Many of my itineraries also show up as "special" class though they are advance purchase published V, W, Q, T, etc. fare bases which have always accrued miles. If it's a published fare basis, you may even get the right to upgrade the flight! (You have to separate the actual $$$ charged from the "fare basis" (type of fare sold) as the latter determines upgradeability. If your ual.com receipt does not have the fare basis, you can get a dup. receipt from a ticket office or maybe a friend can drop you off at SFO at a quiet time while you run in and get one. That could always be good insurance if you're worried about the benefits of the ticket.