UPS readies for record-breaking shipment volumes Thursday

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MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — This week marks the busiest of the year for UPS, which estimates it will deliver 28 million packages on Thursday alone, the busiest day of the holiday season and also the busiest in UPS history.

To meet the demand, UPS says it will be boosting its capacity, including the addition of 400 more flights per day this week. Three million express shipments will be processed within 24 hours at its UPS Worldport international air hub in Louisville, Ky.

The courier expects to have more than 69 million online tracking requests today.

The deliveries will continue after the holiday season, with an anticipated two million return packages to be sent back to retailers during the first week of 2013. The company notes many retailers are focusing this year on “reverse logistics” and offering free returns.

“We’ve seen a 15% increase in retail returns over last year,” said David Sisco, UPS retail marketing director. “UPS research shows that 63% of online shoppers review a retailer’s returns policy before making a purchase.”

UPS has designated Jan. 3 ‘National Returns Day,’ which is the busiest day for returns at the courier. For an interesting visual look at how UPS is handling the increased volume, check out the infographic under Documents.

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