UPS introduces new reverse logistics service

UPS today announced a new consumer-to-business returns service, representing a step forward in reverse logistics.

According to spokesmen, UPS Returns Flexible Access, is a new service with a unique label that allows consumers to drop returns at any U.S. Postal Service (USPS) location or personal mailbox.

UPS began testing the service last year with a few retailers such as BuySeasons, the largest retailer of costumes and party supplies on the Internet. Because of the positive customer response, UPS now is making the returns service more broadly available.

"Our experience with UPS is enabling growth for our business and allowing us to provide a higher level of service to our customers," said Terry Rowinski, vice president of operations for BuySeasons.

UPS Returns Flexible Access utilizes the Postal Service’s Parcel Return Service, combined with UPS’s own drop-off locations and delivery network, to provide retailers’ customers with increased convenience when returning items. Customers of participating retailers receive special package labels that allow them to enter returns packages in more than 150 million postal access points—including personal mailboxes - for their postal carrier to pick up.

"Working with the U.S. Postal Service to process returns through more than 150 million access points provides retailers the added flexibility they need to enhance their customer’s overall experience," said Linda Shepherd West, new product development director at UPS.

Consumers also can drop the package off at their local U.S. Post Office,(tm) in postal collection boxes or at traditional UPS drop-off locations including The UPS Store, UPS drop boxes, UPS customer centers, third-party retailers (Office Depot, Staples, and Authorized Shipping Outlets) or hand it to a UPS driver.

After a returns package is transported to a Postal Service location for dispatch to UPS, a UPS driver picks it up and transports the package back to the retailer via the UPS ground network. This offers retailers an inbound view of returns packages, facilitating improved customer service and cost savings due to better inbound operations planning.

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