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UPS Activates RFID Tracking Across Entire U.S. Small-Package Network

UPS calls this the first broad RFID deployment by a major carrier.

Overview

  • UPS says the system now covers delivery vehicles, sorting facilities, and more than 5,500 The UPS Store locations after more than $100 million in investment.
  • RFID labels inside shipping stickers communicate with sensors in trucks and loading bays to record each handoff without handheld barcode scans.
  • The company reports nearly 70% fewer misloaded packages since moving to the sensor-based process.
  • UPS estimates the change will eliminate about 20 million manual scans each day across its U.S. small-package network.
  • Customers should see more precise pickup and delivery updates that UPS says could help deter porch theft by narrowing arrival windows.