UPS: Careful Route Planning Yields Environmental Benefits

Effectively and efficiently serving 7.9 million customers a day takes a lot of planning.

Delivery routes need to be designed to avoid time-consuming and unnecessary overlaps. Drivers must know their territory and their communities. And, millions of packages must be tracked. By avoiding unnecessary driving and carefully planning the best way to approach daily deliveries, UPS reduces vehicle emissions and saves fuel.

UPS has implemented several tools to help optimize routes. These include:

Driver Mapping
Delivery vehicles in certain areas are periodically equipped with portable Global Positioning Satellite systems and computers that map every inch they travel over the course of a week. The computer data is then examined for overlapping or inefficient routes. Then, UPS fine-tunes certain routes. Not only does this increase drivers’ productivity, it also improves fuel conservation and reduces emissions.

Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD)
The DIAD is a hand-held computer that electronically records delivery information, including recipient signature, and eliminates the formerly required 59 million sheets of paper a year. Currently, UPS drivers in 38 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, Japan and most of Western Europe, use the DIAD.

Dispatch Planning System
UPS has implemented the Dispatch Planning System (DPS) to maintain addresses and create delivery and pick-up plans. Also, the system helps simplify sorting and loading, ensuring that packages and letters reach their destination in the most efficient way possible.

Operating Procedures
UPS drivers are trained to always turn off their package car when they stop for a delivery, never idling at the curb or in a driveway. Even if the driver is out of the truck for a few seconds, the vehicle is always turned off.

UPS Investing To Build Facilities, and Logistics Network In China

SHANGHAI, Feb. 9, 2005 -

As part of an aggressive effort to further link China to markets around the globe, UPS (NYSE:UPS) has opened three new warehouse and distribution centers in Shanghai, Suzhou and Futian and is executing plans to open another 20 facilities in major cities over the next two years.

The new facilities, each of which is strategically located adjacent to vital manufacturing centers, expands to more than 40 the number of logistics centers operated in China by UPS Supply Chain Solutions. The supply chain management arm of UPS now plans to open 10 facilities in 2005 and another 10 in 2006.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions facilities in China are designed primarily to distribute textile/apparel, high-tech, automotive and consumer goods for both export and import.
“The aggressive expansion of our logistics infrastructure allows our customers greater and quicker access to more of China than ever before,” said Bob Stoffel, senior vice president, UPS Supply Chain Group. “Strengthening the logistics links between China and global markets is critical to both China and companies doing business in China.

“By expanding this reach,” Stoffel continued, “UPS brings extensive supply chain expertise, quality and capabilities to more Chinese businesses, which will further improve transit times, visibility and service levels for international trade.”

In Shanghai , the new 160,000-square-foot facility is in the Wai Gao Qiao Free Trade Zone. Also in Shanghai , UPS has three additional distribution centers for a total of approximately 400,000 square feet, including a large ocean container freight station, a sizeable airfreight facility at Pudong Airport and a customs office in downtown Shanghai.

In Futian, the new 240,000-square-foot bonded warehouse and full distribution center also is located in a Free Trade Zone. In Suzhou, the 66,000-square-foot facility was designed specifically for high-tech customers.

UPS has served the logistics needs of clients in China since 1988 and UPS Supply Chain Solutions’ offerings now include freight forwarding, order and inventory management, shipment preparation, cross-dock operations, critical parts distribution, service parts logistics, international trade management, customs brokerage and domestic transportation services. UPS’s expanded facility and transportation network will accelerate the movement of components and finished goods to and from the rapidly emerging provinces of China, especially in the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze Delta River regions.

In addition to the logistics network, UPS has an extensive intra- China international express network. By the end of 2005, UPS will have direct control over its international express operations in 23 business locations across China covering more than 200 cities, which account for more than 80 percent of China’s GDP.

In November, UPS began flying the first six of 12 new flights to China with MD-11 service to Shanghai , where the company’s Greater China office is located. The new flights will triple the current service from six to 18 flights a week. As part of that award, UPS plans to begin in April the first non-stop service in the industry between the United States and Guangzhou and also to establish a Shanghai air hub in 2007. UPS has filed with the U.S. Transportation Department for three additional flights to start in 2006. And last month, UPS introduced a nationwide toll-free customer service hotline in China .

“Our commitment to China extends beyond new buildings and air lanes,” added Mike Eskew, UPS chairman and CEO. “We recently took steps to expand the capacity of our air network by placing orders for 10 Airbus A380 freighters and 11 Boeing MD-11 freighters. We also are investing in technology and in training our people to offer a supply chain and package delivery capability that is second to none.”

UPS will help deliver NASCAR's Busch Series to Mexico City

Mexican trip:

UPS will help deliver NASCAR's Busch Series to Mexico City for next week's inaugural race.

The American package delivery company will manifest and seal all NASCAR and team equipment, coordinate international logistics and synchronize more than 80 team haulers, official trailers of technical scoring and template equipment, tires, emergency and safety vehicles and media trucks across the border in a series of convoys.

"Equipment will be arriving at our UPS Logistics Center in Laredo, Texas, from multiple points around the country, and our specialized teams have the complex task of streamlining the massive cross-border activities," said Tom Page, a UPS official who specializes in dealing with Latin America projects.

After crossing the border, each convoy will have federal and private security escorts and coordinated communications for the about 20-hour trip to Mexico City. After the March 6 race, UPS will reverse the procedures to help get everyone back to the U.S. in plenty of time to race the following week in Las Vegas.

FedEx Flight Is First Cargo Aircraft To Arrive at new Central Japan International Airport

Central Japan International Airport Opens; FedEx Flight Is First Cargo Aircraft To Arrive TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 2005--

FedEx Global Network to Connect Central Japan with 220 Countries and Territories

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world's largest express transportation company, today begins operating regular flights into the new Central Japan International Airport located in Nagoya.

"The start of FedEx Express service to Central Japan International Airport offers new opportunities for the surrounding Chubu region as well as for FedEx," said David J. Ross, vice president, North Pacific Region. "Chubu is a major manufacturing center offering significant import/export opportunities, and the FedEx network will link these manufacturers to markets across the globe. We also expect to expand our flight schedule in order to meet the future needs of the Chubu region."

A FedEx Express MD-11, flying to Central Japan International Airport from San Francisco via Narita, is scheduled to be the first cargo flight to land at the airport. The same aircraft is scheduled to depart at 7:30 p.m. for Anchorage via Narita, with the first load of cargo to be shipped out. FedEx will operate five regular flights per week into Central Japan International Airport, linking the Chubu region to the world.

FedEx is currently strengthening its operation in Asian markets, including Japan. FedEx will use its integrated network, comprising air and ground as well as IT infrastructure to provide customers with expanded and more flexible services that link the Central Japan International Airport with 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Colorado, Wyoming post offices Rank high in on time deliveries

For the sixth consecutive quarter, Colorado and Wyoming post offices scored 96 percent or above in on-time delivery of local first class mail. That score was one point above the national average of 95 percent.

The score covered Oct. 1 -Dec. 31, 2004. Colorado/Wyoming's high mail service score was achieved during the heavy holiday mail season -- the most challenging time of the year for mail delivery because of winter weather and higher holiday mail volume.

See entire story here : http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/Stories/0,1413,164~8312~2732854,00.html

USPS: Intelligent Mail Devices ready for deployment

All systems go!
Intelligent Mail Devices ready for deployment

The Intelligent Mail Implementation group — part of Intelligent Mail and Address Quality (IMAQ) — has just briefed area and district coordinators on how USPS is handling national deployment of the Intelligent Mail Devices (IMD).

This handheld data device will replace the existing Mobile Data Collection Devices (MDCD) used to scan everything from delivery labels to collection boxes — placing us ahead of the competition with more memory, faster processing, a bigger window and new and expanded capability.

Coordinators are working closely with postmasters, station/branch managers and supervisors to begin the MDCD return process. IMAQ is taking this in steps, with up to 25,000 devices being returned to the critical parts center in Indianapolis by March 31.

Nigerian Scam Against Business Owners

U.S. Postal Inspectors warn that American businesses are being targeted by a "Nigerian prince" for an old-fashioned confidence swindle purportedly offering huge sums of money from the Nigerian government. This scheme, through implausible at first glance, has achieved remarkable success among unwitting American entrepreneurs.

This is how the scheme works. American companies are contacted by mail by a mysterious Nigerian businessman with an impressive, and probably fictitious, title such as "prince," "chief" or "doctor." The writer states that he is contacting the American business on a referral and that he is operating with the knowledge of Nigerian government officials.

Offering only the sketchiest of details, the writer explains that a large some of money, usually from $10 million to $30 million, is available from the government of Nigeria, if the American firm will act as the accepting agent. For this service, the American firm can expect to receive a fee of 30 percent or more of the amount transferred. The balance is to be paid to the Nigerian accomplices.

The letter instructs the interested recipient to forward three copies of "stamped and signed letter-headed papers," three copies of "stamped and signed pro forma invoices," and the name of the American company's bank and its account number. These documents will permit the Nigerian officials to proceed with the "remittance approval" and transfer of funds.

Executives who have fallen prey to this scheme were invited to visit Nigeria and meet with their fellow conspirators before finalizing the transfer of funds. During the visit they were introduced to the Nigerian government officials who supposedly could approve transfers of funds. The American visitors were also required to put down a small deposit to show good faith and help defray some of the expenses of their ambitious hosts, including bribes to the proper authorities.

Several victims reported that this shakedown took some menacing turns, causing them concern for their personal safety. One unlucky visitor recalled being confronted by two Nigerians in military fatigues carrying automatic weapons before being admitted to his host's compound. This visitor was strip searched by government security agents and was forced to turn over $4,000 in travelers' checks to his accomplice before receiving permission to leave the county.

For the most gullible, additional demands for money will be made by the Nigerian confidant as long as the American will pay. The biggest rip-off is a "tax" that must be paid before the ultimate payoff, which of course, never materializes. One victim admitted paying more than $400,000 before reporting the fraud to authorities.

The arrogant perpetrators of this scheme know that few victims will step forward to complain for fear of implicating themselves in a fraud being committed on the government of Nigeria. Anyone who has been victimized should contact the Postal Inspection Service, Field Operations Support Center, Memphis, TN 38161-0006, or call 1-800-372-8347.

USPS: OFF TO A GOOD START.

OFF TO A GOOD START.

A significant increase in mail volume and net income of $1.7 billion helped the Postal Service report better-than-expected first-quarter results. Revenue of $18.8 billion and expenses of $17.1 billion produced a net income of $1.7 billion — down from $1.8 billion last year. Even so, revenue grew by 3.2% in the first quarter. USPS Board of Governors Chairman James Miller said, “The Postal Service’s finances are, at the moment, in good order, and service to our customers is being provided at the highest levels in our history.”

Dale Jarrett Says "Yes" to Racing the Big, Brown UPS Truck

Dale Jarrett Says "Yes" to Racing the Big, Brown UPS Truck

The Official Express Delivery Company of NASCAR Speeds Past the Flag

ATLANTA, Feb. 17, 2005 -
UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the arrival of the moment race fans have been waiting for - Dale Jarrett, driver of the Robert Yates Racing #88 UPS Ford Taurus, has agreed to race the UPS delivery truck in the fifth installment of the popular “Race the Truck” advertising campaign.

What began as a way to create awareness for UPS’s entry with the #88 race team has since transcended the airwaves to become part of NASCAR culture. For more than four years, everyone from celebrities to race fans to UPS employees - even Dale’s father, famed driver Ned Jarrett - has encouraged Jarrett to take the wheel of the ubiquitous brown truck. During FOX’s broadcast of the Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, February 20, fans will finally hear their long-awaited reply, “Yes.”

In the new commercial titled “Yes,” Jarrett casually enters a UPS conference room at the company’s Atlanta headquarters and announces he has reconsidered racing the truck. A woman outside the room overhears this statement and tells a fellow co-worker, resulting in a chain reaction of buzz around the globe that even includes UPS employees in China. After it seems everyone knows the big news, Jarrett re-enters and requests this announcement remain a secret for now.

“While Jarrett may have wanted us to keep the news a secret, we just couldn’t keep something like this under our hood,” said Patrick Guilbert, UPS vice president of sponsorships and events. “The Race the Truck campaign lets us showcase the playful side of UPS. We get down to business providing reliable delivery and logistics services to the entire NASCAR family and leadership with our sponsorship program.”

UPS has flexed its muscles as the sport’s official delivery company by coordinating thousands of critical inbound and outbound shipments within the controlled-access garage area at NEXTEL Cup Series events through UPS Trackside Services. A second commercial, also to debut on Sunday, demonstrates to fans how the world’s largest package delivery company helps keep the number two-rated sport on television in high gear and moving fast.

Race teams, sponsors, officials, merchandise vendors and media have come to depend on UPS Trackside Services for last-minute shipments to arrive before the green flag. These services will expand internationally when the NASCAR Busch Series travels to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course near Mexico City. UPS Supply Chain Solutions will coordinate the customs clearance and movement of more than 80 car haulers, media trucks and official vehicles across the border and back.

Stateside, UPS has enhanced its relationship with the motorsports community this year by becoming an exclusive track sponsor of California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway in addition to expanded presence at Daytona International Speedway. For five years, UPS has been the primary sponsor of the #88 Ford Taurus driven by Dale Jarrett for Robert Yates Racing. Jarrett extends his leadership as a premier driver to the shared commitment of UPS drivers in their big, brown trucks together with a team of nearly 370,000 dedicated employees around the world.

Building on the sport’s popularity and fan loyalty, UPS provides updated information about UPS Racing, the #88 team performance, features and photography and access to licensed merchandise at racing.ups.com.

USPS: ON THE FAST TRACK

For the second straight year, the Postal Service reached a 95% on-time performance score for overnight delivery of First-Class Mail. The assessment, which is measured independently by IBM Consulting Services, also cites 90% for two-day and 86% for three-day delivery, according to Postmaster General Jack Potter. Residential customer satisfaction scores are steady at 93% for the third consecutive year.