UPS Hired 100,000 Seasonal Workers for Holidays

The delivery giant added temporary staff across the United States to manage the peak shipping season.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Jobs — General

Stack of plain cardboard shipping boxes inside a delivery truck cargo hold in a logistics facility. — UPS has hired 100,000 seasonal workers across the United States to manage the significant increase in package volume during the holiday shipping season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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United Parcel Service has hired 100,000 seasonal employees to manage the surge in package volume during the holiday season. The new staff will sort, move, and deliver parcels across hundreds of locations throughout the United States.

Why it matters

The holiday period remains the busiest time for the delivery industry, prompting companies to scale operations to handle increased volume. UPS is simultaneously refining its network by focusing on profitable shipments while reducing its reliance on Amazon deliveries.

The firm added 100,000 temporary workers while moving forward with a 2026 restructuring plan that includes cutting 30,000 operational jobs and closing 24 facilities.

The players

United Parcel Service

This global shipping and supply chain management company operates one of the largest package delivery networks in the world.

Amazon

This multinational technology company maintains a massive e-commerce platform that relies heavily on third-party logistics for shipping.

The details

These seasonal workers are responsible for handling the surge in parcel flow from late November through early January. The hiring initiative supports a broader strategy to prioritize higher-margin shipments as the company streamlines its logistics network.

January 2026: UPS announced plans to cut 30,000 jobs.
October 7, 2026: The company announced the hiring of 100,000 seasonal workers.
Late November to early January: This represents the holiday shipping season peak hiring period.

Market Landscape

The hiring of 100,000 seasonal staff highlights a strategic pivot toward leaner year-round operations following the 2026 UPS restructuring program. By cycling between massive seasonal temporary hiring and permanent workforce reductions, the company seeks to maintain competitive margins.

Customers can expect the usual increase in delivery capacity during the upcoming holiday rush as seasonal staff begin their shifts. While the company prioritizes more profitable shipments, package transit times for average retail shoppers should remain consistent with holiday service standards.

The takeaway

Seasonal employment remains a critical tool for logistics companies to manage extreme variations in demand without increasing permanent overhead. Consumers should continue to monitor shipping deadlines closely, as holiday demand remains sensitive to shifts in corporate shipping priorities.