Cargo and Ramp Jobs at the Airport : Benefits You Should Know About
The Cargo Handling and Ramp Operations job types are some of the most exciting and fast-paced types of work in the aviation industry. These two positions both involve direct contact with airplanes, and in fact many people refer to these two positions as lifestyle jobs because they have such a benefit to those performing them.
Table of Contents
Salary and Overtime Opportunities
The pay for both Ramp and Cargo positions start off at a decent rate, and new hires can expect to be paid ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per month for their first job in these positions. However, as a new hire in either Ramp or Cargo positions, the majority of the money made will be from working overtime, working night shifts, and from working weekends.
Ramp personnel often find themselves working an extra two to three hours of the regular shift (for a total of four to six hours of expected work), thereby increasing their total earnings for the month to between ₹50,000 and ₹70,000.
Cargo personnel will receive additional compensation for working international flights. In summary, this job may require a considerable amount of hard work but will pay financial dividends to the performer.
Training, Instead of Degrees
Most airlines and ground service companies will typically hire young males and females who completed either 10th/12th grade and will train them within the work environment.
Once you have completed the between 3 and 6-month training program, you will know how to perform the following: lift/unload bags from/to aircraft on ramp; check loading sheets; and print/label/load packages in the cargo area.
There is no requirement for an MBA or engineering; you need to be physically fit and possess common-sense.
Travel Privileges/Airline Tickets
This is probably one of the most desirable perks. Many companies offer staff standby passes (for free and highly discounted airfare) provided there is availability in the seats on the flight. In particular, ramp operational staff members will take these tickets for their own use for personal travel (e.g trips back home).
Additionally, cargo operational staff members receive travel allowances associated with international flights. In short, you will have an opportunity to travel the world on the job. and Opportunities for Fitness and Adventure
On the ramp, you will spend 8-10 hours per day outdoors, right underneath the aircraft and right next to the runway. You will be exposed to every element, sun, rain, and cold, but you will also maintain your fitness levels at an excellent level of fitness.
In addition, the cargo section as well involves heavy lifting and handling of packages on a continual basis. Many people say, “You don’t need to go to the gym at all.”
Additionally, because of the huge volume of flights and people going through the airport on a regular basis, you will never have a boring moment.
Promotions and Rapid Career Progression.
You can become a Supervisor, Load Controller, or Cargo Operations Manager in an average of 2-3 years of continuous hard work. On the ramp side as well, from Ground Staff to Load Master to Operations Coordinator, there are many promotions available to you in a very short amount of time.
Many employees earn in excess of ₹80,000 – ₹100,000 per month after 5-6 years of employment. Additionally, if you speak English well, the potential for transferring to international airports (Dubai, Singapore, Doha) may be readily available as well.
Work More, Be Politically Correct Less
You don’t have to work under bosses all of the time. Your job performance is your job performance, therefore if you’re able to accomplish your jobs such as on-time arrivals & departures and loading and unloading freight correctly, then you will not have to worry about whether or not your boss is satisfied with your work.
In the cargo area specifically there isn’t as many issues with favoritism because everyone has a view of the work being performed.
Develop Network & Skills
As a kaleidoscope of the airline industry, ramp agents interact with every profession within the airline industry including pilots, cabin crew (flight attendants), ground handling, airport operations, maintenance, etc.
Many of the professionals that ramp agents interact with work in the cargo area, like representatives from overseas shipping companies and custom officers.
After time, these interactions will help you to grow your communication skills, teamwork skills and problem solving skills. Ultimately, through time many people have worked their way up in the airline industry from ramp agent to higher levels.
Job Security and High Demand for Employment
Operations at Airports Run All Day Every Day. Those within the Air Cargo and Ramp Operations Have Surged, Even Durings of the COVID-19 Pandemic, with Increasing Freight Movement of eCommerce Products, Medical Equipment, Fresh Produce, and Flowers Being Shipped By Air, There Is No Need to Be Concerned About Being Laid Off.
A One of a Kind Experience
Experiencing Aircraft Arrivals like a Boeing 777 Landing at 2:00 AM. Having the opportunity to Greet a Pilot at the Airport While Loading Luggage Bag Weighing 50 KG on a 06:00 AM Flight. Activities Such These Only Occur in Movies, but Are Seen Within the Workplace on Your Average Day.
A Long-Term Career
The Average Age of Cargo/Ramp Services Workers is Well into Their 50’s. This is Due to Their Work, Many Are Able to Stay Physically Fit, Grow Their Skills and Move Up to an Office Position as a Result of Promotional Opportunities. These Worker Have the Opportunity to Earn a Good Living Until They Retire.
There Are Downsides, Too
The downside of this job is the long hours, bad weather and physical exertion will be felt most during the early part of the day; therefore, if you want to enjoy excitement every day, then this job has everything: (money + adventure + experience).
Finally, if you are in your 20s or 30s; physically fit and have some interest in airplanes; I highly recommend that you work either as a cargo handler or ramp jobs at least once in your life. You will not regret it!
Comment below for: Which airline are you interviewing for next? I’ll give you a specific solution for your interview.”
Comment below for: Are you struggling anywhere!, Kindly let us know, We will give you perfect solution.
What is the salary range for a Ramp Agent/Cargo Handler?
Typically, hourly wages are $18-25 to start, with the potential for overtime and shift pay to raise annual compensation to $40,000–60,000+. For example, Southwest Airlines starts at $19/hour.
Are there any specific qualifications needed for this position?
You must have at least a high school diploma (or GED), be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have a clean driving record. A college degree is not necessary as employers will train you. Some level of physical fitness is required.
Is heavy lifting a requirement of this job? How heavy?
Yes, you’ll be frequently lifting and loading bags and/or cargo weighing between 50-70 lbs. (23-32 kg). This ability will be tested as part of your physical fitness assessment.
What are the hours/shifts like?
There are 24 hour per day operations, so night, weekend, and holiday shifts are common. Most of your initial shifts will be 8-10 hours long and there is a lot of potential for overtime work. With tenure, you will have increased flexibility in terms of your schedule choices.
Are there any flight benefits (free travel) for employees?
Yes, the majority of airlines (including Delta, Southwest, FedEx, etc.) offer employees (and their families) free/discounted flights through standby passes. This is a significant benefit of this job.
