
In-Ups
Global package delivery and supply chain management.
United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global leader in logistics and package delivery, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was founded on August 28, 1907, by James E. Casey and Claude Ryan as the American Messenger Company in Seattle, with a starting capital of a $100 loan. Initially a small messenger service, the company expanded beyond Seattle in 1919, adopting the name United Parcel Service and its signature brown color for its vehicles to represent professionalism and class. A significant milestone was reached in 1975 when UPS became the first package delivery company to serve every address in the continental United States, an achievement known as the 'Golden Link'.
UPS operates on an integrated delivery and logistics business model, managing end-to-end supply chain processes including transportation, warehousing, and distribution for its clients. The company serves over 220 countries and territories, delivering millions of packages daily for millions of shipping customers. Its business is segmented, with a primary focus on U.S. and International package delivery for both commercial and residential shippers. It also provides extensive supply chain solutions, such as freight forwarding, truckload brokerage, and logistics services. Revenue is primarily generated from shipping fees for its delivery services, supplemented by value-added services like customs brokerage, insurance, and specialized handling. UPS heavily invests in technology, utilizing advanced tracking systems and automated sorting facilities to optimize its vast network of air and ground fleets.
In recent years, under CEO Carol B. Tomé who took the role in June 2020, UPS has shifted its strategy to focus more on profitability and high-value services, particularly for small businesses and the healthcare sector, rather than solely on expanding volume. This 'Better, not bigger' approach prioritizes the quality and profitability of its network.
Keywords: global logistics, package delivery, supply chain management, freight forwarding, shipping services, transportation, warehousing, e-commerce solutions, international shipping, logistics provider, customs brokerage, air freight, ground freight, small business shipping, healthcare logistics, last-mile delivery, express delivery, parcel service, integrated logistics, asset-based logistics