I'm hearing the same - starting with 55 plus and then younger if the magic number is not met through that offer - Also hearing the magic number is tied to staffing a reporting structure of 3 Regions and 30 Districts.
This would be deep, it seems that every time this rumor comes around the rumor is a lot deeper than it actually ends up being.
I still think the long-term plan is to structure the Small Package side of the business like Supply Chain Solutions. Two regions and maybe 20-30 districts, with a lot less Grade 20+'s out there.
Also from what I have been hearing long term integration of the three business segments (Package, Supply Chain, and Freight) will be all but impossible which will keep costs higher than needed going forward.
Unfortunately with higher operating costs, and improving network efficiencies (reducing ground delivery times), it seems the only way for UPS to grow in the near future is going to be Internationally, or getting FedEx's exemption changed.