shortly thereafter (twilite loaders start 10 mins later then unloaders, I suspect preload shift is the same). Whichever shift you take, you'll initially be trained/placed into whatever position they need a body in, probably as a loader. If you can make it work, I'd recommend the AM/preload shift for two reasons: A) under the current contract you'll get $1/hr more, B) loading trailers @ night can mean standing on a 2' high step stool stacking packages in a trailer over 9' high (they also have what we call drop-frame trailers and shelf trailers, too, ask them to point out all 3 kinds on the tour). My point is I think loading the Brown trucks in the AM might be easier for you, size-wise. Hopefully your tour will be during an actual shift, so you can see what it's like. They used to bring tour groups into the trailer while I worked. After the tour guide ( a part-time supe) was done with his speech, I'd answer questions, and then I'd tell them this a union shop, dues, etc. You sound like you're plenty capable physically, as it's more technique and mental toughness/determination than muscle that will get the trucks loaded. Oh yeah, working an inside job @ UPS will get you dirty & sweaty, some bumps & bruises. Is appearance important at the day job? Allow time to wash/change if needed. Did I mention mental toughness, if you do get hired, you'll need it to put up with what you can read us griping about here. This is the entry level job where everyone @ UPS is supposed to start from. If you want a career here, most opportunity is to become delivery driver, but there are some other types of jobs available. Waiting lists for just about all jobs, except part-time supe
. Ask about wait time. I know my local contract (here in Chicago we have our own contract which varies slightly from the National Master Agreement) stipulates 6 mos. on the job before you can even try for a different position.
