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Package handler ups vs freight handler

The differences between package handlers ups and freight handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a freight handler has an average salary of $35,944, which is higher than the $32,276 average annual salary of a package handler ups.

The top three skills for a package handler ups include tractor trailer, safety procedures and delivery truck. The most important skills for a freight handler are basic math, pallets, and math.

Package handler ups vs freight handler overview

Package Handler UPSFreight Handler
Yearly salary$32,276$35,944
Hourly rate$15.52$17.28
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs80,44267,422
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 54%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a package handler ups do?

The primary job of package handlers is to assemble, seal, and load packages. They are responsible for tracking package information using scanners and sorting parcels according to destination. Other duties and responsibilities may include complying with the company standards for safe package handling, unloading delivery trucks, and following the established guidelines for postal routing. This position requires an eye for detail, ability to follow instructions, and knowledge of equipment and hand-tools such as conveyor belts and forklifts. A few requirements are needed for this role, including a high school diploma, driver's license, and ability to lift heavy items.

What does a freight handler do?

A freight handler is responsible for monitoring the distribution and delivery of the freight, unloading and storing materials, and verifying the accurate information of the freight records. Freight handlers inspect the condition and quality of the goods and materials before loading into the distribution trucks for shipment. They also operate various warehouse tools and equipment to transport merchandise from the vehicle to different parts of the facility. A freight handler must be highly organized, especially in checking the correct tagging of items and conducting safety checks.

Package handler ups vs freight handler salary

Package handlers ups and freight handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Package Handler UPSFreight Handler
Average salary$32,276$35,944
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $40,000Between $28,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City-Billerica, MA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-R+L Carriers
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between package handler ups and freight handler education

There are a few differences between a package handler ups and a freight handler in terms of educational background:

Package Handler UPSFreight Handler
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Package handler ups vs freight handler demographics

Here are the differences between package handlers ups' and freight handlers' demographics:

Package Handler UPSFreight Handler
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 78.0% Female, 22.0%Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 6.0% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.2% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between package handler ups and freight handler duties and responsibilities

Package handler ups example responsibilities.

  • Unload air shipping containers, operate mechanical equipment, train on handling HAZMAT packages.
  • Load and unload material (s) on pallets, trucks, handcarts, and dollies.
  • Lay tracks for camera dollies and cranes and carry or push dollies and cranes as instructed.
  • Thrive in this fast-pace environment requiring memorization, accuracy, and stamina.
  • Used heavy duty industrial washers and dryers.
  • Monitor and adjust the grain tower dryer.
  • Show more

Freight handler example responsibilities.

  • Manage temporary staff doing warehouse work and train and test them in order to receive forklift certification per OSHA.
  • Dock work then get CDL and then go to the road
  • Work on the dock loading and unloading truck and backup CDL driver.
  • Ship order via FedEx on a daily basis and perform an inventory and cycle count when need.
  • Distribute break loads, freight and merchandise on inbound and outbound side of the LTL freight terminal.
  • Job include handling all types of LTL freight with a forklift while unloading and loading trailers for delivery.
  • Show more

Package handler ups vs freight handler skills

Common package handler ups skills
  • Tractor Trailer, 24%
  • Safety Procedures, 18%
  • Delivery Truck, 15%
  • Conveyor Belts, 11%
  • Inventory Control Procedures, 5%
  • Store Materials, 4%
Common freight handler skills
  • Basic Math, 28%
  • Pallets, 21%
  • Math, 12%
  • Hazardous Materials, 10%
  • Manual Equipment, 7%
  • Hand Trucks, 3%

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