UPS Targets Cross-Border Growth With Airfreight Expansion

UPS is set to expand its North American Air Freight capabilities by debuting time-definite heavy airfreight service to and from Mexico for the first time. The service, which will be available across North America, targets automotive and industrial customers needing reliable transport of high-value, time-sensitive shipments. Starting in August, UPS’ North American Air Freight division will offer one-, two- and three-day service options to and from Mexico.

The company aims to simplify cross-border logistics with integrated transportation, brokerage, and warehousing, while competing with LTL and 3PL providers. UPS has invested nearly $50 million to stand up the launch of the service by strengthening network capabilities and adding dedicated teams. The decision to launch the service comes after U.S.-based LTL carriers began beefing up their own cross-border operations over the past 18 months to benefit from increased imports from Mexico, a surge in nearshoring, and a growing Mexican middle class.

UPS ranks No. 2 on the Transport Topics Global Freight Top 50 and No. 6 on the TT Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.