handler

first officer

agent de fret

operator

manutentionnaire

Cargojet Airways Ltd.

I’ll start off with speculating through minimal research on review’s here that CJT has a lower score than it should due to the commercial/baggage/loader/Warehouse employee reviews. Their job is hard, the weather is worse and the supervisors are… not helpful. Lots of turn around there but for a job that requires no schooling the pay is not bad. As a mechanic and working heavy maintenance 3rd party before hand at various companies, without hesitation CJT is the best employer I’ve had. The people are good, especially on the commercial side of things. (Most AMEs have their attitudes but that’s pretty standard in aviation). Managers on the maintenance side are great, helpful and give clear direction when needed but not too much oversight you feel worked. The company has a main base in Hamilton and outbases everywhere else in Canada. Some are 2-4 people bases, some are 10-20, some are 40+ with multiple crews. You deal with HR and higher management on the computer through email as they’re in Hamilton, this definitely feels like an easier way to approach them and they’re timely in their response. AJ, the chairman, has a lot of respect for AMEs and it shows, says great things about us on company webchat meetings. Pay is probably the best in Canada from talking around with other AMEs, 3 weeks vac starting, 5% RRSP matching, decent company meals monthly (they change the vendors every time, beats pizza every time), and Flight Benefits! (AirCan, flair, WJ, air north, porter). Also instant 757/767 type course if you’re licensed upon hire. Only cons I’ve experienced is there are quite a few employees that rely on others to “carry” the day and tend to put their feet up (literally do nothing). You should never have to do someone’s job but the work environment is relaxed even so and the pay is good, shrug it off, at least it’s not the employer dragging you down. I recommend CJT 10/10 for AMEs

My experience at Cargojet has been challenging due to several workplace issues that I feel need to be addressed.

1. Management and HR:
Raising concerns about managers or workplace practices often feels unproductive. In my case, when I attempted to address issues with HR, I was met with resistance and even felt pressured to leave the company. Such actions discourage employees from voicing valid concerns and contribute to a toxic work culture.

2. Safety Concerns:
The condition of equipment, such as tug loaders, is concerning. Employees are frequently asked to operate faulty equipment to maintain schedules, despite the potential risks to safety. Proper maintenance and servicing seem to take a back seat, with frequent delays attributed to unavailability of spare parts or servicing teams being otherwise engaged.

3. Workplace Culture:
The focus on maintaining operations at any cost often comes at the expense of employee well-being. Managers and supervisors appear more concerned with protecting their own positions rather than addressing the challenges faced by their teams.

4. Coping Mechanism:
The one positive aspect of my time at Cargojet has been the camaraderie with some of my colleagues. Their support has been invaluable in navigating this difficult environment. However, for those without strong peer support, it seems success often requires appeasing supervisors and managers.

While Cargojet has its strengths, the company needs to address these systemic issues to create a safer and more supportive environment for employees. I hope this feedback helps others make an informed decision and encourages the company to prioritize safety, maintenance, and employee welfare in the future.

Cargojet is a good company to work for if you like night shifts. It has decent pay and regular hours (same shift everyday but you pick the shift you want). The shifts are short (4 hours) but there are opportunities to take overtime or if you are full time you will get 8 hour shifts. They have you trained to do many different jobs (scanning, packing, sorting, loading planes etc. pretty much anything they ask you to do) so if you like a job where you do the same task this may not be for you. 
I personally like the management I think they are good people who really know their stuff but when we are behind schedule they really put the pressure on you. The workplace environment is okay, the people are nice but it can often feel like the higher-ups don't respect employees and just see us as grunts to get the work done fast but that's just how it is don't take it personally and you'll be okay. 
The hardest part of the job would be the heavy lifting (often freight over 70lbs), there is a lot of slinging around packages and many are quite heavy. It is also repeated heaving lifting so if you can't lift and pack a uld with packages weighing 10-70lbs for a couple of hours on end then the job might not be for you.

Work is not overly demanding and there are periods of down time in between flights to relax after working hard.  Co workers are all very friendly and easy to get along with. Management is good (as long as you do your job properly and show up on time) Pay is fair, however I think they could do a bit better considering you’re health is more at risk working night shifts. There are definitely notable health hazards 
I.e. Toxic fumes from the planes jet exhaust  that is always being inhaled while working (you’ll always end up smelling like diesel and gas at the end of your shift), working at dangerously high heights, and constantly working around loud noises, are just some to name a few. A good place to work if you’re looking for somewhere with good management and are okay with working night shifts. I rate it 3.8/5 stars. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Learning and working together with your co-workers 
A team environment always new opportunities 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I guess trying to get everything done at once it’s a rush. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It’s excellent every nationality is always welcome
So the environment is excellent and the culture is excellent you could to meet different people different nationalities we get to share our ideas and that’s excellent. That’s the nicest part.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Typical day it doesn’t matter what time your shift starts, but you’re always busy either loading or unloading trucks or getting things ready for the plane and you have to do both at the same time

Working at Cargojet has been a great experience to date. The entire team is very knowledgeable, dynamic and are always willing to help. Management is great; always willing to sit down, talk and resolve any problems you may have. 
Working outside all year long can be difficult at times, but being properly clothed, which is mostly supplied by the company, is important. 
Being autonomous plays an important role as well as Being knowledgeable of systems and taking the proper decisions. Overtime may be required due to snags or additional flights, but that is part of aviation, and to be expected.
This job is for people that are willing to put in the work, learn, and be a team player. Hard work pays off at Cargojet: Good salary, decent benefits and being able to be part of a great operation.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Well organized company, no expense spared on the facilities.  Everything runs on time and the planes are very well maintained 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Working nights.  The managements disdain for pilots is obvious.  The social agreement is very obviously you feel needed, but not wanted or appreciated.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
In a word awful.   Working nights there is little chance at any social contact or connections.  Any positive connection with the company is not existent.  I have never worked at a company that makes you feel so unwanted and even bordering on hatred  from the senior management

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Long nights.   Especially if you are new

Unsupportive manager, illogical HR and Leadership is a word that doesn't exist in Cargojet. For the management Revenue is above everything - No job security for employee, no warnings - just simple lay off seems to be the only solution that's working for them. Wish there were true leaders who sit and discuss with the employees the challenges they are facing and the issues they are dealing with instead they will take your job - which is easy for them.

If you want to work with here then just zip up or mouth and ears as No one will listen or guide you. HR specifically is a puppet to the management, they won't take a stand for you, neither will your manager as everyone fears a Job loss.

Cargo jet runs like Southwest airlines. A no frills low cost low maintenance operator. They have major contract with large companies because of their low costs. Most employees are underpaid for the workload and responsibilities. Managers are non existent. Poor maintenance on the equipment and most of them are outdated or overdue. There are comradeship among the workers but the pay rate is way below the industry average for airport workers. Non union environment means seniority is none. So turnover is high. Most young workers last less than two years so the turnover is high. Unless you are interested in working with airplanes there are no careers here. Also the work is hazardous and high risk for accidents.


The work-life balance was nonexistent, my role was designated 12 hour shifts (7am-7pm, 7pm-7am) alternating 2 days, 2 overnights, and then 4 days off, so you're never on a consistent sleep schedule. Add to this the fact that during the 12 hour shifts you are basically expected to work without a break, with nowhere to get away from the desk and have a rest. The pay was OK, slightly above average for the industry, but wasn't worth the disruption to my everyday life. Combine the exhausting working conditions with rushed and hasty training, and that was my Cargojet experience. There does seem to be real room for advancement, but largely in part due to high turnover.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Handler 2 salaries reported	$22.25 per hour
First officer 7 salaries reported	$79,343 per year
Agent de fret 1 salary reported	$18.50 per hour
Operator 5 salaries reported	$21.60 per hour
Manutentionnaire 2 salaries reported	$17.88 per hour

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