United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) is a company operating in the transportation sector, within the air courier industry, dedicated to global logistics and parcel delivery services.
Founded in 1907 in the United States by James E. Casey and Claude Ryan, the company began operating as the American Messenger Company, focusing on local deliveries in Seattle, Washington.
The company was created without the direct involvement of government entities, emerging as a private initiative aimed at providing reliable and efficient delivery services in a market that was still underdeveloped at the beginning of the 20th century.
The company’s growth was driven by the adoption of new technologies and its gradual expansion to other cities and, later, to the international market.
UPS’ current portfolio includes parcel delivery, transportation services, integrated logistics solutions, supply chain management, international freight, and multimodal transportation.
Its operations range from small domestic deliveries to complex logistics solutions for major corporations, serving both end consumers and companies from various sectors.
With a presence in more than 220 countries and territories, UPS operates a global logistics network supported by ground, air, and maritime transportation. This geographic reach enables the company to meet the needs of both local and international markets, adjusting solutions according to the specific characteristics of each region.
Key market factors influencing UPS include the growth of e-commerce, technological advancements in logistics, and increasing sustainability requirements related to carbon emission reduction. Competitors include global logistics leaders such as FedEx and DHL.
The company’s operational structure includes an integrated network of logistics centers, distribution hubs, and a proprietary fleet of vehicles and aircraft. A major highlight is UPS Airlines, one of the largest cargo airlines in the world, essential for the integration of its global network.
Subsidiaries such as UPS Supply Chain Solutions and UPS Capital complement the portfolio, expanding capabilities in supply chain management and financial solutions related to logistics.
The company has approximately 495,000 employees worldwide, working across transportation, logistics, customer service, and administrative operations.
United Parcel Service Inc. shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker UPS.
History and when United Parcel Service Inc. was founded
United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) was founded in 1907 in Seattle, Washington, in the United States. Created by James E. Casey and Claude Ryan, the company began under the name American Messenger Company, providing local delivery services for messages and parcels, carried on foot or by bicycle.
In 1913, the company incorporated automobiles into its fleet, adopting new technologies to increase transportation capacity. Over the following decades, UPS expanded its operations to additional U.S. cities, adjusting its processes to meet the increasing demand for urban and regional deliveries.
International expansion began in 1975 with entry into the Canadian market, followed by Germany in 1976. This marked the beginning of UPS’ global growth, leading to the development of an international logistics network.
In 1999, UPS conducted its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), enabling the company to raise capital for investments in infrastructure, technology, and the expansion of its global service network.
Between 2020 and 2024, UPS intensified investments in logistics technology, including automation of distribution centers, artificial intelligence for route optimization, and the expansion of drone delivery projects.
This period was also marked by the rapid growth of e-commerce, which significantly increased demand for fast deliveries and integrated logistics solutions. In addition, the company advanced initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and expanding its fleet of electric vehicles.
Additional Information
The Company United Parcel Service Inc. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 81.76 Billions, having an equity of $ 15.85 Billions.
With a total of 495.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Transport and categorized in industry of Airmail.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 89.48 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 5.50 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 14.86, a P/BV ratio of 5.16 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of UPS was at 6.79%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker UPS.