Anybody Ever Done Warehouse Work?

[Clippersfan86]

Just got a job at Amazon Warehouse. The warehouse is literally like 3 million square feet and has 5k employees (like 1.5k+ per shift). I'm wondering if anybody has any tips besides wearing a back brace. The recruit said I'll be doing the equivalent of 15-20 miles of power walking a day. He told the thinner people that they need to eat way more calories than before due to this. I'm happy I'll be able to lose a lot of weight probably and the hours+pay are very solid.

So any experienced warehouse peeps got anything for me?

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

think they're opening up a warehouse in Jersey. Mind telling me how much $ your getting to start off? you can pm me the answer if you don't feel comfortable mentioning it in the thread. also what's their overtime policy? zero tolerance or what?

[red1]

Pack a large meal for lunch and grab yourself some steeltoed boots.

[KevinNYC]

Just got a job at Amazon Warehouse. The warehouse is literally like 3 million square feet and has 5k employees (like 1.5k+ per shift). I'm wondering if anybody has any tips besides wearing a back brace. The recruit said I'll be doing the equivalent of 15-20 miles of power walking a day. He told the thinner people that they need to eat way more calories than before due to this. I'm happy I'll be able to lose a lot of weight probably and the hours+pay are very solid.

So any experienced warehouse peeps got anything for me?

I worked in a warehouse, but nothing near that size. But my suggestion is get very, very good shoes. Like the upper echelon New Balances.

http://l3.zassets.com/images/z/1/7/8/1/8/3/1781832-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg

I assume you'll be walking on a concrete floor. Did you ever hear that story about John Wooden? The first practice for newcomers at UCLA was all about how to put on your socks. He believed you needed to take care of your feet well to play basketball.

You probably also want to look into yoga or some other flexibility routine.

[KevinNYC]

15-20 miles of power walking a day.

That actually seems horribly inefficient when I think about it.

[nathanjizzle]

happy for you that you got a job, and you can probably get fit at the same time. just be careful with your body you dont want to be paying for it when your in your 40s

[Crystallas]

15-20 miles. That's basic case picking. You have a case picking job, and if your warehouse is in the 3m 'ft range, I'd say that you are picking around 20-50,000 skus. So if you need advice, familiarize yourself with the weights of the units and cases.

Nothing is going to really help you, as far as advise, other than what you will learn in the facility itself. Take note of the methods used by the best workers, because every detail matters to make your job easier and your productivity solid.

[KevinNYC]

I'm happy I'll be able to lose a lot of weight probably

I was a NYC bike messenger one summer in college. Got in the best shape of my life. My basketball game made a quantum leap. One day hit my regular pickup court and got into an outgoing game. I was playing the passing lanes and double-teaming like prime Larry Bird. Had like 4-5 steals that game. I also found I could get to rim easier and what my defender did didn't matter that much to my shot. I was just feeling really, really good that day. Afterwards all these guys came up to me and asked what team I played for. They thought I was on a college team. Just completely felt in the zone that day.


Injured my knee shortly after that and never played like that again. :hammerhead:

[Geriatric]

15-20 miles. That's basic case picking. You have a case picking job, and if your warehouse is in the 3m 'ft range, I'd say that you are picking around 20-50,000 skus. So if you need advice, familiarize yourself with the weights of the units and cases.

Nothing is going to really help you, as far as advise, other than what you will learn in the facility itself. Take note of the methods used by the best workers, because every detail matters to make your job easier and your productivity solid.

Good advice. Don't try and reinvent the wheel. Ask other employees the best way to do things so you save time (and footsteps). If there are forklifts or stockpickers you will probably be required to wear steel toed shoes. Get some good inserts and don't hesitate to pay a little extra up front for better shoes. You don't want bad shoes on a concrete floor. Good luck with the new job!

[LJJ]

I worked as a picker when I was 17-20. You can definitely cancel your gym subscription.

[Clippersfan86]

Thanks for all the thoughtful advice guys and I'm taking it all in. I was told flat shoes will kill me so definitely need to look into those new balance. No Gunz it's 12 an hour which isnt good but in this economy cant bitch. Especially because its 40 plus hours with OT and benefits. Its seasonal with a chance for permanent hiring. I have buddies with masters having to take jobs for similar pay sadly. This is temporary while I work on PC repair training and certs though.

Btw Red I will bring a big lunch for sure. Wonder how many calories I'll be burning at my 240 pounds... The Amazon manager flat out said "I'm not going to lie to you guys this will probably be the hardest job of your life".

[Dasher]

Prepare to get Popeye arms and a smaller waist. The key to being able to do the job is to be efficient with your movements. Don't waste any motion. Practice good lifting technique, as getting lazy can lead to bad habits and injury. Stay as hydrated as possible. If it is hot, get yourself a hydration backpack.

And above all else,

Stay Wavy.

[AlphaWolf24]

oh..thought you said whorehouse ( leaves thread)

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Thanks for all the thoughtful advice guys and I'm taking it all in. I was told flat shoes will kill me so definitely need to look into those new balance. No Gunz it's 12 an hour which isnt good but in this economy cant bitch. Especially because its 40 plus hours with OT and benefits. Its seasonal with a chance for permanent hiring. I have buddies with masters having to take jobs for similar pay sadly. This is temporary while I work on PC repair training and certs though.

Btw Red I will bring a big lunch for sure. Wonder how many calories I'll be burning at my 240 pounds... The Amazon manager flat out said "I'm not going to lie to you guys this will probably be the hardest job of your life".
$12/hr for seasonal work is pretty reasonable.

[andgar923]

Some already suggested the most important thing

[bigkingsfan]

I send in a lot of stuff to sell with FBA, don't fk it up.

[ihoopallday]

Make sure you're technique is solid when it comes to lifting different objects. I'm guessing they'll go over that with you. I worked in a concrete warehouse over the summer. I had to constantly lift 20-30 pounds of rebar. My back was hurting really bad after the first couple days. Wasn't lifting correctly. Anyways good luck!

[andgar923]

oh..thought you said whorehouse ( leaves thread)

You were gonna give blow job advice?

[TheMan]

oh..thought you said whorehouse ( leaves thread)
:oldlol:

[Smoke117]

The day you have an fatal accident and never post again will be the day will all rejoice.

[Styles p]

I did for a year my forklift whip game is nasty.

[Scholar]

I work as a security guard at a warehouse, and I can tell you now that just from me watching these people work that shit is intense. These people go home looking both physically and mentally broken. Then they come back the next day to do the same shit all over again.
A lot of new people quit within the first week of working there, and it seems like everyone who quits working at a warehouse is quick to come up with bullshit excuses instead of simply admitting the work is too much for them.

As others have suggested, pack a large meal and try to stay hydrated. Don't do anything half-assedly because I've seen what happens to people when they get too comfortable lifting shit and not focusing on what they're doing any more.
Paid leave might sound great, but the injuries suck balls. Giant ones. King Kong sized.

[Scholar]

Oh, also, there's a dude who's been working at the warehouse I guard for ~3 months. He went from an overweight slob looking mother****er to now being pretty damn toned. He told me it was because of the warehouse work and that he doesn't workout at all during his free time.

:confusedshrug: Just figured that might be some useful info.

[Meticode]

Oh, also, there's a dude who's been working at the warehouse I guard for ~3 months. He went from an overweight slob looking mother****er to now being pretty damn toned. He told me it was because of the warehouse work and that he doesn't workout at all during his free time.

:confusedshrug: Just figured that might be some useful info.
I can attest to that. When I moved up to Wisconsin I was 185lbs. I worked at a floor/roof truss plant for 1.5 years. I ate horribly 5 days a week (mostly Burger King and McDonald's) and I lost 25 pounds over 5 months probably becuase I was burning 2000+ calories a day from work alone, not counting my regular calories I burn to stay alive.. I was insanely thin looking. but I was toned as well. Then when I left that job I went from 160 to eventually 240 after 5 years. Right now I'm been between 180 and 185 the last 3 months. Eating right and working out.

[jbot]

yes but not in as big of a place. i used the stand-up fork truck and it was pretty fun to drive. got one stuck in between the end of the dock and the back of a trailer that was getting ready to drive off. that was embarrassing.

[SevereUpInHere]

$12/hr for seasonal work is pretty reasonable.

Really? I know the cost of living is less there but damn that sounds like nothing for such hard work. Minimum wage here is $15.59 for anyone over 20.

[FinishHim!]

I did a year of factory work. It sucked, that's just my personal opinion. I'm big into fitness, but this was just like putting a big unnecessary strain on my body. My legs, arms, back, hands were always sore, I was breathing in dust all day, and it's miserable being in a place with no windows especially in the summer time. The actual work I could handle it, but the work environment, i'll pass especially for the $12/hr they were paying me.

As for advice, bring plenty of water, get comfortable shoes as people have suggested. Nothing worse than having some crappy uncomfortable shoes that you have to walk around in all day. As was said don't try and re-invent the wheel. And to me, one of the most important things I learned, if something seems unsafe, don't do it. Factory jobs often turn a blind eye to people who do risky maneuvers because they generally are most concerned about production. But the only person who will be affected in the long term if you have a major injury is you.

[LJJ]

Really? I know the cost of living is less there but damn that sounds like nothing for such hard work. Minimum wage here is $15.59 for anyone over 20.

Hard work?

It's a physical job, but it's not a hard job. Anyone with no physical disabilities can do it and it requires no qualifications of any kind, those factors equal a low paying job.

[Hittin_Shots]

Hard work?

It's a physical job, but it's not a hard job. Anyone with no physical disabilities can do it and it requires no qualifications of any kind, those factors equal a low paying job.

Well I get paid $26.50 /hr to stand at a door or watch drunk fks.

The guy who said he was warehouse security, how much you getting?

[matt1016]

I worked in a large, warehouse-like U.S. Postal Service facility for a few years when I was in my early 20's. My body held up okay, and I wasn't really all that strong back then. Like everyone else advised, use proper lifting techniques and your body will adapt (after some initial soreness)

I remember bringing an extra bagel to add to my lunch and trying to find places to sit down any chance I got. My waistline did get slimmer with all the extra movement.

My brother transferred out of the facility and started carrying mail as a substitute mailman. He had to mace some crazy dogs on his route --one broke through a window screen to try to get at him!

[LJJ]

Well I get paid $26.50 /hr to stand at a door or watch drunk fks.

The guy who said he was warehouse security, how much you getting?

Minimum wage in Cali is $8/h (per wiki), while in Australia it's $15.6 (per the poster in this thread). So you are getting paid 170% minimum wage, while OP is getting paid 150% minimum wage. The gap between your wages is not as large as you think.

Plus, if you are a bouncer you work graveyard shift and irregular hours essentially. That job also requires more skills imo, or at least they look for a certain stock of person.

[upside24]

Yep. Worked in a distribution place driving forklifts. Enjoyed the driving but the heat sucked.

[upside24]

upside24 forklift maneuvering caught on video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUD20n8yomI&feature=related
:roll: :roll: :roll:
I'm a little better than that. Would rep but I've given out too much.:lol

[LJJ]

upside24 forklift maneuvering caught on video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUD20n8yomI&feature=related

A buddy of mine did this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvcUnQZ_g2I

Knocked down about 30 pallets of milk and yogurt drink. Good times.

[imdaman99]

A buddy of mine did this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvcUnQZ_g2I

Knocked down about 30 pallets of milk and yogurt drink. Good times.
wowsers :eek:

[EricGordon23]

I'm a supervisor at a warehouse at the moment. Pays pretty well. Going to school at nights.

Ask tons of questions to learn the best techniques. Stay hydrated.

[Hittin_Shots]

:biggums:

How much does shit cost in Australia?

Here's my states cost of living info

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Australia&city=Adelaide

[SevereUpInHere]

Here's my states cost of living info

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Australia&city=Adelaide


:oldlol: Do a comparison with Perth, we're smashing you guys. :(


Hard work?

It's a physical job, but it's not a hard job. Anyone with no physical disabilities can do it and it requires no qualifications of any kind, those factors equal a low paying job.

Yeah solid point, physical was obviously what I meant, would be the least stressful, difficult mentally job that I could imagine. I could dig it for sure, be nice to get out from behind my desk.

[Hittin_Shots]

:oldlol: Do a comparison with Perth, we're smashing you guys. :(



Yeah solid point, physical was obviously what I meant, would be the least stressful, difficult mentally job that I could imagine. I could dig it for sure, be nice to get out from behind my desk.

Is costing more smashing or is costing less? Wouldn't people want to cost less? Our capital city cost of living is apparently the lowest or the country.

[Hittin_Shots]

Minimum wage in Cali is $8/h (per wiki), while in Australia it's $15.6 (per the poster in this thread). So you are getting paid 170% minimum wage, while OP is getting paid 150% minimum wage. The gap between your wages is not as large as you think.

Plus, if you are a bouncer you work graveyard shift and irregular hours essentially. That job also requires more skills imo, or at least they look for a certain stock of person.

Yea it's mostly night shifts, and ya always gotta worry about crazy drunk ****s goin mental. Worked 1 1/2 years as a bouncer and haven't had a fight, I mean I've broke up fk loads but not me vs patron fights. I'm more of a talker, which management seems to like.

[SevereUpInHere]

Is costing more smashing or is costing less? Wouldn't people want to cost less? Our capital city cost of living is apparently the lowest or the country.

Yeah I know, hence the frown, i was just being stupid. Perth is a joke for how expensive it is. Great place, but Christ it's expensive. I know Sydney is higher on the list but I believe that's purely based on rent and mortgage factors there. Everything is substantially more expensive here after having spent plenty of time in both places. It's easy to find a good cheap feed and drinks in Sydney, nearly impossible here.

Adelaide isn't that bad as a place, it's nice around Glenelg, from the 3 days I spent there anyway. Place has a nice vibe.

[Hittin_Shots]

Yeah I know, hence the frown, i was just being stupid. Perth is a joke for how expensive it is. Great place, but Christ it's expensive. I know Sydney is higher on the list but I believe that's purely based on rent and mortgage factors there. Everything is substantially more expensive here after having spent plenty of time in both places. It's easy to find a good cheap feed and drinks in Sydney, nearly impossible here.

Adelaide isn't that bad as a place, it's nice around Glenelg, from the 3 days I spent there anyway. Place has a nice vibe.

Yea and we don't seem to have to deal with all these natural disasters in the outer states, like last year when your half was on fire and the other was under water.

[SevereUpInHere]

Yea and we don't seem to have to deal with all these natural disasters in the outer states, like last year when your half was on fire and the other was under water.

The fires here weren't really that big of a deal to be honest. With respect to the peeps who lost homes, it was tiny compared to the Vic fires and the Canberra ones 10 or years ago. I was living in Canberra at the time and it was 10x worse.

[Clippersfan86]

Just got hired at Amazon warehouse today, Clippersfan86 you and I are one now.

You did?? Grats dude!

[Clippersfan86]

BTW Australia's cost of living is WAY higher in most parts so of course minimum wage is a lot higher.

[SevereUpInHere]

BTW Australia's cost of living is WAY higher in most parts so of course minimum wage is a lot higher.

I just wish the beer prices here were lower :(

[Clippersfan86]

I just wish the beer prices here were lower :(

I've always thought it would be awesome to live there.. but I can't afford!

[maybeshewill13]

I've always thought it would be awesome to live there.. but I can't afford!

I'll trade for your green card?

[RaininTwos]

A buddy of mine did this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvcUnQZ_g2I

Knocked down about 30 pallets of milk and yogurt drink. Good times.
those reflexes:roll: :roll:

[Clippersfan86]

Okay so... I start Monday. I had a choice of Picker/puller vs sorter and chose picker. Sorter is mostly standing still and I'd rather walk 10-15 miles a day and lose weight and be doing more activity than stand in the same spot all day looking over orders. So basically I have the scanner gun running around like a mad man grabbing the packages and delivering to the sorters.

I hope I made the right choice! Sorter would have been easier but I truly want to lose some weight and TBH standing 8 hours is a lot more painful than walking 8 hours to me.

[KevinNYC]

I think you're probably correct. Our bodies were made to walk.

[Lebron23]

I passed the online assessment test on amazon.com. Just waiting for the final interview.

[Jasper]

worked in a paper mill (wisconsin)
* Brain was melted in less than 6 months.
Worked in one warehouse in Illinois (woman's clothing line) I was a stocker.
By 1 pm lunch was a pitcher of beer and a joint.
* Thank god I was introduced to NT

We all grow and learn , different strokes for different folks.

[Chick Stern]

If you are looking for a stable career, can do a reasonable amount of math, and have a clean record, look into the water industry.
Water is something everybody needs, so your jobs are pretty much recession proof. Most plants are 24/7, so there are a fair number of jobs. Because it is needed everywhere, you have flexibility if you want to move. Primarily union jobs, so generally good pay and benefits.
Most areas have training programs/schools to help you with the state tests. There is also online stuff.
Public jobs are better than private ones.

[Meticode]

If you are looking for a stable career, can do a reasonable amount of math, and have a clean record, look into the water industry.
Water is something everybody needs, so your jobs are pretty much recession proof. Most plants are 24/7, so there are a fair number of jobs. Because it is needed everywhere, you have flexibility if you want to move. Primarily union jobs, so generally good pay and benefits.
Most areas have training programs/schools to help you with the state tests. There is also online stuff.
Public jobs are better than private ones.
+1 to things like this. Especially the food industry. Everyone always needs to eat. Anything working with food production was labeled an essential worker during the COVID stuff. I'm a Lab Tech at a diary plant that works in Quality Assurance. Also kind of depends on they vendors you deal with too. The current company I work for their demand increased during the pandemic because of consumer purchasing, but my old company I worked for they demand decreased because most of our product went towards resteraunts, which were severely impacted by COVID.

All-in-all though, I only got laid off for 2 weeks last year and during those two weeks I just took unemployment for one week and took PTO the other week.

[brownmamba00]

Sounds like a shitty job. Running around all day and you get paid like shit.

I'd recommend getting a job in the chemicals industry. Double pay on the weekends and really easy going job albeit kind of dangerous.