UPS Returns Associate
Position in Little Rock, AR
Job Title: Returns Associate (Gig/Contract) Hiring Organization: UPS Based in: Little Rock, AR (a key business district)
Pay: $21-$25/Hour (approx. $48.4k/Year) Benefits: Benefits may be available based on employment type. Join our Little Rock team for this flexible role.
Responsibilities
Core objectives involve your professional skills in Package Logistics And Fulfillment.
- This Little Rock-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our UPS team in Little Rock, AR is growing.
- Benefit from working in Little Rock, a key hub for the Package Logistics And Fulfillment industry.
About UPS & Our Culture
Reverse logistics is one of the fastest-growing segments of the e-commerce supply chain — and UPS processes more returns volume than almost any other carrier in North America. Our Returns Associates sit at the center of this growing operation, evaluating, grading, and routing returned shipments with the detail and judgment that determines whether a returned item becomes a restocked asset or a loss. If you prefer a stationary, analytical work environment over the high-velocity pace of a main sort belt, our returns associate jobs offer a genuinely different warehouse experience — quieter, more methodical, and more intellectually engaging than traditional sort floor work, all backed by the same Teamsters union contract that protects every UPS associate.
What Our Team Says (Employee Reviews)
"Returns work at UPS suits my personality perfectly. I am detail-oriented and I prefer thinking to running. Every package I open is a mini investigation — why did it come back, what condition is it in, and where does it go next. The work is less physical than sort floor jobs, the environment is quieter and more focused, and the management team genuinely values the accuracy I bring. The union wage for a returns associate at UPS is the same as the sort floor — same pay, easier on my body." - Current Returns Associate, Denver, CO.
Role Overview & Responsibilities
As a UPS Returns Associate, you process inbound customer return shipments at a stationary workstation inside our fulfillment center — opening returned packages, evaluating item condition against digital grading criteria, and routing every returned item to the correct disposition path with the accuracy that protects our customers' refund timelines and our network's inventory integrity.
- Return Package Inspection: Open returned customer shipments and physically inspect contents against the original order record, assessing item condition for completeness, damage, and usability using UPS's digital grading prompt system displayed at your workstation terminal.
- Condition Grading & Coding: Apply the correct disposition code to every returned item — sellable, damaged, vendor return, or liquidate — accurately entering each decision into the returns management system within the time window that triggers the customer's automated refund.
- Repackaging & Restocking Prep: Clean, re-bag, and re-label items graded as sellable, preparing them for immediate reintroduction into active inventory so they can be fulfilled to the next customer without delay or additional warehouse handling.
Benefits & Perks
UPS Returns Associates work in a climate-controlled, stationary environment with Teamsters union wages, full medical, dental, and vision benefits, pension accrual, paid personal time, and UPS Earn & Learn tuition assistance. The lower physical demand of the returns role makes it one of the most sustainable long-term positions in the UPS fulfillment associate lineup for associates who prioritize a less physically intensive warehouse career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the UPS Returns Associate position pay at UPS?
This role offers a pay range of $21 - $25. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within Little Rock.
Where is this UPS Returns Associate job located?
This position is based in Little Rock, AR. UPS has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in Little Rock.
What benefits does UPS offer for this position?
UPS provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Does UPS offer tuition assistance or education benefits?
Yes, UPS offers fully funded tuition reimbursement programs. Eligible associates can pursue degrees and certifications at no cost through programs like Career Choice, covering tuition, books, and fees.
What does a typical day look like as a UPS Returns Associate?
A typical shift involves receiving, picking, packing, and sorting customer orders in UPS's Little Rock facility. You'll work with a team to meet daily fulfillment targets while following safety protocols.
What qualifications do I need for this UPS Returns Associate role?
Most UPS Returns Associate positions at UPS require a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific experience requirements vary by role. Check the full job description for details.