Cargo is a bit different than the airlines when it comes to routes and bidding....in cargo you are typically hired for a specific route in many cases...when you get to that point in the interview, you can ask what is open...and can stay on that route till you give it up...it's not like a person can take it from you. In some cases pilots are hired as "system pilots" and don't hold a bid... home based pilots (usually more senior) and pilots building time to meet full 135 requirements VFR captains, etc are also like this....they go where needed.

Bidding is typically important when you upgrade, or want to move, maybe due to "route rut" or you find a run that gets more hours opens up, or maybe a place you prefer to spend your days/nights.

Some pilots prefer living in the base, good for travel and big town lifestyle, but more $$$ to live...others prefer out based runs that you fly into the hub for the night, but spend weekends at your station.
The advantage here is most smaller airports usually HAVE MUCH LOWER costs of living, sometimes you can get a comparable place to stay for less than 50%, but you are in a small town, with more limited travel a entertainment choices...but if you like the outdoors, it can be great, you make big city $$$, and get small town prices, and you can get most of your rest at the base in the company hotel/apartment, and have all day off to do what you want most of the day...you might need a nap..but you have options.
Yes, it's different than the airlines, but the lifestyle/job/bussines has been very good to many...
Some do it as a quick way to build time, others find life good enough and stay.
It's all about finding the right type of job for your personality and lifestyle needs/wants.