Multi-Modal Service Speeds Shipments Across the U.S.

UPS (NYSE:UPS) has launched a new ocean option for shippers who manufacture goods in China and Brazil and import into the United States. The new service dramatically speeds the movement of ocean-transported goods by minimizing stops on land.

The new service, UPS Trade Directsm Ocean, transforms ocean-containers into pre-labeled small packages or less-than-truckload shipments. Shipments move from the ports to nearby UPS freight facilities with minimal handling, processing and storage.

UPS Trade Direct Ocean, operated by UPS Freight Services, is the latest integrated service in UPS’s growing portfolio of transportation and logistics options that enable global commerce and simplify international trade for customers. This contractual service is ideal for large apparel, sporting goods, electronics and other companies that utilize ocean as an economical transport mode and want order delivery direct to their customers.

The streamlined processes benefits shippers by bypassing multiple distribution centers, minimizing the need for shipper-owned warehouses. The process also minimizes handling, which potentially means less loss and damage and faster origin-to-final destination transit times. Customers currently using the service indicate time savings of 2-20 days. Shippers also see indirect savings because their inventory is moving faster from factories to end customers, speeding up their cash flow and receivables and lowering inventory carrying costs. Consolidated billing also helps to cut administrative costs for shippers.

Initially, UPS Trade Direct Ocean is available for shipments with origins in China and Brazil that are destined for U.S. locations. Ports include Shanghai, Hong Kong and Yantian in China and Novo Hamburgo in Brazil.

Here’s how it works:

Customers deliver shipments to UPS Freight Services centers in Brazil and China.
Small packages destined for U.S. customers are labeled, then put in ocean containers.
Ocean containers are transferred to ports and placed on ships, booked by UPS Ocean Freight Services which is an NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier).
Upon arrival at the ports, UPS finalizes international trade documentation and customs clearance requirements.
From containers, small package shipments are deconsolidated then travel across the U.S. via UPS’s rapid ground or air network. Shippers and customers can then track their shipments via the web. (Less-than-truckload service also is available.)
Throughout the journey, UPS tracks by item, carton or shipment level.
UPS Trade Direct Ocean adds to UPS’s growing portfolio of supply chain management and transportation network offerings. Operations include distribution centers in more than 150 countries and such services as freight forwarding, customs brokerage, international trade services, order fulfillment and service parts logistics. “Our goal is to simplify the complexity of global commerce, “ said Joe Pyne, UPS Senior Vice President who is responsible for UPS Supply Chain Solutions.

UPS is a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services, and is the world's largest small package and express carrier. Through its UPS Supply Chain Solutions subsidiaries, UPS delivers logistics, freight, customs brokerage, financial, mail services and consulting solutions to enhance customers' business performance. UPS Freight Services specializes in global transportation solutions, customs brokerage, and international trade management.

UPS and its subsidiaries reside on the Web at www.ups.com. For more information about UPS TRADE DIRECT OCEAN, contact 1-866-822-5336 or go to www.ups-scs.com.