Overnight shippers hiring more seasonal workers for the 2014 Holiday Season
UPS announced last week that it expects to hire between 90,000 – 95,000 seasonal employees to support the anticipated holiday surge in package deliveries that will begin in October and continue through January 2015. The company is gearing up for increased holiday delivery volume in 2014 as it prepares to play a pivotal role in helping retailers take advantage of the holiday gift-giving season.
FedEx Corp. is adding 50,000 seasonal jobs for the coming holiday season.
Last year, UPS, FedEX and other overnight shippers underestimated the boom in online shopping and the resulting surge in deliveries during the holiday season, which peaked later than expected as shoppers took advantage of offers of free shipping right up until Christmas.
The seasonal positions as package sorters, loaders, delivery helpers and drivers have long been an entry point for permanent employment, training and career opportunity after the company re-assesses its needs following the holiday period.
“We have initial volume forecasts from our customers and are starting the hiring process for our temporary peak season jobs,” said John McDevitt, UPS senior vice president of human resources and labor relations. “We have needs throughout the United States and anticipate more applicants this year than in 2013. Individuals who begin employment at UPS during the holiday season have the opportunity to pursue a permanent position afterwards. Seasonal positions provide an excellent entry point for becoming a long-term UPS employee.”
UPS says it is utilizing improved forecasting, capacity and customer communication to meet ongoing e-commerce and B2B shipping demands. Additionally, UPS says that shipment tracking timing and accuracy will be improved with additional and mobile app upgrades for enhanced information on package location and shipment status.
