Are you in a hub or a local sort? If you don't know the difference, here is an explanation I posted in another thread:
"In case you don't know, these are the main differences between the two. A hub transfers stuff from trailer to trailer, train to trailer, trailer to train, or to and from aircraft if it's an air hub. Packages are sorted as they are transferred, and if not sorting in some way you are generally loading or unloading trailers or whatever. Local sorts, on the other hand, are specifically for local package delivery. The preload shift involves receiving trailers from hubs, sorting the contents, and loading them onto the package cars. Reload is preload in reverse; stuff comes off the package cars (and some local trailers) and is loaded onto trailers which are sent to hubs. However, there are preload and reload operations like this at hubs, but hubs are open 24 hours while local sorts usually only have those two shifts. Also, hubs are obviously much larger than the local sorts."
Anyway, if you're at a hub, there will be more job opportunities available...however, as it was said, expect to be doing something hard, most likely unloading trailers, sorting in the primary (where the trailers unload), or loading.
As for your question, you are a temporary hire, no matter what bs they might feed you. ANYONE, hired from Oct. 1st-Jan. 1st is a temp hire. You do sign union papers and pay dues, but that's standard. If you work hard, show up on time, and don't make the same mistakes over and over again, there is a good chance they will rehire you in January. Yes, as a temp. you will technically be fired come December 24th or so, and if they want you back they will rehire you sometime shortly after January 1st. Then you will be "permanent," provided you aren't let go during your probationary period (first 90 days of work I believe). Don't worry about that happening though, it generally is pretty hard to get fired if they rehire you...again, it will only happen if you keep making the same mistakes over and over again (such as misloads), or are chronically absent/tardy. Obviously you would get canned for stealing, but that goes without saying. When I first worked for UPS, I was hired early-mid October, let go at the end of peak season (December 23rd that year), and rehired in January.
As it was said though, if rehired don't expect an easy job. They'll probably have you doing the same job(s) they have you doing now. I say job(s) because oftentimes they like to move new hires around a little bit to give them a taste of the different jobs...well, at least unloading/sorting versus loading. You still probably won't get a taste of the easy jobs though. Easy jobs are generally earned at UPS, not given away.
In any case, just remember a few things:
*Be on time.
*Work hard, but work smart...it's not worth it to be unsafe
*Don't be afraid to ask questions...ever. Especially of your co-workers.
*It will take some time to get used to the job, just give it time and you will get better at it. Don't get discouraged, and learn from your mistakes.
*Keep hydrated, and bring water with you. You will sweat, even in winter in the NE. It's better to drink too much than to not drink enough and pass out or something.
As long as you put forth your best effort I'm sure you'll do well. Good luck!