Thanks. I understand you bid by age. What I am specifically asking is that recently the company was curtailing the contract by creating separate new hire classes in which they ONLY offered the 747. They did this with 747-time pilots, is this still a practice that is happening.
UPS is a phenomenal job, I wouldn't quit, just trying to understand current practices. TIA.

Pricing is a wildcard, but an equal wildcard IMO is density of aircraft (less than 40 A330 freighters worldwide). AOG and parts become a real reliability issue to be resolved. Bigger wildcard, why introduce a new fleet at this point. The MD's will last long enough to allow a network built around 767s and 74's that would compete successfully against 777/767 networks. 767's are a productive moneymaker. Will be supported for decades thanks to USAF and Purple new production as well as current orders at UPS. Link that with no new fleet introduction requirements, no new sim types, no original vacancy bids and have best package with eliminating MD and replace with combo 74/76 network at best network and labor cost.
But logic often matters little in these decisions

You cannot bid something that is not available. So if you get put in “heavy” class then you will have no choice. They may offer MD, which you would bid by age.

You could just stomp your feet, cry or ask for a mental health day and Im sure you wont have to worry about it.

If current in 747, chances increase will be placed in a class that only has the 747 choice.
If not current, then a 50/50 case, could end up in 75/76 or A300 if current a/c is similar to these a/c.
UPS still starting classes a day apart to manage the placement of crews where they desire maximum experience. They did this 20+ years ago as well, maybe a week apart back then, but was same strategy.

Excellent points

You seem very particular about the kind of flying you are going to be doing as a new hire. Maybe night cargo is not a good fit?

Sorry to the people who seem to think I’m whining. I’m sorry for trying to plan out my family’s life BEFORE changing airlines. If gaining information on class placement is frowned upon then perhaps a LOT of threads should be closed down. I’ve flown cargo for years, love it, but do not want to be based in ANC, is that a problem or something?
UPS has a history of flagrantly circumventing the contract in this particular regard (from what i am told) and I’m simply asking if they are still doing it. Perhaps be upset with that instead of someone only asking if they are still doing it so they can consider employment before coming over.
I just wanted to know if I’d get the 747 and be seat locked 4000 miles from home for 18 months...

Thank you! Exactly the information I was looking for. I don’t know why some found this so hard. Cheers.

You left a great impression on the FedEx schedule thread as well.