There is a UPS pilot that lives on one of the routes I used to cover. Sounds like most UPS pilots moved here from other airlines. The work rules/schedules are also very, very different.
If I understood things, there are only 3 hubs in the US (for bid purposes) and very few bid "regular routes." Bid packages are posted every 6 weeks (I think, I am going off the memory of a discussion 2ish years ago) for 2 week schedules.
If you read through the contract, you will see some language regarding riding jumpseats. That is for pilots and other crew to get to their "work starting terminal." Pilots do not typically fly from one airport to another and back.
Someone has to predict our air volume, in advance, in order to dispatch the proper number of planes and crew. That volume changes weekly/seasonally.
I thought it was incredibly interesting. I also learned that at peak, I am spending more time with my family, than a pilot does the rest of the year.
Hotel living SUCKS. The pilot life is not for me.
TB