SKMarz

Yesterday, I talked with HR to confirm I could work overseas while I'm treading water in the pool. According to them, it is not a problem. In the course of the conversation, it was mentioned that they are almost certainly not hiring this year and may or may not next year depending on whether the DC-8 planes start to get retired early or not.

In the meantime, one of the overseas companies I am applying to (my current company is quickly spiraling down) has a $36,000, three year bond. I asked if UPS should start hiring sooner rather than later if I could bypass without penalty. I was told I could bypass but there was no guarantee when they would get back around to me.

Two questions for those already at UPS:
1) Has anyone ever bypassed and how was it handled?
2) What kind of impact, if any, will the recent agreement with DHL have on need for additional pilots?

I also realize that anything is speculation at this point, but any input would be greatly appreciated as my family and I may have some difficult decisions to make over the next couple of months.

Thanking you in advance,

johnnyPilot

It looks like UPS will take over all DHL domestic flying in 2009 from Astar and ABX. I would speculate that they will need some pilots by the end of 2008 to ramp up operations. Also I would expect some A/C announcement from UPS.

All speculation on my part, FWIW.

Any other thoughts?

JP

Knight-Rider

From UPS:


UPS will be able to handle much of the anticipated new volume in its existing air network, although additional capacity will be added beginning in 2009 upon full implementation. The total amount of capacity needed will be determined at that time; however, UPS is currently scheduled to take delivery of seven new aircraft in 2008 and another five in 2009. The company is also well along on a $1 billion expansion of its UPS Worldport® air hub in Louisville, Ky.

SaltyDog

SKMarz,
1. Unfortunately, UPS is a great unknown. They have no organized process bringing poolies out when they need them. We all wish they would do a first in, first out, but it's there show. It appears random, regardless of what anyone says. IMO, a bypass would be considered a 'rejection' and doubt ever offered again. Corporate ego I guess. However, HR has worked short term considerations for special circumstances. i.e. move class dates when they are in full swing hiring mode. Pilot hiring HR dept is still vacant in the training center. Offices are empty. When I see them occupied, it is a clue things are looking up. It is standard routine for HR.
2. My sense is that UPS wants to avoid hiring and reduce crews on each fleet to cover the new planes/flying. UPS is pretty efficient regarding consolidation of package movement. They have many opportunities to move them: train, truck (I know it's not a 'truck' <g>) and lastly airplane if delivery time warrants. That is why UPS can pick up air volume from Menlo and not need any more crews because they consolidate all that stuff into options the competitors did not have (rail/truck). UPS can pick least expensive mode of transport to meet delivery requirements. Good news for pilots: If they have you on the property, it is critical to moving revenue that can't get their by other transport methods, and they try to avoid airplanes. Reason I do not believe they will furlough unless armageddon hits.
The big unknowns are the economic impact of the market and if they decide to pickle some DC-8's earlier than planned. We will know soon as they need to post a displacement bid for the classic 747. If they displace some DC-8 crews as well, then I anticipate early 8 retirements. Will know in a month when that bid comes out.

JetPiedmont

Sure seems that this DHL deal ought to mean some jobs/hiring soon. They are sure going to take it on the chin in ILN.

Jetpilot

If you have been here long enough to know it's not a truck, surely you should know its not an airplane, it's a PACKAGE FREIGHTER!!!!

Wonder what they call trains and ships?

hth

JetPiedmont

I'll take a stab at this...uh, package freighters...?

roadwarrior

It'll just get picked up out of open time.....

Jetpilot

I suspect not as it would need to be different from Package Car (delivery truck), I think they call 18 wheelers "package feeders", then there is the package freighter (jets). So based on that it will be package "something" but not car, feeder, or freighter.

you got into the pool not knowing this???

CRJAV8OR

Wow, how depressing. I went into the pool July 17, 2007. The letter I recieved from UPS said alot about how tight lipped they are and are not open to answering your inquiries.

"...The pool is regularly reviewed with respect to consideration for future classes. You will be notified when a decision is made resulting in a change to your status.
It is not necessary to contact our office to update or inquire about your status. ..."

Basically, "Don't call us, we'll call you." I don't expect that call any time soon. Oh well at least I'm luck enough to be floating in another pool and anticipate a class date soon with one of the only passenger carriers out there still able to make money. For all of you floating with me it looks like it will be a long wait. Keep the faith.