UPS offers speedy parcel tracking system

With growth in the sector achieving no more than 10%, there is no denying the global economic crisis has hit the express cargo and courier industry. According to Chris Vermeulen, national sales and marketing manager: courier for UPS South Africa, times are certainly challenging and it is becoming increasingly important to retain customers. “UPS has a very focused strategy and believes that even in these economic conditions we can drive our business in a positive direction.” Vermeulen says staff retention is critical while competitors reducing their rates remains a challenge. “We have seen some companies approach the market with ridiculously low rates and that is not an option for us as it does affect the level of service, which is key for UPS.” It is for these reasons that UPS is continuously upgrading and ensuring it has the best systems and technology at work with the best vehicles. “Last year we introduced a sophisticated tracking technology into our operations which allows our customers, via the internet or the UPS call centre, to track where their parcels are within the global UPS network.” A first in the industry in South Africa, Vermeulen said the hand-held computer technology represented the fastest package tracking systems in the world and assisted with the some 3.5 million package queries received daily from UPS customers globally. The device is used by courier drivers to simultaneously capture and transmit real-time delivery information. UPS has also replaced some of the vehicles in its fleet and purchased 19 new Mercedes Benz Sprinters, imported from Germany and fitted with specialised UPS upgrades to meet the specific needs of express delivery. According to Paul Horsfall, UPS South Africa director, all these upgrades are part and parcel of the UPS commitment to delivery and meeting customers’ needs at all times. Having more recently launched a domestic service the company uses state of the art scanning equipment.