In this outfit the freighter flights only last up to ten days.
Some of the flight pairings are contractually scheduled whilst others (including connections to the CS flights) are ad hoc with many changes or cancelations.
These flights are all over the world but only a few over the Pacific.
Many crew don't like the freighter due to the time away or the changes and cancellations. As cargo is only 8% of our scheduled ops, it's not too hard to avoid.
Personally l like the trips. Out of town for ten days. Most of the fellow crew are out for a good time and are usually good company in the flight deck. No need for novels.
Plus the challenges of changed duties, destinations and delays make for colourful phone conversations with flight ops and crew control.
Never ever thought about using sat phone to call home. Mogadishu though is on speed dial.
With a bit of input, the catering is what you want and as was said before, no one is nannying you for toilet breaks and coffee.
Plus 99% of the time the toilet seat remains up.
Bunks are comfy and quiet and well used.
Occasionally joined by a load master and/or engineer depending on how remote the destination is. Always learn something from these guys when you have several hours together. Them too.
halas