UPS extends visibility in LTL freight and package services
UPS has introduced a new collection alert system for its less-than-truckload freight services, and has extended its mobile tracking access for international packages. UPS Freight has launched a new Pickup Notifications for LTL service that the company said provided an “unprecedented” level of control for customers.
The new feature allows a customer to confirm when a pickup is scheduled, and tell when a UPS Freight driver is en-route to the pickup location, as well as letting them know when a pickup has been made.
Touting the service as a first for a major LTL carrier, UPS said it meant customers would receive almost real-time notifications on their shipment, sent to as many as five different email addresses to ensure all those involved in the shipment are fully informed.
The feature is free from today for customers scheduling LTL pickups through the UPS website within the continental United States, and from January 2012 is set to be made available via UPS WorldShip software and My LTL Freight.
Jack Holmes, the UPS Freight president, said the new feature was part of his company’s continual investment in technology to help customers manage their logistics more effectively.
“The pickup process is a key part of shipping LTL Freight,” he said. “Whether you are a shipper, receiver, or third party, insight into the pickup process is powerful information that allows businesses to stay informed and run more efficiently.”
Mobile
Meanwhile, UPS has also extended mobile access to its tracking capabilities for packages to an additional 35 countries and territories around the world.
It has extended its m.ups.com website to allow mobile phone users to track their parcels.
The option was previously only available in the US, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Canada. It will now be available in the Americas region within Brazil, Puerto Rico and Mexico, a further 19 countries within Europe and 12 countries in Asia, as well as in South Africa.
Jordan Colletta, UPS vice president of customer technology marketing at UPS, said: “Accessibility is vital to customers and our mobile offerings extend UPS capabilities to busy, on-the-go professionals and consumers who need immediate access.”
