If you’re a high school student looking to make some extra money after school, then chances are that you’re doing a lot of research trying to figure out which companies hire people before 18.
In this article, we’ll tell you more information about FedEx’s age guidelines and whether you’re eligible to work there before you become an adult, so keep reading!
Does FedEx Hire at 15, 16, or 17 In [currentyear]?
FedEx doesn’t hire minors under the age of 18 in [currentyear]. Although minors can work as young as 14 in some places, they’re not permitted to work in hazardous conditions, like those found at FedEx. Minors also can’t work at FedEx because of their limited availability. They’re only permitted to work after school until 11:00 PM.
Make sure to read our entire guide to get a better understanding of FedEx’s hiring policies for minors, along with other related facts!
Can You Work at FedEx at 15?
While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) typically sets the minimum working age at 14 years old, FedEx doesn’t hire 15-year-olds.
It’s not entirely clear why not, but one potential reason is that FLSA generally prohibits minors from working in dangerous or hazardous conditions.
Indeed, many of FedEx’s entry-level jobs (e.g. package handlers) require heavy lifting or the use of machinery, both of which are considered dangerous activities for minors.
Can You Work at FedEx at 16?
Whether you’re 15 or 16 makes little difference to the folks hiring at FedEx. Until you’re 18 years old, you’re not eligible for a job at the company.
As mentioned in the last section, many of FedEx’s jobs require employees to (potentially) put themselves in danger. Therefore, minors are prohibited from occupying these roles.
Can You Work at FedEx at 17?
Even if you’re just a couple of months away from your 18th birthday, you’re not eligible to work at FedEx.
FedEx package handlers must be at least 18 and have either graduated from high school or obtained a General Equivalency Degree (GED).
If you’re interested in becoming a driver or a courier, you’ll need to wait until you turn 21.
That’s because these roles require a commercial driver’s license, something that can only be obtained at age 21 or older.
Why Do You Have to Be 18 to Work at FedEx?
There are at least three reasons why employees need to be 18 years old to work at FedEx.
One is due to the nature of the job. To put things simply, it’s dangerous.
As a package handler, you’ll be asked to work in a loud factory setting surrounded by large machinery. In addition, you’ll be required to lift and carry heavy packages.
Given all of the potential injuries that can result, minors are prohibited from working in this kind of environment.
Another reason minors aren’t allowed to work at FedEx is because of the unusual working hours.
Entry-level FedEx employees tend to work in shifts similar to the following:
- Sunrise- 4:00 AM to 9 AM
- Day- 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Twilight- 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Midnight- 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Each state has different rules about when minors are allowed to work, but in general, they are not allowed to work before 6:30 AM or after 11:00 PM.
Therefore, a minor would only be allowed to work the twilight shift. That’s simply not very convenient for a hiring manager trying to fill up a schedule.
A third reason why FedEx employees have to be at least 18 is that FedEx requires a high school diploma or GED to work at the company.
Usually, a person needs to have reached the age of 18 to have either one of these qualifications.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx hire felons, is FedEx a good job, and does FedEx drug test.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating trying to find companies willing to hire teenagers. Unfortunately, FedEx is not a company that hires individuals before age 18.
That’s likely due to the dangerous nature of the job, the unusual working hours, and the education requirements. But just because FedEx doesn’t hire 15-, 16-, or 17-year-olds, doesn’t mean that you won’t find another place that does. Stay positive and keep looking.
