UPS Freight today announced improved transit times from western Canada to points across the United States.

“Improving and expanding our coverage and service capabilities with our country's largest trading partner is a key element of our overall growth strategy,” said Kevin Hartman, UPS Freight senior vice president for strategy. “We have listened to our customers' needs and engineered and piloted faster, more efficient network links. We plan to continue to expand and improve our capabilities throughout key markets in North America.”

In all, UPS Freight is reducing transit times across 340 lanes from Calgary and Edmonton to points throughout the United States. The faster transit times include bringing Calgary to cities in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Kansas, Louisiana, South Carolina and New Mexico within four days.

Similarly, one and two days have been shaved off the transit times between Edmonton and U.S. cities along the East Coast from Connecticut to Georgia.

The new, faster transit times carry the same on-time, no-fee guarantee offered by UPS Freight on shipments originating and destined for points served by the company’s service centers in Calgary, Edmonton, Moncton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor and Winnipeg.

The on-time service guarantee is available for less-than-truckload (LTL) customers on both sides of the border who ship using the current UPS Freight UPGF525 tariff.

In addition to enhanced service, UPS Freight also will utilize the familiar handheld computers used by UPS package delivery drivers and a dispatch reservation system to improve shipment visibility for customers.

UPS Freight’s Canadian service utilizes a pre-arrival customs system that speeds clearance at border crossings, minimizes delays and accelerates transit times. The technology enables the electronic transmission of customs documentation; complete online tracking from origin to destination, with instant access to all customs documents; notifying customers of any customs delays with alerts, and 24-hour access to all shipping information.

“The goal is to combine UPS technology, speed and reliable service to provide customers with the finest shipping experience in the industry both to and from Canada,” added Hartman.

UPS Freight, one of the largest less-than-truckload carriers in the United States and a leading truckload service provider, serves customers throughout North America, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Island. For more information, visit www.upsfreight.com.

UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the flow of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: UPS), and the company can be found on the Web at www.ups.com.