The service bundles UPS's transportation and customs brokerage expertise north and south of the border to boost speed to market, drive cost efficiencies and reduce supply chain risk.

UPS CrossBorder Connect is a contractual service that utilizes the trucking network that supports UPS's North American Air Freight service. That network has been connected with trusted carriers in Mexico at eight important points along the U.S.-Mexico border. By integrating UPS's brokerage capabilities, the service helps companies with the complex brokerage process and is designed to help reduce customs delays associated with border regulations, inspections and lengthy paperwork.

UPS also provides the option of bonded movements through the border to help enable faster crossing of goods.

"With the global rise in fuel and labor costs, near-sourcing has become an increasingly viable option for many businesses looking to reduce their production and supply chain costs and expand their market share," said Steve Flowers, president, UPS Global Freight Forwarding. "For example, we're seeing more high-tech and  automotive companies now moving production closer to consumption points in North and South America, and UPS CrossBorder Connect can help them navigate the complexities inherent in U.S.-Mexico trade while containing costs.

"Our research clearly revealed the gaps in service options that exist for today's customers," Flowers continued. "With this product, we've improved visibility and predictability as well as reliability on one of the largest and most important U.S. trade lanes."

Prior to this service offering, cross-border heavyweight freight shipping options were limited to airfreight or conventional less-than-truckload movements, providing shippers with little middle ground between airfreight and standard heavyweight ground freight shipping.

Source: UPS