1. 121 Cargo operators do not comply with FAR 117 due to the "Cargo Cutout", they were specifically excluded from the regulation. It's not called FedEx Field (Washington Redskins) for nothing. ALPA can give you more information on that issue.

2. I can't speak to 135, but they do have rest requirements, but I'm not familiar with them as I've never flown 135.

3. The pilots are not involved in any way as to what cargo is loaded on the aircraft, other than Dangerous Goods. DG is hand sorted, separated and loaded by DG specialists, for a considerable up charge (over 30% of FedEx Express gross revenue is transporting DG). The flight crew is provided with weight and balance data, but once the cargo door is closed, we don't care about the freight unless it's in fire. FedEx signed a contract with the USPS in January 2001, and started flying mail in August 2001. This contract kept FedEx afloat after 911. We haul overnight and 2nd/3rd day priority mail airport to airport, USPS delivers the package the "last mile".