UPS Adds USPS to Returns Network

UPS launched a new service that enlists the U.S. Postal Service in a network of sites where consumers can drop returns to select retailers, the world's largest package delivery company announced Thursday.

UPS Returns Flexible Access uses a unique label that allows consumers to drop returns to retailers at any USPS location, including their local U.S. Post Office, postal collection boxes or a personal mailbox as well as at traditional UPS drop-off locations.

UPS began testing the service last year with a few retailers and is now making it more broadly available.

One of the testers was Buyseasons, the largest retailer of costumes and party supplies on the Internet. "Our experience with UPS is enabling growth for our business and allowing us to provide a higher level of service to our customers," said Terry Rowinski, vice president of operations for BuySeasons. "UPS Returns Flexible Access is an innovative solution and we are excited to be one of the first customers to implement the product into our business model."

Looking to cut costs and build profits, more manufacturers and supply chain providers are honing their reverse logistics.

UPS Returns Flexible Access uses the Postal Service's Parcel Return Service, combined with UPS's own drop-off locations and delivery network. Customers of participating retailers receive special package labels that allow them to enter returns packages in more than 150 million postal access points -- including personal mailboxes - for their postal carrier to pick up.

After a returns package arrives at a Postal Service location for dispatch to UPS, a UPS driver picks it up and transports the package back to the retailer via the UPS ground network. The service offers retailers an inbound view of returns packages, facilitating improved customer service and cost savings due to better inbound operations planning, said UPS.

-- Contact Thomas L. Gallagher at tgallagher@joc.com.