It's not that I'm impatient, I've been in this industry long enough to know that while sometimes things can happen quickly... it's more commonly a slow waiting game.

The competitive pool was explained to me, and I'm aware there were already qualified guys and gals swimming in it before I was ever called for an interview.

The difference is, they were treading water in the pool to begin with! A 2-3 week time frame was told to me by a few different people while I was there, and that would be sorry no thanks, or yes you are in the pool. (Even then it was quipped that I shouldn't quit my job just yet even if the answer is yes until a final class date was given!)

I'm not even sure at the moment I am actually waiting for anything.

Anyways... c'est la vie. That's good advice Whale... and I have been happy to see so many guys and gals getting class dates and how much that means to their careers and lives.

Mine was somewhere in the 4+ week range, I know that doesn't help you with your wait but it happens from time to time with positive results. To say it one more time... no news is good news, "No" is the easy answer.

I'd check in with UPS with a gentle reminder that you haven't received any communication from them, reaffirm you are still excited about the opportunity, offer updates on what you've been up to since the interview, and restate you can be available on short notice. Waiting too long suggests disinterest.

Though it was a while ago, I got my pool letter a week after my interview but it was dated a day or 2 days after the interview.

Strongly disagree with this advice. ..and I'd say the same about ups and any other airline.

I'm pretty sure they said THEY would be letting you know, not the other way around. Waiting does NOT imply disinterest, it implies following instructions, that's all.
Now, if a sponsor follows up that's a different story. ..or if you meet up with them at a job fair, that shows commitment and might even impress them.

Who knows why some cases take longer than others? Maybe their background checks had already cleared while yours is still ongoing? ..or maybe it was pure luck and they picked some names for a few classes that needed to be filled asap and now they aren't in as much of a hurry anymore?
Let's get real, in the past people often waited for months! Be patient or let others check on your behalf.
Well, at least that's my take on it.

Whale,

Think you nailed it. If you get antsy, have your sponsor(s) contact the HR folks and inquire. That keeps you off the hook and shows the sponsors real interest (besides writing a rec) in getting you hired.

JMO

They instructed him to specifically not contact UPS? Don't think so. UPS showing hostility to a candidate for inquiring if there was a potential communication issue or clerical error? Unlikely. Do it professionally and with tact and only once. The vibe I got from everyone during the interview process was good peeps, positive attitude. Can't imagine they would take issue under these circumstances (edit to add: it's been over 6 weeks. That's a huge outlier). If they do then ask yourself if this is a company worth working for. Remember, the dogma amongst the locals on these threads just a few months ago was that this was the worst place to come to, you must be mentally handicapped to want to work here, and seasoned guys were considering leaving for greener pastures and faster upgrades. Nothing has really changed except we are paid a little more and there is some movement. And who knows, maybe they did a typo on your email address when sending the pool letter and are wondering why this arrogant prick isn't sending back a quick thank you note.

Agree that having your bud who wrote your recommendation letter inquire is a preferred route but understood that you didn't have any until just recently making this a moot point.

I was waiting about 2 weeks. In the interview FP yold me if i didn't hear anything in two weeks to send an email to inquire. Remember to check your email as the pool invite does not come by phone, only email.

Everone is really great and very understanding in the office at UPS. They dont play games with your carrer like some other airlines, or Air Line.

Send email HR and or FP thanking them and let them know you haven't heard anything. Being the professional people they are they will respond.

There is nothing wrong with a follow up email. Take control of your career.