UPS said Monday it is bolstering its technology to simplify multimodal shipments and give importers more control over packages and less-than-truckload freight.
The company it will integrate several shipping systems used by its customers and introduce new functions to help shippers process imports.
“Technology is the key to helping shippers, particularly exporters and importers, streamline their global supply chains,” said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International, especially as tighter U.S. regulatory requirements make importing more complex and potentially more costly.
The technology enhancements are part of a broader effort at UPS to involve more of its customers in international trade.
In July, UPS will introduce UPS Import Control, a function for its shipping software the company says will put control over inbound logistics in the hands of the U.S. importer, rather than the exporter overseas.
UPS Import Control will let businesses generate labels and invoices and forward them to partners using the carrier’s CampusShip or Internet Shipping systems. Importers will be able to dispatch UPS drivers to collect incoming shipments as well, the company said.
Customers that use CampusShip will be able to process air freight shipments as well as LTL ground shipments. UPS will roll out a Web-based tool, Quantum View Manage, to give shippers better visibility into air, ocean and LTL freight shipments.
Shippers also will be able to enroll in UPS Paperless Invoice online. The service allows small package shipments to clear customs in 92 countries using electronic data, rather than paper commercial invoices.
Contact William B. Cassidy at wcassidy@joc.com