UPS Supply Chain Solutions makes its official debut

Anna Cox THERE’S A new force on the local and international logistics scene, and it’s a force that incorporates the muscle of well-known majors UPS and the former Fritz Company. UPS Supply Chain Solutions recently held its first regional logistics forum in South Africa. “UPS, the parent of UPS Supply Chain Solutions and the former Fritz Company, is one of the world’s recognised brands for transportation and logistics services,” said UPS Supply Chain Solutions South Africa commercial director Chris Cox. “Fritz, together with UPS’s other logistics businesses, is currently being integrated under a new name, UPS Supply Chain Solutions. This will enable us to provide a truly integrated service offering to our customers. By adding the words ‘supply chain solutions’ to the well-known UPS name, we shall in future communicate an even wider scope of capabilities backed by the strength of our parent company,” he said. Globalisation is forcing local companies to become more efficient in the distribution, importing and exporting of goods. “There is little argument that increased supply chain efficiencies are fundamental to the success of companies that want to be part of the global economy,” said Cox. “Supply chain management, although not customers’ core business, is critical to the profitability of their business activities,” he said. “UPS Supply Chain Solutions specialises in the international movement of goods, information and funds, using world-class information technology. The range of services being offered by UPS in South Africa includes worldwide express, customs brokerage, trade finance, critical parts distribution, global freight and e-commerce tools.” Ron Jordan, director of business development for UPS Supply Chain Solutions for the Europe, Middle East and African regions, was in South Africa for the forum. He said industry trends included globalisation, consolidation and advances in technology that improve the management of goods and their associated funds as they move around the world. Transportation costs worldwide amounted to $1, 65 trillion, he said. Of this figure, freight accounts for 42%, small packages for 7% and rail, bulk and pipeline for 51%. “The transport industry is experiencing a change and one of the most important new trends is integrated supply chain management,” he said.