Service changes to enhance UPS’ Asia Pacific deliveries
A SERIES of service enhancements by UPS will impact almost 1.4 million postal codes in 41 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region, enabling worldwide connectivity for over 22 million businesses, the company said in a Tuesday release.
“At the root of the investments in our Smart Logistics Network is a simple desire to make global commerce easier for Asian businesses – because when they grow, we grow too,” said Ross McCullough, the president of UPS Asia Pacific Region.
“More UPS customers in the region will now be able to have their shipments sent and received in less time. They’ll be able to find us easily in more cities and towns, and they’ll be able to send shipments later in the day than before – all of which will open new opportunities for businesses in the region to trade more efficiently with the rest of the world.”
A major enhancement in Thailand this year was the launch of the UPS eFulfillment service to facilitate increased global access for Thai small and medium sized companies.
The programme integrates access to 21 online marketplaces and web stores through a single platform that handles storage, order processing, packaging and shipping.
In the first half of this year, UPS took other actions as part of its strategy to bolster economic development in the region, which is projected to account for 63 per cent of global gross domestic product growth this year.
“We’re seeing increasing demand for connectivity in the region,” said Russell Reed, the managing director of UPS Thailand.
“The recent Asean summit here in Bangkok showed strong support in promoting seamless connectivity, a goal that aligns with UPS priorities. A strengthened regional economy will allow Thailand to thrive in a changing environment, and UPS’ extensive experience will continue to help Thai businesses navigate the volatile business landscape of today.
“Together with our local service enhancements, regional upgrades like the one at our Shenzhen hub will give UPS the capability to support Thailand’s manufacturing and e-commerce growth in the coming years.”
The UPS Shenzhen Hub serves as a transfer point for shipments moving within the region, and the enhancements improve both reliability and quality of service provided to UPS customers in Asia.
About 550 employees maintain round-the-clock operations at the hub, which houses separate sorting and handling facilities for express and cargo shipments, an on-site customs office and processing – including China Inspection and Quarantine clearance for import commodities – and a dedicated 150,000sqm ramp with 13 aircraft parking positions.
Self-operated aircraft groundhandling provides UPS, as a logistics integrator, with greater control over the 86 weekly UPS flights in and out of the hub.
UPS has rolled out a series of service enhancements to help Thai businesses capture new e-commerce opportunities. Last year, the company implemented the largest expansion of the UPS My Choice service since its launch, offering users in an additional 96 countries and territories enhanced tracking and tracing visibility.
Consumers in Thailand can access e-mail and text notifications across the delivery journey, and reschedule the delivery of packages with added convenience.