"How do you like UPS?"
There are some things I like and some things I don't like. I can't be real honest about the things I don't like. It's a steady paycheck and a stable environment. Get to fly big jets. Because I'm senior, my schedules are pretty good.
"Is commuting at all possible the first year?"
Commuting is always possible. When I was back in SDF for two months going through 757 school there were guys going all the way home to the west coast on two days off. Not worth it to me. Reserve lines are 8 on, 6 off, or 16 on, 12 off.
"Not that it matters, unless I ever get an interview, but how long would it take to be based in ONT?"
ONT is a senior base. The junior guy there was hired 6/01 and is 2387 out of 2500ish. If we had steady hiring, I'd say it would take a couple of years to get ONT.
"What are the chances of even getting an interview if I don't know any pilots there?"
I'll say zero.
"Any word on how long hiring will continue, or is it still a big secret how many are going to get hired?"
Big secret. I'll just say that hiring will be minimal (which is a lot better than the not at all we've had for a long time). I believe we will continue to hire next year...maybe a couple hundred at the most. When the contract is settled and if we get the changes in scheduling we need, I think there will be more hiring.
"Would getting a PT job throwing boxes help get on at all?"
I don't think so.
You'd be better off moving to SDF (I'm serious) and getting to know a UPS management pilot.