UPS, or United Parcel Service, is one of the top package delivery and logistics companies in the U.S., known for its expertise in transportation, international shipping, and supply chain solutions. Operating in over 220 countries, UPS has become an essential player in global and domestic trade, recognized for its reliable and efficient service.
In this article, we’ll cover who owns UPS, who is the CEO of UPS, some key moments in its history, its organizational structure, and a few interesting details about the company’s impact.
Table of Contents
Who is the UPS owner?
UPS is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol UPS. This means anyone with access to the stock market can buy shares and be an UPS owner. The influence of a shareholder depends on the number of shares they hold.
The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, State Street Corp, and Jpmorgan Chase & Co are among the largest shareholders, playing a significant role in major decisions such as appointing directors and shaping business strategies. Both are global investment giants, and their stake highlights UPS’s position as a valuable investment.
Founded in 1907 by James E. Casey in Seattle, Washington, UPS started as a local courier service. Its steady growth led it to become a public company in 1999. For transparency, UPS publishes detailed annual reports and shareholder updates, available on its Investor Relations site.
If you want to know which are the main competitors of UPS you can read this article: UPS Competitors and Alternatives.
Who is the CEO of UPS?
Carol B. Tomé is the CEO and a board member at UPS. Before taking on this role, she built a strong career with more than 20 years in strategic and financial leadership, including serving as CFO and executive VP at The Home Depot. Her work there involved managing finances, investor relations, and long-term planning, all while driving the company’s growth.
Carol also gained experience at financial institutions like UBS, earning a reputation for improving efficiency and delivering value to shareholders.
In June 2020, she made history as UPS’s first female CEO. Under her leadership, the company has embraced a strategy called “Better, not Bigger,” which focuses on efficiency, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer service—especially in the fast-growing e-commerce sector.
During her tenure, UPS has seen notable improvements in profitability, last-mile delivery services, and technological advancements to enhance its massive logistics network.
The History and Organizational Structure of UPS
UPS began in 1907 as the American Messenger Company, founded by James E. Casey in Seattle to provide local courier services. In 1919, it rebranded as United Parcel Service and adopted the iconic brown color, symbolizing reliability and professionalism.
The company hit major milestones over the decades, such as launching air delivery in 1929, expanding nationally in the 1970s, and entering international markets in the 1980s. Going public in 1999 marked a new phase in its global growth. UPS also expanded its services through strategic acquisitions like Mail Boxes Etc. (now The UPS Store) in 2001, Overnite Corporation in 2005 to enhance freight capabilities, and Coyote Logistics in 2015.
Today, UPS operates through key divisions that include package delivery, supply chain logistics, and international freight. Subsidiaries like The UPS Store, UPS Capital, and Marken (which focuses on life sciences logistics) diversify its offerings to cater to specialized industries.
UPS processes over 25 million deliveries daily across 220 countries, underscoring its leadership in the logistics sector. The company has adopted innovative technologies, including electric vehicles and drones, as part of its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2050. With annual revenues surpassing $100 billion, UPS combines cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and a vast global network to stay at the forefront of the logistics industry.
Interesting Facts About UPS
Founded with just $100, it began as a bicycle courier service in Seattle. Today, UPS delivers more than 24 million packages a day in more than 220 countries and territories. That’s like sending a package to nearly a third of the world’s population in 24 hours.
Interestingly, their brown vehicles are not just for aesthetics; this color was chosen because it conveys seriousness and professionalism, as well as better concealing road grime. In addition, UPS drivers avoid left turns, saving fuel, time, and carbon emissions. In fact, in 2023, UPS avoided more than 100 million unnecessary miles through this practice alone.
When it comes to social impact, UPS is no slouch. Through its foundation, the company supports education, sustainability, and disaster relief projects. For example, they have helped deliver vaccines and essential supplies to remote areas.
Conclusion
UPS is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, recognized for its public business model that allows any investor to acquire shares in the company. Its major shareholders include The Vanguard Group and BlackRock, who influence its strategic decisions. Its CEO, Carol B. Tomé, leads with a focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and technological adaptation.
Founded in 1907, UPS has evolved from a small courier company to a multinational with a presence in more than 220 countries, achieving key milestones such as its IPO in 1999 and strategic acquisitions like Coyote Logistics and The UPS Store.
It is recognized for its philanthropic commitment through The UPS Foundation, supporting global social equity and disaster response initiatives. In sustainability, it stands out for its green fleet and programs to reduce its carbon footprint, reaffirming its position as a leader in the logistics and business sectors.
FAQ
Who controls UPS and how is its shareholding model structured?
UPS is a public company whose stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol UPS. This means that anyone with access to the stock market can buy shares and become a UPS owner. However, strategic decisions are mainly influenced by large institutional shareholders such as The Vanguard Group and BlackRock, which own significant stakes.
Who is the leader of UPS?
UPS is led by Carol B. Tomé, who is the CEO of UPS since June 2020, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the company’s history. Under her leadership, UPS has adopted the ‘Better, not Bigger’ strategy, which prioritizes operational efficiency, improved customer service, and optimization of its logistics network.
This strategy also aligns with the demands of e-commerce and sustainability, positioning UPS as a leader in innovation and service. Carol B. Tomé has been recognized for her inclusive approach and for guiding the company toward a more efficient and environmentally responsible future.
What is the history of UPS?
UPS was founded in 1907 by James E. Casey in Seattle, Washington, as the American Messenger Company to provide local courier services. In 1919, it adopted its current name, United Parcel Service, and the iconic brown color that symbolizes reliability and professionalism.
Key milestones for the company include the introduction of its air service in 1929, its national expansion in the 1970s, and internationalization in the 1980s. IPO in 1999, marking a significant step in its growth as a multinational. Strategic acquisitions such as mailboxes Etc. (now The UPS Store) in 2001, Overnite Corporation in 2005, and Coyote Logistics in 2015. Today, UPS operates in more than 220 countries and handles more than 25 million deliveries daily.
What philanthropic and sustainable initiatives stand out at UPS?
Through The UPS Foundation, founded in 1951, the company has donated more than $2 billion in funds and services to support communities around the world. Some of its initiatives include disaster response programs, partnerships with organizations such as the Red Cross and UNICEF, and social equity projects such as scholarships for underprivileged students and women’s empowerment programs.
UPS operates one of the world’s greenest fleets, with more than 15,000 vehicles using alternative fuels or advanced technologies. It also offers a Carbon Neutral program, which allows customers to offset the carbon emissions of their shipments. In addition, it is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
