Package delivery giant UPS announced on April 27 a series of additions to its Internet services that it says will make it easier for companies to maneuver around the complexities of international trade.
The services include customized shipping forms for companies that ship frequently to international addresses, as well as new payment options and expanded access to the company’s import/export brokerage services from more countries.
“Over the last decade, UPS has invested billions of dollars in technology to help integrate the three flows of commerce–boxes, bytes and bucks–for our customers,” said Dave Barnes, UPS senior vice president and CIO. “We must continue to innovate and move fast to answer the growing demands of the global marketplace.”
The new services are clearly aimed at capitalizing on the company’s strong growth in international trade. David Abney, president of UPS International, said the new technology services will work hand-in-hand with expansion plans for its global operations, particularly in China. The company recently announced the addition of three new flights a week from the U.S. to its new hub in Shanghai, as well as the addition of a flight from Shanghai to its European hub in Cologne, Germany.
Enhancements announced by UPS include the addition of international billing forms and customized features to the MyUPS service. Customers will have customized access to international forms based on destinations frequently shipped to, as well as frequently used drop-off locations.
In July, the company will also make it possible for businesses to pay for their shipments by credit card from more international locations, and offer additional options for directing who pays shipping charges and who pays duties and taxes.
The company also said that its Quantum View Manage import-export package system will be expanded from 23 to 31 countries. Quantum View provides a variety of software tools to facilitate import-export processes, such as access to UPS customs brokerage data and customs clearance and compliance tools.
