UPS 2007 Annual Report Download - page 21

• Package tracking, pickup requests, rate quotes, account opening, wireless registration, drop-off locator,
transit times and supply ordering services are all available at customers’ desktops or laptops. The site
also displays full domestic and international service information and allows customers to process
outbound shipments as well as return labels for their customers.
• Businesses in a number of countries also can download UPS OnLine Tools SM to their own websites
for direct use by their customers. This allows users to access the information they need without leaving
our customers’ websites.
• In 2007, we integrated all freight products, including international air freight forwarding shipments,
into our small package visibility systems. Now a shipper can view the status of package and freight
shipments from a single web page.
Technology is also the foundation for process improvements within UPS that enhance productivity, improve
efficiency and reduce costs. The most comprehensive improvement to our U.S. small package handling facilities
was completed in 2007. This multi-year effort re-engineered our domestic business, based on a data-driven
platform, and included software, hardware and process changes. It enables a package center to produce an
optimized dispatch plan for every driver and detailed loading instructions for every vehicle before center
employees handle any packages. This plan reduces mileage driven, resulting in substantial savings in fuel usage.
The re-engineered system provides the basis for unique customer-focused services based on the customer-
specific data which powers the system.
Sales and Marketing
The UPS worldwide sales organization is responsible for the complete spectrum of UPS products and
services. This field sales organization consists primarily of locally based account executives assigned to our
individual operating units. For our largest multi-shipping-site customers, we manage sales through an
organization of regionally based account managers, reporting directly to executive management.
Our sales force also includes specialized groups that work with our general sales organization to support the
sale of customer technology solutions, international package delivery, LTL and freight transportation, and
warehousing and distribution services.
In 2007, we completed a major sales force reorganization to better align our sales resources and integrate
with customer business processes. Our goal is to enhance the customer experience when dealing with the
extensive scope of UPS capabilities, at any point in the shipping or supply chain management process.
Our worldwide marketing organization also supports global small package and our supply chain and freight
businesses. Our corporate marketing function is engaged in market and customer research, brand management,
rate-making and revenue management policy, new product development, product portfolio management,
marketing alliances and e-commerce, including the non-technical aspects of our web presence. Advertising,
public relations, and most formal marketing communications are centrally developed and controlled.
In addition to our corporate marketing group, field-based marketing personnel are assigned to our individual
operating units and are primarily engaged in business planning, bid preparation and revenue management
activities. These local marketing teams support the execution of corporate initiatives while also managing limited
promotional and public relations activities pertinent to their local markets.
Employees
As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 425,300 employees.
Approximately 246,000 of our employees are employed under a national master agreement and various
supplemental agreements with local unions affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
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