The first time I applied for UPS was October of '08. I didn't hear back from them until October of '09, and when I finally got an interview, I received 3 separate emails from 3 different hubs I had applied to, to interview with, and all within a month (struck out with the first two, finally hit on the 3rd).
That, however, was through their online application. So you see how that goes...
My advice would be to call the HR rep every week, especially if you were given a card with his name and number. Persistence does pay off, and the HR rep will more than likely look upon you favorably because of it.
I wouldn't, however, mention that you live both an hour away, and that you're interested in transferring at some point. Don't float that talk until AFTER your pre-seniority has been met. And if the HR rep/sort manager asks if you live close by, LIE. Do not tell them you live an hour away, because in my experience, the distance of your home from the hub does play into your consideration for employment (obvious reasons).
Another thing to add...when you say you were told the HR office wasn't located in their building, did they mean the main office? Because if I'm not mistaken, there are HR main offices, separate from the HUB you applied to.
Perhaps you could ask to speak to an HR rep about employment at that hub? There should always be someone from HR working throughout the day in the hub (unless I'm mistaken). My hub has 3 HR reps working throughout the day. If you're still met with the same answer, try to talk to an employee heading into the hub, explain your predicament, and see if they can at least get you a phone number (there should be a contact list of phone numbers inside of the hub).
Good luck.