Are you a teenager looking to join the workforce but wondering if you‘re old enough to work at FedEx? Many high school students are eager to start earning money and gaining job experience. While FedEx is a major employer with over 600,000 global team members, they have strict policies against hiring minors. Let‘s take a closer look at FedEx‘s minimum age requirements and explore alternative opportunities for 15, 16, and 17 year olds.
FedEx Hiring Policy: 18 Years Old Minimum
FedEx does not employ anyone under 18 years of age for any job roles. This policy applies worldwide to all FedEx operating companies and locations. Even if you‘re turning 18 soon, FedEx hiring managers cannot make exceptions to this rule.
The most common entry-level position at FedEx is a package handler. This warehouse role involves physical labor like loading, unloading, and sorting packages. Package handler applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
If you‘re interested in other FedEx roles like becoming a driver or courier, the minimum age requirement is even higher at 21 years old. This is because driving positions require a commercial driver‘s license, which you cannot obtain until age 21 under federal law.
Why Doesn‘t FedEx Hire Minors?
You may be wondering why FedEx‘s minimum hiring age is 18 when federal child labor laws allow 14 and 15 year olds to work with some restrictions. There are several key reasons behind FedEx‘s strict age policy:
1. Safety Concerns
Working in a shipping warehouse or as a delivery driver can be physically demanding and hazardous. Package handlers are surrounded by heavy machinery like conveyor belts and forklifts. There‘s a higher risk of injuries from lifting heavy boxes, slips and falls, vehicle accidents, and other dangers.
Workers under 18 suffer workplace injuries at twice the rate of adult workers, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In fact, a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that 52% of workplace fatalities involving minors occurred in the transportation and material moving occupations.
FedEx aims to minimize safety risks by only hiring employees aged 18 and up who can legally perform all essential job functions. Minors are prohibited by federal and state laws from operating most power-driven equipment commonly used in shipping facilities.
2. Hours and Availability Limits
Another challenge with hiring high school students is that labor laws restrict the number of hours and times of day that 14-17 year olds can work. These vary by state but are generally more limited for those under 16.
For example, under federal law:
- 14 and 15 year olds can only work 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week when school is in session. They also cannot work before 7am or after 7pm.
- 16 and 17 year olds have no limits on total hours but cannot work during school hours.
Some states have even stricter rules on youth employment. In California, all minors are prohibited from working before 5am or after 10pm on school nights.
Most FedEx package handlers work in shifts that would be challenging for minors to accommodate with these time restrictions:
| Shift | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | 4:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Day | 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Twilight | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Overnight | 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
Creating special schedules for a small group of minor employees would be logistically difficult and potentially disruptive in FedEx‘s 24/7, fast-paced operations. The company also benefits from having team members available to work any shift to meet customer demand.
3. Education Requirements
FedEx package handler jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. This education minimum, which is consistent across all FedEx locations, essentially equates to a minimum hiring age of 18.
While there are some 18 year olds still attending high school, FedEx hiring managers strongly prefer candidates who have already graduated. This is because graduates typically have much more scheduling flexibility to work various shifts compared to students still in class.
Early Work Experience Matters
Although the minimum age to work at FedEx is 18, that doesn‘t mean teens should sit idly until their next birthday. Gaining work experience in your teenage years has numerous benefits, including:
- Learning essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and customer service
- Discovering your interests and strengths to inform future career decisions
- Demonstrating work ethic and responsibility to impress colleges and future employers
- Earning money to save for larger purchases or build an emergency fund
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30% of high school students are employed. Working teens average about 20 hours per week, with older students working more than younger ones.
Research shows that high school employment is linked to better future job prospects and earning potential. One study found that working 20 hours per week in the senior year of high school resulted in a 20% earnings premium 6-9 years after graduation compared to not working.
However, it‘s important to find balance. There is a point where working too many hours can have diminishing returns and negative impacts on grades and extracurricular involvement. Most studies suggest keeping work hours in the 10-20 range per week for high school students.
Where Can 15-17 Year Olds Work?
If you‘re 15, 16, or 17 years old, don‘t let FedEx‘s age requirement discourage you. There are plenty of companies in other industries that hire younger teens. Some common examples include:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants (especially fast food and quick serve)
- Retail stores
- Movie theaters
- Amusement parks
- Summer camps
- Local community centers
The National Retail Federation reports that retail supports 4.6 million jobs for workers under 18, which is 32% of all young workers.
Start by making a list of businesses in your area that frequently hire teens. Check their minimum age requirements, which are often listed on the careers section of their website. In general, larger chain businesses tend to have stricter age minimums compared to small local shops.
Many states require minors to obtain a work permit before starting a job, so be sure to look up your state‘s regulations. Your school guidance counselor can usually assist with the process of documenting parental consent and getting the permit authorized.
What Skills Should Teens Develop?
When exploring early job opportunities, reflect on what skills and experiences might eventually make you a strong applicant for FedEx once you turn 18. While you likely won‘t gain experience in shipping and logistics as a minor, plenty of other skills transfer well.
Here are some key qualities that FedEx looks for in package handler applicants:
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Effective communication skills
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Physical stamina and dexterity
- Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
You can hone these skills through all sorts of jobs. For example, a cashier role at a grocery store can teach you a lot about teamwork, communication, and customer service. Mowing lawns or doing odd jobs for neighbors builds grit and shows initiative.
Think about pursuing jobs that will keep you active and on your feet if you hope to eventually work in a FedEx warehouse. Also, opt for employers with a reputation for hiring minors and providing a safe, supportive work environment.
The Bottom Line
While it may feel frustrating to be too young to work at FedEx, remember that this is just a temporary roadblock. FedEx‘s minimum hiring age of 18 helps protect the safety and wellbeing of minors. The company‘s operations move quickly 24 hours a day, which can be challenging to staff with workers who are limited in their availability and job functions.
Instead of staying idle until you‘re old enough for FedEx, seek out other job opportunities to kick-start your resume. Any work experience you gain as a teenager will pay off down the line by demonstrating your responsibility, dedication, and initiative to future employers like FedEx.
Focus on developing basic job skills, exploring your interests, and being a reliable team member in your early roles. With a few years of experience under your belt, you‘ll be well positioned to meet FedEx‘s hiring requirements by the time you turn 18.
