Category: UPS Press Release

What’s new: With a fleet of electric-assist eQuad bikes taking to the streets in London, UPS is pilot testing new ways to serve customers while reducing carbon footprint and traffic congestion.

The big picture: These four-wheeled electric-assist cycles developed by Fernhay allow the operator to use cycle lanes and easily move through narrow streets and dual-use pedestrian zones. They’re the latest leap forward in UPS’s use of innovative solutions and advanced technology to operate more sustainably.

Why it’s needed: Last-mile deliveries via cycle support a more sustainable way to deliver in dense urban environments and navigate zero-emission zones.

“The bikes are a great way to beat traffic in urban areas and to deliver to addresses that are harder to reach by a traditional package car,’’ said George Dann, a UPS e-cycle operator in London. “People stop me on the street to ask questions. They’re a real hit when I’m on the road.”

What’s the story: What if there was a way to boost the global economy and create 288 million to 433 million jobs worldwide? According to a March 2022 report by Citigroup Inc., parity among men and women entrepreneurs worldwide could do just that.

This isn’t news to UPS: Back in 2018, UPS and The UPS Foundation launched the Women Exporters Program (WEP) to help address the disparity in education and workforce participation between men and women by providing targeted assistance to women-owned small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) worldwide.

“We knew helping more women-owned businesses to export was key to unlocking more prosperity for communities around the globe,” said Maria Luisa Boyce, vice president of international trade and Latin America for UPS global public affairs.

UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the induction of 1,495 of its drivers into the Circle of Honor, an elite group of UPS drivers who have not had an avoidable accident for 25 years or more. Made up of drivers across four continents, this new class has a total of 37,375 years of safe driving.

“In this era of distracted driving, it’s an incredible accomplishment when our drivers are inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor,” said Carol B. Tomé, UPS Chief Executive Officer. “All UPS drivers understand the important role rigorous training and safety protocols play in keeping them, and our communities, safe. Collectively, our drivers log more than 3.5 billion miles each year on roadways around the world, and our Circle of Honor drivers are among the safest on the road. I’m so very proud of what our Circle of Honor drivers represent.”

With the approach of Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, UPS encourages all drivers to be more intentional about safe driving habits. According to the CDC, nearly 3,000 Americans are killed each year in crashes involving distracted drivers. Worldwide, about 2.5 million car crashes a year are attributed to distracted drivers.

What’s new: The UPS Trailblazers ESG Book Club hosted a virtual event on International Women’s Day. Inspired by the book, “What We Owe Each Other,” the group explored social responsibility and how to create a new social contract within our communities and for our world.

What do we owe each other: Author Baroness Minouche Shafik, Director of the London School of Economics & Political Science joined the discussion and shared her suggestions to build better communities.

Top 3 takeaways:

• The single best thing individuals can do is volunteer in our communities. Volunteering is a small act of kindness can make a big difference…it can even make you smile.
• Democracies and market economies are the foundation for developing meaningful social contracts. For example, when investing in greener choices, partnerships between governments and the private sector can make all the difference.
• Build inclusive societies through intentional engagement with diverse people and communities. Surround yourself with diversity of thought, race, religion, orientation and upbringing.

 

The healthcare industry in the European Union (EU) is robust, and it promises to continue adrenalizing the region’s economy, employment, and balance of trade.

Rising and essential: Central and Eastern Europe grows as a force in global healthcare

A crescendo of factors – the global pandemic, astonishing scientific breakthroughs, ubiquitous technology, smart data and intelligent analytics, an empowered buying public, and a new focus on innovative (and preventative) medicines – is driving healthcare transformation to some degree in all 27 EU nations.

In its official Winter 2022 Economic Forecast, the European Commission wrote, “Following a strong recovery by 5.3% in 2021, the EU economy is now forecast to grow by 4.0% in 2022.” Healthcare will be a substantial contributor. The commission’s prediction comes despite global pandemic headwinds.

The quality of logistics will determine, to large degree, the ultimate health of the healthcare marketplace.

Until recently, logistics philosophy held that networks should be cost-efficient and as lean as possible. This thinking led to long, complex, and consolidated supply chains.