Fr8Master

They are both great companies...you should go with who hires you first. If you live near SDF shoot for UPS. If you live near MEM go for FedEx.

FedEx is a significantly larger operation, I suspect upgrade times are quicker at FDX (3 years or less) If you dream of living in Europe or Asia, FedEx has foreign domiciles with packages that make it convenient to do so. UPS has furloughed, FedEx has not...though that is certainly no guarantee going forward it is an indication of managements strategies during a downturn.

If QOL is your main concern, having the 757 on a separate pay scale at FDX makes it a seniority rocket.

That being said, if your goal in life is to fly the 747 that is never going to happen at FedEx. If you look incredible wearing Brown, that’s another good reason to go to UPS.

I know people happy at both places. I believe our deadheading clauses in our contract are superior and I believe our retirement package is better, however than could change!

UPS has a lot of exposure still to Amazon. FedEx ripped that bandaid off two years ago and in my opinion we are better off for it (though Wall St. Didn’t agree at first). Amazon WILL leave UPS, it’s just a matter of when. In the mean time they fill capacity at UPS which UPS is not able to use to fill with future customers. In my opinion, when Amazon kicks UPS to the curb it will be painful at Brown.

Jman85

thanks for the info. Really appreciate the insight.

Wife has a great job in CLT so the ability to DH for trips is extremely enticing. Flew cargo before regionals and loved it. The app is in so fingers crossed.

manolo1492

Back during my regional days I had a fairly senior UPS captain on my jumpseat. I remember him saying that most pilots weren’t really happy there, but that when they pay check came around they usually forgot about all the gripes with the company. And that UPS was a trucking company with airplanes, and its reflected in the company culture. It was ages ago so it’s not an exact quote, but close. Back then I didn’t have cargo on my radar, but since I never applied to UPS after listening to his summary. I’ve heard similar comments over the years from buddies hired at UPS. Also, one of my good friends dad (UPS captain) told him to apply to FDX instead. This was after nepotism. In the end I’m sure both companies have their own issues, and pilots will always find something to complain about. Choose wisely 😎

As for the previous question about pilots making the move from UPS, I personally know of two that did, they are happier at purple.

topgear2018

Thanks for the insight. I definitely work for a trucking company that doesn't really care about the QOL/QOW of its pilots. If I have the choice between 20 years at Brown or Purple, I think it's an easy decision.

FutureFDX

I recently just did my first solo and was looking far into the future, so here are a few questions that I have
1. I am going to go Air Guard as a pilot, does fedex hire Active Guard/Reserve members?
2. What are the chances of getting a FO position on a MD 11?
3. Is the purple runway the way to go?
4. What's the secret minimums such as age, hours and background Fedex looks for?
5. I'm only 17, could I get to fedex by 25?

HvypurplePylot

The UPS group seems to be alot more unified. FDX pilots are a bunch of independent contractors.

Hank Burley

1. I assume you mean to say “you would like to go to the air guard as a pilot” pilot positions in the guard are very competitive and in no way a guarantee. I would suggest you join a unit now after high school, it can only help your chances. And yes FedEx hires many people in the guard/reserve. I am one of them
2. Once hired as good as any plane
3. probably?
4. 500 TPIC and ATP as a min, no other secrets other than luck.
5. Possible, but very unlikely. You need a 4 year degree first of all. I have a friend hired this month here with 2000 hours, 31 years old, he’ll be by far one the youngest on property.

good luck, I like your goals

HvypurplePylot

We have hired many over the years in their 20s.

Hank Burley

hence the word “possible“. Although I bet 29 is more possible than 25

Freighthumper

I’m gonna base this in your wanting to be at FedEx by 25.

1. Yes, but commitments to the military will probably prevent you from building time as fast as a guy whose went to the regionals.
2. If you get here in 8 years, and they haven’t retired them by that point, very high chance of flying the MD.
3. You will build time too slowly with purple runway. Sounds like a good program, but you won’t be as competitive in terms of flight time as the regional guys.
4. Mil guys get on with less time, but besides them, your probably going to need 5,000 ish to start. Just my guess.
5. You definitely could if you take a more aggressive path. I was just discussing this with a coworker a few days ago. Get your ratings as fast as you can and FIRST. Accelerated program like ATP would be best. Make sure you do this somewhere that has great weather too. Get your degree online while you build your time as a CFI and at the regionals. I bet you could make it by 25 as long as that’s your mission and you stick to it. Your gonna have to put relationships, fun toys, and all that stuff on the back burner for a timeline like that to work. But of you can make it happen..$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$