UPS may expand RP operations

United Parcel Service or UPS Philippines is hoping to further grow its intra-Asia hub in the country depending on the growth of UPS’s Shanghai operations as well as securing an additional port in Nagoya, Japan.

This was disclosed yesterday by UPS visiting official Steven R. Okun who is the vice president for public affairs of the Asia Pacific region.

According to Okun, UPS Philippines has already seen a tremendous growth in its operations in the last three years, so much so that UPS spent $1.4 million last year to upgrade the company’s facilities at the Clark Special Economic Zone.

Likewise, UPS’s flight frequencies to Clark has been increased to 120 flights weekly.

Furthermore, UPS is also upsizing its aircraft from the B737 to the MD 11 this season.

UPS, Okun said, is set to open its Shanghai global hub which would service the United States and Europe.

If its Shanghai operations does well, Okun assured, the Philippines would benefit from the increased activity.

Likewise, UPS is negotiating with Japan to expand its operations from Narita and Kansai to a third port in Nagoya.

Securing the Nagoya port, Okun said, would especially be beneficial for UPS’ Clark operations.

UPS currently employs about 200 people in Clark alone, but its total employees in the Philippines is 445 nationwide as UPS has feeder operations in Cebu, Laguna and Baguio.

However, Okun ruled out any immediate plans by UPS to engage in domestic services in the Philippines as there are already too many domestic logistics and delivery companies in the country.

UPS’s net global income last year amounted to $3.87 billion from revenues of $42. 6 billion.