UPS Express debuts in China
United Parcel Service Inc. has opened its first retail outlets in China.
Atlanta-based UPS reported Wednesday it opened two UPS Express retail centers in Shanghai. The outlets are located in key central business districts of Shanghai, one in the Shanghai Stock Exchange building and the other in the Shanghai Mart Convention Center. Both are owned and operated by UPS and offer extended operating hours to attract nearby businesses, UPS said.
The China UPS Express centers are the latest in a series of UPS’ moves to grow its operations and brand presence in China. In 2005, the company took direct control of its operations, serving more than 330 cities in China, which represent 85 percent of the country’s international trade activity.
UPS’ work force in China now stands at more than 4,000 employees.
UPS also expanded its air operations in China throughout 2006 and now claims it flies to more points in China than any other U.S. airline, freight or passenger.
As for the number of flights to China, Memphis-based FedEx is still leading, with 26 weekly flights to China, whereas UPS operates 21.
To date, UPS has mostly targeted the Chinese manufacturing sector. The company said the opening of two retail centers better positions its global document and package delivery services within the financial and other service industries located in these thriving business districts.
UPS employs more than 1,500 in Memphis and is the second-largest cargo airline operating out of Memphis International Airport after FedEx Corp.
