Package Handler Career Guide

What is a package handler?

A package handler is someone who works in a warehouse or a big area where things are kept before they get sent out. Their main job is to move packages around—this could mean taking new items that have just arrived and storing them or grabbing items that need to be sent out to people. It’s all about keeping things moving so the business can keep up with orders and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Duties and responsibilities

Here’s what a package handler does:

• Moving stuff around: They load and unload packages, sort them, and make sure they go to the right place, like onto trucks or into storage spots.
• Using tools: Sometimes, they use equipment like forklifts or hand trucks to move the bigger or heavier stuff.
• Keeping things tidy: They also help keep the warehouse clean and organized.
• Keeping track of items: They might scan items to keep track of inventory.

Work environment

Package handlers work in places like warehouses, which are usually big and busy. It’s a job that keeps you moving—you’ll be lifting, bending, and walking a lot, so it’s pretty active. It can also be loud because of all the machinery and other people working.

Safety is super important, so wearing things like gloves or safety shoes is a must to avoid any injuries. It’s all about teamwork too, as everyone needs to work together to make sure everything gets where it needs to go.

Typical work hours

They often work in shifts, which means they might work during the day, evening, or even night. Some people work full-time, but there are part-time jobs too. When it gets really busy, like during the holiday season, they might work more hours to keep up.

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How to become a package handler

Becoming a package handler is pretty straightforward, and it’s a great job for someone who likes to stay active. Here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Finish high school

First off, you’ll need your high school diploma or something similar like a GED. While you don’t need a college degree, finishing high school can help you move up to bigger jobs later on.

Step 2: Get the right skills

This job is all about being on your feet and moving things around, so being strong and fit is key. You’ll also need to be good at spotting details and keeping things organized, which helps when you’re sorting packages and keeping track of inventory.

Step 3: Gain work experience

If you’ve worked in a warehouse, mailroom, or as a delivery driver, you’re already a step ahead. Experience in these kinds of jobs shows you can handle the busy environment of a package handling job.

Step 4: Start applying

Look for package handler jobs online, on company websites, or in local ads. When you apply, make sure your resume talks about any experience that shows you’re ready for the job.

Step 5: Learn on the job

Once you get the job, you’ll learn a lot by actually doing it. You’ll start with the basics like safety rules and how to handle packages without breaking anything, and then move on to more specific tasks.

Step 6: Think about moving up

If you’re interested in taking on more responsibility, focus on getting better at your job and taking on leadership roles. This could lead to positions like team leader or even a manager role.

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How much do package handlers make?

Package handler salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The package handling profession requires physically demanding labor, so compensation may be impacted by their physical stamina and the nature of the goods being handled.

Highest paying industries

• Oil and Gas Extraction: $42,730
• Postal Service: $42,390
• Natural Gas Distribution: $40,970
• Express Delivery Services: $39,520
• Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: $38,280

Browse package handler salary data by market

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Types of package handlers

Package handlers can have different types of jobs, depending on what fits their schedule and career goals. Here are some common types:

Full-time package handler

If you’re a full-time package handler, you’re looking at about 40 hours a week. Your job is to keep everything moving smoothly, dealing with lots of packages every day. You need to be organized, strong enough for heavy lifting, and good at working with others.

Part-time package handler

This is a good pick if you have other things going on, like school or another job, but still want to work as a package handler. You’d work fewer hours, maybe 15 to 25 per week, but you’d still do the main jobs like loading and unloading packages.

Package handler trainer

If you’ve got lots of experience, you might become a trainer. Trainers teach new package handlers how to do their jobs well and follow the company’s rules. This job needs someone who’s good at explaining things, patient, and really knows the ins and outs of handling packages.

Lead package handler

As a lead package handler, you’d be the boss of a team. You’d make sure everyone is doing their work right and hitting their targets. It’s a job for someone who’s good at leading a team and solving problems that come up. You’d need some experience as a package handler first.

Special cargo package handler

Some package handlers focus on special kinds of packages, like stuff that’s really big, really fragile, or even dangerous. If you handle special cargo, you need to know all the safety rules and how to deal with these tricky items safely.

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Top skills for package handlers

To be a great package handler, you’ll need a mix of physical and mental skills that help you do the job efficiently and safely. Here are some key one that’ll help you succeed:

Physical stamina

This job is all about being active. You need to be able to stand, lift, and carry heavy items for a long time. Being fit not only helps you do the job but also helps prevent injuries. It’s a tough job, but staying in good shape makes it a lot easier.

Attention to detail

When you’re sorting or delivering packages, it’s super important to get it right. Paying close attention helps avoid mistakes that could upset customers or cause problems for your company. Plus, being careful means you’re more likely to follow safety rules and keep everyone safe at work.

Organization

Being organized helps you sort packages quickly and correctly. This means everything gets where it needs to go on time. Good organization isn’t just about sorting; it’s also about keeping track of what’s done and what needs to be done, which helps everyone hit their targets.

Teamwork

Most of the time, you’re not working alone. Being able to work well with others makes the job smoother and more enjoyable. Good teamwork means communicating well, helping out, and working together to get the job done right.

Dependability

Being someone your team and boss can rely on is huge. This means showing up on time, doing your job well, and sticking to your commitments, even when things get tough. Being dependable makes you a key part of your team.

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Package handler career path options

Package handlers have a lot of opportunities to move up the career ladder in the logistics and warehousing industry. Here’s a look at some possible paths they can take:

Supervisory positions

One common step up is to become a supervisor, like a shift supervisor. In this role, you would manage a team of handlers and make sure everything on the warehouse floor is running smoothly. This job needs strong leadership and management skills and can lead to even bigger roles in the future.

Technical roles

If you’re interested in the details of how things work, you might move into more technical roles. Learning more about inventory management or logistics could lead to jobs like logistics coordinator or inventory specialist. These jobs are more focused on the behind-the-scenes operations and might require some extra training.

Managerial and executive roles

With the right skills and lots of hard work, moving up to higher managerial or executive positions is definitely possible. You could become an operations manager, logistics manager, or warehouse manager. From there, you might even move up to be a regional logistics director or vice president of operations. These big roles need a deep understanding of the business and excellent leadership skills.

Career transition opportunities

The skills you learn as a package handler—like teamwork, time management, and physical coordination—can also help you move into different fields. Manufacturing, transportation, and purchasing are all areas where your skills would be valuable. It’s all about what you want to do and where you see yourself going.

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Similar job titles

• Warehouse Associate
• Material Handler
• Stocker
• Shipping and Receiving Clerk
• Order Selector
• Picker Packer
• Mail Handler
• Forklift Operator
• Delivery Driver
• Truck Driver

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Position trends and outlook for package handlers

The role is evolving quickly due to major changes in shopping habits and technology. Here’s what’s happening in the industry and what it might mean for the future of this job:

• Tech advancements: There’s been a big increase in online shopping, which has pushed companies to find faster and more efficient ways to handle packages. Many companies are using more technology in their operations, like drones to speed up delivery times.
• Sustainability efforts: Sustainability is becoming a big focus in the logistics industry. Companies are working to reduce waste, use environmentally friendly packaging materials, and cut down on the carbon footprint of their operations.

Employment projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for package handlers are expected to grow by about 6% through 2031. This growth rate is about average compared to all jobs. The increase in online shopping is a big reason for this growth, as more people ordering online means more packages to deliver.

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Package handler career tips

Master the basics

Learn how to sort, scan, and load packages quickly and correctly. These might seem like simple tasks, but doing them well can make a big difference in your performance and open up opportunities for advancement.

Understand the technology

Logistics and supply chains are getting more high-tech. Getting comfortable with the technology you use every day, like conveyor controls and package tracking software, can make your job easier and show that you’re capable of learning and adapting.

Promote safety

Always take safety seriously. Follow the safety training you receive, use what you learn every day, and encourage your coworkers to do the same. Being known as someone who prioritizes safety can really make you stand out.

Build your network

Making connections isn’t just for office jobs. Knowing more people in your field can help you learn from others and find new opportunities. You can meet people through work or by getting involved in industry groups like:

• Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC)
• Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
• Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA)

Commit to continuous learning

The way we move and manage packages is always changing, so it’s important to keep learning about the latest tools and techniques. Here are a few ways to keep up:

• Watch webinars on logistics and supply chain topics
• Take online courses about things like freight management and inventory management
• Read books and publications that cover the latest in the industry

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FAQs