Global 500: United Parcel Service - Fortune
Big Brown continues its reign as the leading U.S. delivery business. Pandemic-fueled demand propelled United Parcel Service 40 spots higher, to No. 89, on this year’s Global 500. UPS’s revenues rose 14.2%, to $84.6 billion, in 2020, keeping it ahead of perennial rival FedEx. But the shift in emphasis to residential over commercial parcels took a 70% bite out of profits, which declined to $1.34 billion. A bigger threat looms, as well. Amazon—a major partner, and rising competitor—is doubling down on a delivery network of its own. How the shipper’s CEO, Carol Tomé, installed on June 1, 2020, confronts this “frenemy” may prove to be the defining mark of her tenure.
Big Brown continues its reign as the leading U.S. delivery business. Pandemic-fueled demand propelled United Parcel Service 40 spots higher, to No. 89, on this year’s Global 500. UPS’s revenues rose 14.2%, to $84.6 billion, in 2020, keeping it ahead of perennial rival FedEx. But the shift in emphasis to residential over commercial parcels took a 70% bite out of profits, which declined to $1.34 billion. A bigger threat looms, as well. Amazon—a major partner, and rising competitor—is doubling down on a delivery network of its own. How the shipper’s CEO, Carol Tomé, installed on June 1, 2020, confronts this “frenemy” may prove to be the defining mark of her tenure.
