The Walmart Package Handler Job: Duties, Pay, Hours and What It‘s Like Working as a Package Handler

As a retail industry expert with over 10 years of experience analyzing warehouse operations and employment trends, I receive many questions about what it‘s like working as a Walmart Package Handler. This in-depth guide provides insider insights into the Package Handler role, including up-to-date details on job responsibilities, compensation, schedules, qualifications, and what current employees say about the pros and cons of the job.

A Day in the Life: Duties and Responsibilities

Walmart Package Handlers work in regional distribution centers, tasked with moving inventory quickly and accurately to fulfill online orders and stock stores.

Here are the core duties:

• Unloading and loading freight: Package Handlers manually unload trucks and containers that arrive with shipments. Each person is expected to safely move over 3,000 boxes per shift using equipment like pallet jacks.
• Scanning and sorting inventory: Inventory must be scanned into the system and then sorted by department, store location, etc. Attention to detail is vital catch damages, defects, or other issues.
• Repackaging and processing returns: Freight and customer returns are inspected and repackaged as necessary. Inventory deficits must also be processed and reported.
• Equipment operation: Package Handlers are trained to safely operate material moving equipment like forklifts and powered pallet jacks. Proper technique and speed is essential.
• Support special projects – Volunteers may be need for cleaning, maintenance, and organizing to support distribution center operations.

The role is fast-paced with repetitive physical motions. Package Handlers can walk 5+ miles per day and lift 20,000+ pounds in a single shift. Straightforward warehouses tasks allow the time to pass quickly.

Table 1. Key Package Handler Duties and Expectations

The Pros: Why Walmart Package Handler Roles Appeal to Some Workers

There are a few key advantages that attract certain segments of workers to Walmart Package Handler jobs:

Higher Wages

With an average wage of $17.15 per hour based on current data from Payscale.com, the pay significantly exceeds minimum wage. Total compensation can reach $20 per hour when overtime is factored in. This income is appealing if you meet the physical demands.

Set Schedules

Walmart distribution centers run 24/7, but individual Package Handlers work set shifts:

• First Shift: Monday – Thursday, 5 AM – 5 PM
• Weekend Shift: Friday – Sunday: 5 AM – 5PM
• Overnight Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6 PM – 5AM

The consistency is beneficial for those seeking stability or needing to plan personal responsibilities around work. You also have 3 to 4 days off per week.

Low Barrier to Entry

No warehouse experience, education, or credentials are required outside of basic abilities like lifting 50 pounds. Walmart provides all training. This makes the job accessible to unskilled laborers.

The Cons: Challenges Reported by Walmart Package Handlers

However, there are certainly downsides that cause a turnover rate of over 50% annually:

Physically Demanding

As noted by many Package Handlers, the repetitive motions, long periods of standing, lifting heavy freight all shift, miles of walking, and inadequate breaks wear the body down. Minor injuries are common. It‘s difficult to sustain if you are prone to pain or joint issues.

Production Pressure

Walmart uses sophisticated tracking systems to monitor productivity for each role. Package Handlers need to unload 3,000+ boxes per 11-hour shift. Falling behind or errors over 95% accuracy trigger disciplinary action. Some employees feel overwhelmed.

Communication Issues

Lack of respect from managers and poor communication around policies, training, and feedback are commonly cited complaints. Unresponsive leadership drives dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, this issue persists across Walmart.

Limited Advancement

Because no qualifications are required, there is minimal room for pay raises or promotions without further education. Package Handler roles risk stagnation over years of service. However, some do transition into office jobs, equipment training, or specialized teams.

Qualifications and Requirements

To meet the demands of this role, Walmart sets these standards for hiring Package Handlers:

• 18+ years old (or state minimum age)
• Able to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs
• Willing to work in varying temperatures
• Pass a drug screening and background check
• Proof of legal working status in the US
• Acceptable job history without extensive termination or gaps

Forklift or pallet jack experience is preferred. On-site training teaches everything else needed.

I recommend being in good physical shape without chronic conditions aggravated by lifting, long periods standing, dampness, or dust. Knee braces, back braces, and joint protectors allow some to meet requirements.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Consider Becoming a Walmart Package Handler

Based on employee reports and industry data, Walmart Package Handling jobs are best suited for:

• Young, physically fit workers who can handle high activity levels
• Second job seekers wanting higher wages from a part-time gig
• Night owls open to overnight shifts with extra pay
• Ex-athletes missing physical and team aspects of sports
• Those needing flexible set schedules due to school, family, etc.
• Anyone seeking warehouse experience before pursuing logistics careers

Ultimately, the high turnover rate indicates Package Handler jobs may serve best as temporary roles. But Walmart’s scale, extensive training programs, name recognition on a resume, and above-average compensation entice enough applicants to meet ongoing labor needs.

I hope this detailed evaluation provides transparency into what these essential distribution center roles truly entail. Please reach out with any other questions!

Expert Source:

Kenneth Wills
Retail Industry Analyst
WarehousingInsights.com