Dave Matthews Band Caravan Signs with UPS to Offset Carbon Footprint of its Tour

Atlanta, July 13, 2011

Logistics Leader Joins the Festival to “Move the Music”

The Dave Matthews Band Caravan, a longtime leader in “greening” initiatives, is working with UPS (NYSE: UPS) to help create a more sustainable concert tour this summer.

“We’re joining the festival to move the music in a sustainable way,” said Ron Rogowski, UPS vice president, sponsorship & events. “We will demonstrate to the live music industry that speed, efficiency and reliability need not be sacrificed in the name of sustainability.”

UPS already has assumed responsibility for the logistics planning and actual movement of the huge stage, lighting and production equipment being used by the Dave Matthews Band on its four-city “Caravan” tour, which opened June 24 in Atlantic City and most recently performed July 8-to-10 in Chicago. The tour continues in New York Aug. 26-to-28 and concludes in Seattle from Sept. 2-to-4.

“We’ve worked so hard to reduce our carbon footprint over the last two decades,” said Patrick Jordan, spokesman for Dave Matthews Band. “Every year our mission is to figure out how to make our touring even more sustainable.”

For the tour’s concert movements, UPS is taking a three-step approach, devising the most efficient transport solution possible leveraging its multimodal network; precisely measuring the carbon footprint of the moves, and then purchasing the necessary certified carbon CO2 offsets to mitigate the emissions.

“Managing the logistics of a concert tour is not unlike what UPS does every day for customers in the high-tech and healthcare sectors; both demand flawless execution,” Rogowski noted. “UPS is uniquely qualified to handle both the environmental and logistical challenges associated with delivering live concert events and we’re proud to be working with the Dave Matthews Band Caravan as a founding partner in our sustainable touring logistics program.”

UPS takes a comprehensive approach to its sustainability efforts, which includes utilizing a wide range of transport modes to help its customers find the right balance between price, speed and environmental impact. Every day, the logistics company coordinates the movement of millions of shipments using a global network of trucks, aircraft, trains and ships, nimbly shifting between modes to maximize efficiency while ensuring customers receive the service they require.

UPS became the first package carrier in the United States to unveil a carbon neutral program in 2009, building on the company’s legacy of sustainable business practices and satisfying the demand for eco-friendly products. The calculation to measure the carbon (CO2) impact of the customers’ shipments is based on current and historical operational data, including distance and transport mode and a comprehensive carbon inventory that is third-party verified.

UPS’s proprietary calculation methodology and processes are verified by Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS). In addition, the carbon offset process also is certified by The CarbonNeutral Company.  The calculator is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the most widely used international standard for carbon accounting and reporting.

When a customer elects to neutralize their shipments, UPS calculates the carbon impact and then purchases high-quality certified carbon offsets on the customer’s behalf. UPS will target “Voluntary Carbon Standard” or “Climate Action Reserve” certified offsets.

UPS long has been a leader in exploring and implementing transportation solutions that improve efficiency, beginning with the use of electric vehicles in the 1930s and extending to its present day fleet of nearly 2,000 alternative fuel vehicles, which have logged more than 200 million miles since 2000. Throughout its history, UPS has continually demonstrated its commitment to reducing its environmental impact through initiatives focused on fuel, water and energy conservation, emissions reduction and waste management.

UPS has been recognized repeatedly by a wide range of sustainability-focused organizations for its industry-leading environmental and social responsibility efforts. Most recently, in 2010, UPS earned the No. 1 ranking on the Climate Counts scorecard in the consumer shipping sector for the second consecutive year. The logistics company also was ranked first in social responsibility among all eligible delivery companies by Fortune in its “World’s Most Admired” 2010 survey.

UPS (NYSE: UPS) and Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) announced an alliance in May 2011 through which UPS serves as the exclusive global package, shipping and logistics sponsor of Live Nation Entertainment and select Live Nation Entertainment tours and venues. UPS also serves as an Official Sustainability Partner of Live Nation Entertainment with both parties working together to reduce transportation emissions and waste. In addition, UPS provides carbon neutral shipping in North America for ticket orders for events at Live Nation owned and operated venues and merchandise purchased from the Live Nation Entertainment Store.

 

UPS Canada Presented “Thanks a Million” Award 10th Year in a Row

Mississagua, July 06, 2011

UPS contributes over $1 billion to United Way over the past 10 years

UPS Canada was again honoured with United Way Centraide Canada’s prestigious national Thanks a Million award, which was presented last week at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.

This is the tenth year in a row that United Way has acknowledged the outstanding contribution of UPS Canada. The award honours organizations and unions that, through corporate generosity and the combined efforts of their employees and members, contribute $1,000,000 or more to United Ways across the country.

“UPS is a proud supporter of United Way programs, initiatives and agencies that help build better communities,” said Mike Tierney, UPS Canada President. “Our employees continue to share their time and energy to support the essential services United Way provides within the communities where we live and work.” Tierney is also the Chair of Volunteer Canada’s Corporate Council on Volunteering, which is dedicated to helping businesses develop and execute volunteer programs within their organizations.

UPS Canada has been a major contributor and partner with United Way since 1983. Each UPS facility across Canada participates in an annual United Way pledge campaign, with many fundraisers held throughout the year. In 2010, UPS and its employees in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico surpassed $1 billion in overall contributions to United Way. Those UPS contributions help United Way improve the quality of neighbourhood social services, ensure opportunities for youth, support programs and services that provide healthcare and help newcomers integrate into their new communities. In addition to financial contributions, thousands of UPS employees support local United Way agencies, serving on boards and volunteering in their local communities.

“It is so encouraging for us to see UPS Canada, its employees and union members participating along with us, in creating opportunities for a better life for everyone in local communities across Canada. On behalf of the national United Way Centraide Movement, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their ongoing generosity and support,” said Al Hatton, President & CEO, United Way Centraide Canada.

Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen. Whether through its involvement with United Way, The UPS Foundation or volunteerism, UPS provides assistance to programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs.

 

Get your Daily News from The UPS Store!

The UPS Store is offering Canada’s national newspaper, The National Post and its free every morning (except Monday during summer months). Come on in and make us a part of your daily business routine!

 

UPS Freight Announces 2011 Rate Adjustment

Richmond, July 01, 2011

UPS Freight (NYSE: UPS), the nation’s fourth largest LTL carrier, today announced a general rate increase averaging 6.9 percent covering non-contractual shipments in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The rate adjustment takes effect on Aug. 1, 2011, and applies to minimum charge, LTL rates and accessorial charges.

The impact may vary based on specific lanes or shipment characteristics, such as weight or class. On Aug. 1, customers will be able to view and download the new rates at ltl.upsfreight.com.

UPS Freight offers a full range of regional, interregional and long-haul LTL and TL capabilities throughout North America, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam along with comprehensive cross-border service in Canada and Mexico.

UPS Freight’s portfolio of services includes UPS WorldShip and Quantum View Manage technology, allowing both small package and LTL freight customers the capability to create bills of lading, schedule freight pickups, receive rate quotes and easily track shipments.

 

UPS and Merck Expand their Distribution and Logistics Agreement

Atlanta and Whitehouse Station, June 28, 2011

UPS (NYSE: UPS) and Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that the companies have significantly broadened their existing distribution and logistics agreement to include aspects of Merck’s global supply chain around the world. UPS currently manages the distribution, warehousing and transportation of Merck’s medicines and vaccines in North America.

“This expanded agreement with UPS allows us to focus on our core business as a global healthcare leader that looks for innovative ways to bring our medicines and vaccines to patients in emerging markets and markets around the world,” said Willie A. Deese, executive vice president and president, Merck Manufacturing Division. “UPS has the proven logistics expertise to deliver Merck’s products with speed, consistency and care to our customers and patients.”

The UPS-Merck collaboration began in 2003 with package transportation and delivery services in the United States. The agreement expanded over time to include North American distribution, warehousing and multi-modal transportation services. UPS will now provide these services in certain markets in Asia and Latin America, including the emerging markets of China and Brazil. UPS also is providing transportation services in Europe.

“The UPS-Merck collaboration brings together the expertise of two companies that are globally strong, customer-focused and committed to driving positive change in the healthcare supply chain,” said Kurt Kuehn, UPS chief financial officer. “UPS is investing deeply to align the broad range of capabilities that we’ve developed to meet the very unique needs of this industry.”

Innovative solutions to better meet customer needs are already underway in China and Brazil where UPS is establishing a distribution center to support Merck’s manufacturing and packaging facilities as a way to help speed delivery of Merck products in those markets. In certain other markets such as the United States and Canada, UPS is managing warehousing operations for Merck products that require strict temperature and environmental controls, including vaccines and specialty pharmaceutical products.

Merck expects to realize long term cost efficiencies as a result of the expanded agreement with UPS. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Meanwhile, Merck does maintain distribution agreements with other logistics and delivery providers.

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This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck’s patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

 

Sixth Annual UPS Kids’ Tennis Day Serves Up A Big Racquet

Fredericton, June 08, 2011

100 Fredericton youth to receive free tennis instruction and racquet

It’s time to spring into action and jumpstart the summer holidays with UPS Kids’ Tennis Day on Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Registration for the free kids tennis clinic begins Monday, June 13, at 9 a.m. The first 100 children between the ages of five and 13 will secure spots at this year’s event. To register, parents can email their child’s name and age, along with a contact telephone number, to capitaltennis@gmail.com. Registrations received before June 13, will not be accepted.

“UPS Kids’ Tennis Day is a great way for us to give back to the community we live and work in,” says Shelley Gares, vice-president of brokerage for UPS Canada.  “It directly aligns with our commitment to help foster and maintain a healthy and vibrant community, and is also a fun event for the family.”

2011 marks the sixth anniversary of UPS sponsoring Kids’ Tennis Day. Children will benefit from professional on-court instruction and will receive a new tennis racquet, courtesy of UPS Canada, to sharpen their skills over the summer break.

Weather permitting, UPS Kids’ Tennis Day will be held at Wilmot Park Tennis Courts, with a rain location at the Nashwaaksis Field House.

“The anticipation of this event is amazing. We started receiving inquiries from parents months in advance of the event and registration will fill up within minutes,” says Rose Arsenault of the Capital Region Tennis Association. “The biggest thrill for me is seeing the kids’ reaction to the positive feedback they get from the coaches and, subsequently, the instantaneous improvement we see in their skill level. But the icing on the cake is seeing the kids populate the tennis courts after the event. After all, growing the game of tennis is what we are all about.”

Kids’ Tennis Day is a Building Tennis Communities (BTC) program run by Tennis Canada. The event is organized in Fredericton by UPS, the Capital Region Tennis Association and the City of Fredericton.

 

UPS Leverages New Hub to Enhance Service in Asia

Shenzhen, May 25, 2011

Company Marks 1st Anniversary Of Shenzhen Hub’s Opening; Announces Upcoming Start of Direct Service to Guam

One year after it opened an ultra-modern air hub here, UPS today announced the completion of a robust series of air lane enhancements that have dramatically improved service for customers throughout Asia.

All told, the company has completed improvements to more than 100 intra-Asia lane pairs since it opened the Shenzhen hub last May. The enhancements include faster transit times on key lanes between India and the rest of Asia and between South Korea and other Asian destinations.

Also launching next month will be a direct weekly flight from Guam to Hong Kong, which in turn connects that U.S. territory to the rest of the world.

“The Shenzhen Asia Pacific hub has enabled us to strengthen our entire intra-Asia network,” said Derek Woodward, president of UPS’s Asia Pacific Region. “Since we relocated our intra-Asia hub to Shenzhen, we have operated more than 5,000 flights to and from this hub. We also have added significant capacity and service improvements to meet the growing needs of businesses to move intra-Asia express and freight volume. And we’re not done yet.”

During its first year of operation, the Shenzhen hub made possible multiple service enhancements for customers in Asia Pacific. For example:

• Beijing customers now benefit from improved time-in-transit and later cut-off times to cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo & Osaka.
• The key Indian cities of New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore have seen reduced time-in-transit to destinations like Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.
• And shipments bound from Seoul to major cities like Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Singapore and Tokyo now benefit from later cut-off times.

“The biggest winners here are our customers. Their goods either arrive earlier or they can enjoy later pick-up times to accommodate last-minute orders,” Woodward added.

“The new Guam flight will offer service to the express package, military and forwarder communities and provide capacity for the burgeoning Asia export market,” he continued. “Additionally, the recently announced expansion of the U.S. Marine base on Guam is increasing requests for UPS services there.”

UPS will initiate the Guam service using its largest aircraft, the B747-400 freighter, which offers customers 258,000 pounds of payload capacity and is well suited for carrying both small packages and heavy freight required by Guam’s shipping and logistics community.

The addition of Guam to the UPS Asia-Pacific portfolio is the latest step in the company’s aggressive expansion in that part of the world. Rapid growth in the UPS customer base there recently led the company to add new direct flights between Hong Kong and its European hub in Cologne, Germany, as well as frequencies into Incheon, South Korea, and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. The Hong Kong-to-Cologne flights allow customers to reach more of Europe next day, guaranteed, than any other express carrier.

The Shenzhen Asia Pacific Hub, located at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in China’s thriving Pearl River Delta, represented an investment of $180 million and immediately slashed at least a day off shipment time-in-transit for customers in the region while offering a new level of service to the manufacturing region located just north of Shenzhen.

The decision to move the intra-Asia hub to Shenzhen was prompted by developing trade flows that now see more than 75 percent of intra-Asia business originating from the North Asian region.

Since taking direct control of its international express operations inside China in 2005, UPS has made significant investments in that country. In 2009, UPS opened its new International Air Hub at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, connecting China to the UPS global air network including U.S. and European destinations. The Shenzhen hub plays a different role by connecting all major Asian points for the transport of intra-Asia volume.

The Shenzhen hub totals about 89,000 square meters in size (almost 1 million square feet) and includes an express customs handling unit, sorting facilities, cargo handling and cargo build-up areas and ramp handling operations. It currently is processing up to 18,000 pieces per hour but can easily be expanded to a capacity of 36,000 pieces per hour. It employs about 400 people.