UPS is one of the largest postal services in the world today, but it all started back in 1907 by James Casey who founded the American Messenger Company partnering with Claude Ryan. Capitalized with just $100 in debt, and based in Seattle, Washington, most deliveries back then were made on foot or bicycles.
The primary focus for the American Messenger Company continued to be packages delivered to retail stores, with its largest client being the United States Postal Service. However, soon after, in 1919, the company expanded to Oakland, California at which point they changed the name to United Parcel Service.
UPS had to invest heavily through the 1990s, in new technology to help cater to the growing volume of customers. It introduced tracking in 1992, and in 1994 they debuted UPS.com. The company’s emphasis on technology and innovation to help an expanding market is clearly reflected in its mission statement. That’s why it is so important to analyze UPS Mission and Vision statements closely.
UPS Mission Statement and Analysis
UPS’s Mission Statement is: “Grow our global business by serving the logistics needs of customers, offering excellence and value in all that we do. Maintain a financially strong company with broad employee ownership-that provides a long-term competitive return to our shareowners. Inspire our people and business partners to do their best, offering opportunities for personal development and success. Lead by example as a responsible, caring, and sustainable company making a difference in the communities we serve.”
A broad overview of UPS’ Mission Statement alludes to the company’s inherent goal of providing people with the best delivery service possible. The company aims to be the best by investing heavily in technology, personnel, and the development of new methodologies.
A customer-centric approach is clearly highlighted in the mission statement. One instance of this is guaranteed timely delivery for all packages. That guarantee is made possible by efficiently handling all packages using the latest and greatest technology.
UPS aims to improve communities by protecting the environment and community development programs. However, UPS alludes to being more than just a delivery and logistics business by stating “offering opportunities for personal development and success” in its mission statement. It means that the company is committed to helping people develop and succeed using a litany of programs.
UPS Vision Statement
UPS’s vision statement is: “We’re committed to Helping customers pioneer more sustainable solutions, delivering packages more efficiently, creating more connections around the world and finding more ways to take action and give back.”
While the above isn’t UPS’s official vision statement, it is taken from their website, which outlines the company’s commitment to sustainability and related solutions.
The statement outlines the link UPS has with its customers, trading partners, and local communities. It is that link that helps the company and its partners work on sustainable solutions. That in the words of UPS is their way of “give back” to the community.
UPS Core Values
UPS’s core values are: “Integrity, Teamwork, Service, Quality and Efficiency, Safety, Sustainability, Innovation.”
The two main values for the company are integrity and teamwork which makes running an organization like UPS possible. However, quality and efficiency help ensure growth by making sure that customers are more than happy to do business with the company.
All of this is done while UPS continues to focus resources on innovation and sustainability. It goes without saying that without innovation UPS wouldn’t be able to lead the pack the way it currently does in an increasingly saturated industry.
