Ramp agents?

AA · October 10th, 2004, 23:41

What are the qualifications for working as a ramp agent. AND how does one go about applying for a position?

nkoenig · October 10th, 2004, 23:50

I really dont have an answer to your question

, im just curious what part of tx u are from?

TallFlyer · October 11th, 2004, 01:05

Well, as someone who has bacially been hired for 3 ramp positions in the past week, I can tell you not much.

It helps to have a pretty good work ethic and represent yourself well. I get the feeling that because of the low pay scale that they don't tend to attract the best workers, so I know for myself I intend to make a pretty good showing of myself. Not to mention the fact that I'll be working in and around some rather big aircraft (747s mostly) and I think that'll be pretty cool.

As far as specific qualifications that help me, my CDL was a requirement for one position, and got me $1 more an hour at another.

I guess I should also mention that the three companies I was hired at are private contractors and not actual airlines, so I don't know what that means. Maybe ask Kell or someone else...

TallBoy85 · October 11th, 2004, 01:09

There's a lot of ramp agent positions open in this part of the country. Here's a hint for you. Mesa rampers get $6.75 an hour. Most other airlines pay $9.00+ or so I've heard...

The qualifications aren't much as it's a fairly high turnover job and the perks aren't that great. However it does act as a good foot in the door at an airline if you meet the right people...

RPM · October 11th, 2004, 01:43

here is what the Skywest job posting says, and its an online application @ skywest.com if your interested:

To be considered for a Ramp Agent position, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Good communication skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen or show proof of right to work in the U.S.
• High School graduate or GED
• Type 30 words-per-minute
• Possess a valid drivers license
• Ability to lift 70+ pounds comfortably
• Able to fluently read, write, speak and understand English
• Friendly and outgoing personality
• Ability to work under stressful situations and tight time constraints
• Self-motivated, team player
• Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules

----pay starts at $10.70 hr.

Description:
Ramp Agents are responsible for marshaling aircraft in the gate, loading, unloading and sorting freight and baggage. Ramp Agents are also responsible for servicing aircraft lavatories and potable water, pushback plane from the gate, deicing and other duties as delegated.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for maintaining safety and security of the ramp at all times
• Monitor customer safety during boarding and deplaning, and assist customers in a friendly and courteous manner
• Marshall aircraft on the ramp (includes directing, assisting and parking all arriving, departing and towed aircraft)
• Transfer baggage to all airlines
• Observe safe ground handling procedures and maintenance of ground handling equipment, including the performance of equipment checks
• Comply with all safety procedures and Station Policies
• Responsible for courteous, prompt, accurate and careful handling of customer baggage, airfreight and COMAT (continuous lifting, loading/unloading, sorting & transfer of baggage, freight, COMAT)
• Service aircraft as needed (aircraft lavatories, portable water, window wash, de-icing and commissary items
• Assist in ramp set-up and storage of equipment and baggage
• Constant communication with Operations, Flight Crew personnel and other ground personnel
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor and Manager

October 11th, 2004, 07:46

[ QUOTE ]
• Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules

[/ QUOTE ]

If it was for a pilot position then I might; but no way would I work holidays for a ramp job.

Tim · October 11th, 2004, 09:08

Well if you really want to be a ramp rat just go to any of the airlines websites and they can tell you their qualifications. They are pretty standard but just know going it senority rules and get use to evening shift and working all holidays for 10 yrs or so and learn to dress in layers for the winter and get some really good rain gear.....I got 13 yrs of it.

mtsu_av8er · October 11th, 2004, 09:45

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
• Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules

[/ QUOTE ]

If it was for a pilot position then I might; but no way would I work holidays for a ramp job.

[/ QUOTE ]

IS this the same guy that considered the military?

turbojet28 · October 11th, 2004, 18:04

Sacrafices and paying your dues, Brian!

October 12th, 2004, 00:16

I don't mind working nights and weekends as much as I mind working holidays. Not even all holidays; all I would like to have off is at least Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. I really don't care as much about arbor day or minor holidays as much as I care for these holidays. Easter is pretty big for me too. I guess it is a matter of luck to not be scheduled to work on these holidays.

tonyw · October 12th, 2004, 00:22

[ QUOTE ]
all I would like to have off is at least Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. I really don't care as much about arbor day or minor holidays as much as I care for these holidays. Easter is pretty big for me too. I guess it is a matter of luck to not be scheduled to work on these holidays.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, it's a matter of seniority.

mtsu_av8er · October 12th, 2004, 01:07

[ QUOTE ]
I don't mind working nights and weekends as much as I mind working holidays.

[/ QUOTE ]

And with all of your work experience, you can choose the days you get off??

Mind giving me a few tips??

Doug Taylor · October 12th, 2004, 01:11

[ QUOTE ]
all I would like to have off is at least Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good luck! I haven't had an Xmas, on schedule, since 1997, had probably two Thanksgivings since 1996 and usually on the road for New Years.

As a professional pilot, you'll learn the art of the "December 23rd Xmas", the "Turkey Dinner on the last Wednesday of the Month Thanksgiving" and the 'anytime minutes' usage during New Years Eve.

fsuflyer · October 12th, 2004, 02:19

Do ramp agents get travel benefits?

av8trxx · October 12th, 2004, 04:26

[ QUOTE ]
Do ramp agents get travel benefits?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, if they work for an airline. Ramp agents working for contract services usually do not, but a few get some limited passes for their employees. Many service charge for passes, while some do not.

While it is true the lowest seniority agents usually work the holidays, at SWA there is a chance to get the holidays off. Ground ops staffs Xmas & Thanksgiving by asking agents to sign up for overtime. Any vacancies left are filled by junioring agents from the bottom of the list up. Since there are lots of money hungry people who sign up to work, often for double shifts, a junior agent could very well get the holiday off. SWA also gives one day per month off with pay to ground ops employees. Starting pay is $8.75 with free employee medical and free unlimited pass benefits. Another benefit is that ground agents get a one paid day off per month Jan-Oct.

You can review ramp agent qualifications and submit a resume online with Southwest at

www.southwest.com/careers

October 10th, 2004, 23:41	#1
AA Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: TX Posts: 127	Ramp agents? What are the qualifications for working as a ramp agent. AND how does one go about applying for a position?

October 10th, 2004, 23:50	#2
nkoenig Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 437	Re: Ramp agents? I really dont have an answer to your question , im just curious what part of tx u are from?

October 11th, 2004, 01:05	#3
TallFlyer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 554	Re: Ramp agents? Well, as someone who has bacially been hired for 3 ramp positions in the past week, I can tell you not much. It helps to have a pretty good work ethic and represent yourself well. I get the feeling that because of the low pay scale that they don't tend to attract the best workers, so I know for myself I intend to make a pretty good showing of myself. Not to mention the fact that I'll be working in and around some rather big aircraft (747s mostly) and I think that'll be pretty cool. As far as specific qualifications that help me, my CDL was a requirement for one position, and got me $1 more an hour at another. I guess I should also mention that the three companies I was hired at are private contractors and not actual airlines, so I don't know what that means. Maybe ask Kell or someone else...

October 11th, 2004, 01:09	#4
TallBoy85 Junior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 194	Re: Ramp agents? There's a lot of ramp agent positions open in this part of the country. Here's a hint for you. Mesa rampers get $6.75 an hour. Most other airlines pay $9.00+ or so I've heard... The qualifications aren't much as it's a fairly high turnover job and the perks aren't that great. However it does act as a good foot in the door at an airline if you meet the right people...

October 11th, 2004, 01:43	#5
RPM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: LAX Posts: 658	Re: Ramp agents? here is what the Skywest job posting says, and its an online application @ skywest.com if your interested: To be considered for a Ramp Agent position, you must meet the following requirements: • Be at least 18 years of age • Good communication skills • Must be a U.S. citizen or show proof of right to work in the U.S. • High School graduate or GED • Type 30 words-per-minute • Possess a valid drivers license • Ability to lift 70+ pounds comfortably • Able to fluently read, write, speak and understand English • Friendly and outgoing personality • Ability to work under stressful situations and tight time constraints • Self-motivated, team player • Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules ----pay starts at $10.70 hr. Description: Ramp Agents are responsible for marshaling aircraft in the gate, loading, unloading and sorting freight and baggage. Ramp Agents are also responsible for servicing aircraft lavatories and potable water, pushback plane from the gate, deicing and other duties as delegated. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Responsible for maintaining safety and security of the ramp at all times • Monitor customer safety during boarding and deplaning, and assist customers in a friendly and courteous manner • Marshall aircraft on the ramp (includes directing, assisting and parking all arriving, departing and towed aircraft) • Transfer baggage to all airlines • Observe safe ground handling procedures and maintenance of ground handling equipment, including the performance of equipment checks • Comply with all safety procedures and Station Policies • Responsible for courteous, prompt, accurate and careful handling of customer baggage, airfreight and COMAT (continuous lifting, loading/unloading, sorting & transfer of baggage, freight, COMAT) • Service aircraft as needed (aircraft lavatories, portable water, window wash, de-icing and commissary items • Assist in ramp set-up and storage of equipment and baggage • Constant communication with Operations, Flight Crew personnel and other ground personnel • Miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor and Manager

October 11th, 2004, 07:46	#6
Lurker Posts: n/a	Re: Ramp agents? [ QUOTE ] • Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules [/ QUOTE ] If it was for a pilot position then I might; but no way would I work holidays for a ramp job.

October 11th, 2004, 09:08	#7
Tim Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 2,205	Re: Ramp agents? Well if you really want to be a ramp rat just go to any of the airlines websites and they can tell you their qualifications. They are pretty standard but just know going it senority rules and get use to evening shift and working all holidays for 10 yrs or so and learn to dress in layers for the winter and get some really good rain gear.....I got 13 yrs of it.

October 11th, 2004, 09:45	#8
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	Re: Ramp agents? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] • Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules [/ QUOTE ] If it was for a pilot position then I might; but no way would I work holidays for a ramp job. [/ QUOTE ] IS this the same guy that considered the military?

October 11th, 2004, 18:04	#9
turbojet28 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 453	Re: Ramp agents? Sacrafices and paying your dues, Brian!

October 12th, 2004, 00:16	#10
Lurker Posts: n/a	Re: Ramp agents? I don't mind working nights and weekends as much as I mind working holidays. Not even all holidays; all I would like to have off is at least Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. I really don't care as much about arbor day or minor holidays as much as I care for these holidays. Easter is pretty big for me too. I guess it is a matter of luck to not be scheduled to work on these holidays.

October 12th, 2004, 00:22	#11
tonyw Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 15,922	Re: Ramp agents? [ QUOTE ] all I would like to have off is at least Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. I really don't care as much about arbor day or minor holidays as much as I care for these holidays. Easter is pretty big for me too. I guess it is a matter of luck to not be scheduled to work on these holidays. [/ QUOTE ] No, it's a matter of seniority.

October 12th, 2004, 01:07	#12
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	Re: Ramp agents? [ QUOTE ] I don't mind working nights and weekends as much as I mind working holidays. [/ QUOTE ] And with all of your work experience, you can choose the days you get off?? Mind giving me a few tips??

October 12th, 2004, 01:11	#13
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Ramp agents? [ QUOTE ] all I would like to have off is at least Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. [/ QUOTE ] Good luck! I haven't had an Xmas, on schedule, since 1997, had probably two Thanksgivings since 1996 and usually on the road for New Years. As a professional pilot, you'll learn the art of the "December 23rd Xmas", the "Turkey Dinner on the last Wednesday of the Month Thanksgiving" and the 'anytime minutes' usage during New Years Eve.

October 12th, 2004, 02:19	#14
fsuflyer Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TLH Posts: 105	Re: Ramp agents? Do ramp agents get travel benefits?

October 12th, 2004, 04:26	#15
av8trxx Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: KSAN Posts: 392	Re: Ramp agents? [ QUOTE ] Do ramp agents get travel benefits? [/ QUOTE ] Yes, if they work for an airline. Ramp agents working for contract services usually do not, but a few get some limited passes for their employees. Many service charge for passes, while some do not. While it is true the lowest seniority agents usually work the holidays, at SWA there is a chance to get the holidays off. Ground ops staffs Xmas & Thanksgiving by asking agents to sign up for overtime. Any vacancies left are filled by junioring agents from the bottom of the list up. Since there are lots of money hungry people who sign up to work, often for double shifts, a junior agent could very well get the holiday off. SWA also gives one day per month off with pay to ground ops employees. Starting pay is $8.75 with free employee medical and free unlimited pass benefits. Another benefit is that ground agents get a one paid day off per month Jan-Oct. You can review ramp agent qualifications and submit a resume online with Southwest at www.southwest.com/careers

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