My thoughts about working at an Amazon XL Warehouse

 In August of last year, I started working at an Amazon XL Warehouse to earn some extra income.  I wanted to go over it, what the job entails, what I like about it, and what I don't like, etc.  

First off, the hours kinda suck no matter how you look at it.  It's 3am to 8am where we work.  We have to work so early because the truck drivers have to be out by noon or so.  It takes approximately five hours for us to sort the packages and another two for the loadout shift to load the trucks.  

Also, I wanted to clarify that, as an XL Warehouse, we deal with XL packages only.  That means packages are oversized, overlong, or overweight.  We routinely deal with packages over 50 pounds, such as televisions, mattresses, bookshelves, generators, and gym equipment.  It's a good workout to say the least.

What I have primarily done is sort the XL packages.  Sorting involves taking packages off of the Amazon semi-trucks and sorting them onto routes.  I, and I'm sure you reading this, perhaps assumed that happened when it got loaded in the truck, but nope.  I'm not sure in what order the trucks are loaded, but our job is to take what they have loaded on the truck and organize it better for the drivers so they can deliver the packages efficiently.  

There are three primary responsibilities for people that sort.  The one you start out with is stowing.  Stowers use a hand truck or dolly and take the packages either from the truck or from the floor after they've been "downstacked".  That's where the 2nd job comes in.  There are usually 1 or 2 downstackers who take pallets off of the truck and downstack them, removing the shrink wrap and moving the packages into an area for stowers to grab.  The third job is the inductor, who there is only typically one of but it can be two on busier days.  They scan each package's QR code to enter it in our system as received and print out a sticker label showing its route which they then apply onto the package.  The scanning and printing of the sticker is all done with the same device.  Perhaps you've ever gotten an Amazon package with a colored sticker, about an inch and a half wide?  Those are the induction stickers that help Amazon employees know where that package is headed.  

I've been trained for all three now, and I enjoy each one differently.  Stowing is definitely the easiest, so if I'm very tired that is what I prefer.  Although, it can get tedious and boring.  But it is the job that makes me take the most steps, sometimes as much as 25,000 in one shift!  Downstacking is probably the hardest physically.  If anyone downstacks, the first few times doing it are always the toughest.  But then you get used to it.  Inducting can be tricky if the device is acting up, but the hardest part is when there are a lot of "fluid" trucks.  Fluid trucks are when the packages are loosely stored (not shrink-wrapped on a pallet).  It's the inductor's responsibility to induct all of the packages on fluid trucks, which involves moving each package so you can get to the ones behind them.  The frustrating thing is when the package's shipping label is on the floor, so you have to essentially rotate the package 180 degrees, which can be tough for the heavier packages.  

I enjoy the responsibility given to me when I am the inductor, but it can be stressful when there are a lot of fluid trucks or you have stowers waiting on you to induct because you fell behind for whatever reason (for me it's usually the device failing for some reason).  It's the absolute worst when there's a ton of fluid, because you have to keep going back and forth between the trucks and the floor, because there will always be stowers who primarily stow what's on the floor and will avoid the trucks at all costs.  It's especially annoying when the only packages left are what's on the trucks, which makes you want to yell at the stowers, "Well, if you stowed more from the trucks earlier, there wouldn't be so many left on the trucks now, would there?"

Fortunately, we have a great management team.  I've seen them help out whenever there's a lot to do, we're short-staffed, or both.  Because they are always willing to help out, I've yet to work a shift where we didn't get done in time.  They're also very chill and laid back and easy to talk to.  They offered me great support when I first started, showing me how to do things, answering my questions, etc.  We usually have a quick team meeting at the start of our shift where they go over how many packages they expect, the number of trucks and routes, and any workplace and safety tips.  After we finish stowing all packages, we do a quick check of the packages.  Also, we primarily have two types of routes: CP and XL, although there are a couple less common others.  CP packages go on hand carts and are up to 70 lbs. in weight.  XL packages are typically heavier than 70 lbs. (but not always) and just go on the floor in the designated route area.  

We often finish early, giving us time to do some training in the break room or just chillax there.  We've got an arcade machine, vending machines, a ping pong table, and even a Nintendo Switch and Xbox.  I've played a little of each.  I work with some great people, too.  Some I can tell that have been there a while, and some I have seniority on.  We also have vending machines, a coffee machine (which dispenses coffee in seconds flat with no need for K-Cup or grounds), and even a slushie machine, but the only time I ever saw that used was on my first day, funnily enough.  But we often are given snacks on our breaks, we can help ourselves to a water bottle whenever we need, and they occasionally have food like baked goods out for people.

One thing I haven't mentioned is that at least with me, I get to pick what shifts I work.  So if there's a particular day I don't want to work, I don't have to.  However, shifts can be hard to come by.  They fill very fast, so if you don't want one, it doesn't mean you'll get another.  You literally have to refresh the schedule page in the A to Z app at the second it turns to 9:30 to snag the shift before other people do.  So sometimes, I don't get as many shifts as I'd like, but at least I'm not overworked outside of my control.

All in all, I enjoy this job.  It's a good way to make a little extra money at a time when pretty much everyone is available.  Yeah, I have to go to bed early and often take a nap after my shifts, but it's also a good workout and I have lost a bit of weight since starting there.  I would recommend this job to anyone looking for a good workout, some extra cash, and people okay with operating on about 4 hours of sleep (or people that can go to bed at like 6).