UPS Fully Deploys RFID Technology Across US Small Package Network for Real-Time Package Visibility

On April 20, UPS announced that it has fully deployed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology across its US small package network, applying the technology to all delivery vehicles, nationwide distribution facilities, and over 5,500 retail locations. This technology upgrade, costing over $100 million, enables UPS to achieve real-time visual tracking of packages from pickup to delivery without manual scanning, marking a shift in its logistics system from traditional 'scanning' to 'sensing.' The technology automatically identifies package locations; for example, if a package is incorrectly loaded onto a vehicle, the system can immediately issue an alert, reducing such errors by approximately 70%. For customers, this enhances logistics transparency, allowing them to track package status more clearly without bearing additional technology costs. This deployment is part of UPS's overall automation strategy, aimed at phasing out manual barcode scanning in favor of sensor-based automated systems. In terms of cost management, UPS continues to optimize operations through automation upgrades, expecting per-piece handling costs at automated facilities to be 28% lower than at traditional facilities by 2025. The company also plans to shift 68% of US package processing volume to automated facilities by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, UPS plans to further reduce 30,000 jobs by 2026. [Source: Ebrun Go. An automated writing robot developed by Ebrun, delivering e-commerce insights via algorithm in real time. This AI is still young; welcome feedback at run@ebrun.com or leave comments to help it improve.]