If you‘re a teenager looking to earn some extra cash, you may be wondering if FedEx hires workers under 18. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about FedEx‘s age requirements, including:
- FedEx‘s minimum age requirements
- Why FedEx doesn‘t hire 15, 16, or 17 year olds
- What jobs teenagers can get at FedEx
- Tips for getting a job at FedEx as a teenager
Whether you‘re 15, 16, or 17, read on to find out if you can get a job at FedEx!
Does FedEx Hire 15 Year Olds?
The short answer is no. FedEx does not hire 15 year olds for any positions, including part-time jobs.
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 14 and 15 year olds can work limited hours in certain non-hazardous jobs. However, FedEx does not currently hire any employees under the age of 18.
Some of the reasons why FedEx won‘t hire 15 year olds include:
- Most FedEx facilities fail to meet FLSA standards for permissible teen working environments.
- Package handling and driving jobs involve heavy lifting and machinery operation that are too hazardous for younger teens.
- FedEx operating hours don‘t align with federal and state regulations on teen working hours.
- Younger teens may lack the physical strength, stamina, maturity and life experience preferred for FedEx jobs.
So if you‘re 15 years old and eager to start earning a paycheck, you‘ll have to wait until you turn 16 or 17 to apply for positions at FedEx.
Does FedEx Hire 16 Year Olds?
Unfortunately, 16 year olds are also ineligible for hire at FedEx. The company strictly adheres to an 18+ hiring policy regardless of state or federal laws permitting 16-17 year olds to work limited hours in certain jobs.
FedEx maintains this blanket policy because most operating roles fail to meet U.S. Department of Labor standards for suitable teen employment. Lifting heavy packages, operating vehicles and machinery, inconvenient overnight shifts are unsuitable working conditions for teens under 18.
Does FedEx Hire 17 Year Olds?
Like 15 and 16 year old applicants, 17 year olds are also unable to get jobs at FedEx. The company simply doesn‘t make any exceptions for teenagers under 18 seeking part-time or summer positions.
The main obstacle for 17 year old applicants is FedEx‘s uniform minimum age requirement of 18+ for hourly roles like package handlers, drivers, couriers and sorters.
So students looking for after-school income will have to wait until they turn 18 and graduate high school before qualifying for part-time gigs.
Why Doesn‘t FedEx Hire 15, 16 or 17 Year Olds?
FedEx maintains a blanket no-hire policy for 15, 16 and 17 old applicants for a few reasons:
Hazardous Working Conditions
Most entry-level FedEx jobs like loaders, handlers, sorters, and drivers involve manual labor in loud, chaotic warehouse environments. Teens are at high risk for injury while:
- Lifting and moving heavy boxes and awkward cargo
- Operating dangerous machinery and equipment
- Driving vehicles through warehouses and on roads
So FedEx avoids legal liability by only hiring adults with stronger bodies better equipped to handle such hazards.
Overnight, Early Morning and Evening Shifts
To keep packages moving 24/7 nationwide, FedEx operates multiple shifts:
- Sunrise shift: 4:00 am – 9:00 am
- Day shift: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Twilight shift: 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
- Overnight shift: 11:00 pm – 4:00 am
But federal and state labor laws forbid teens under 18 from working several hours past evening or starting extremely early/late overnight.
So staffing models based heavily on overnight and 12+ hour shifts simply aren‘t feasible with legal teen working hour limits.
Education and Experience Requirements
While not always mandatory, FedEx prefers hiring candidates with a high school diploma, GED certificate, or some college education. Mature adults with more work and life experience also make more responsible, reliable hires.
Most teens under 18 are still in high school and lack sufficient real-world experience. So FedEx avoids the added risk and turnover with underage workers who might unexpectedly quit after landing a summer job.
Jobs for 17 Year Olds Near Me
If you’re 17 without any work experience, don’t get discouraged. Many nationwide retailers and restaurants hire 16 and 17 year old crew members and cashiers:
- Fast food chains like McDonald‘s, Taco Bell, Wendy‘s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A
- Clothing brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Hollister, GAP
- Grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, Wegmans, HEB
- Other retailers like Target, Michael‘s, PetSmart, Lowe‘s
So apply with several nearby locations of those major chains hiring teens. With some experience under your belt, consider reapplying at FedEx again later.
Getting a Job at FedEx Once You Turn 18
The good news is FedEx begins actively considering applicants once they reach 18 years old. So if you have to wait another year or so, use that time to:
➡️ Graduate high school: Earn your diploma or prepare to pass the GED exam. Having one is mandatory for FedEx entry-level roles.
➡️ Build your resume: Get 1+ years of part-time work experience at local restaurants, retailers, etc.
➡️ Develop relevant skills: Take classes to improve computer, customer service, lifting, driving abilities.
This will make you a top candidate once you turn 18 and qualify for the following FedEx jobs:
- Package Handler: Lift, scan and load boxes in warehouses
- Courier: Deliver packages locally in a van or truck
- Customer Service Agent: Answer calls and help shippers at counters
So if FedEx looks like an appealing first job out of high school, be patient and use the next year to develop skills and experience that will impress hiring managers once you meet the minimum age.
The Bottom Line
FedEx adheres to a firm company policy requiring package handlers, warehouse workers, couriers and drivers to be at least 18 years old.
Unfortunately, 15, 16, and 17 year old applicants still in high school do not qualify part-time positions due to child labor laws and FedEx working conditions better suited for legal adult employees.
But don’t get discouraged if FedEx rejects you for being underage. Look into local food service and retail chains eagerly hiring responsible 16-17 year olds instead. The experience you gain there will certainly help you land a job at FedEx later!
