UPS is the preferred carrier for transporting goods purchased online, so it recognized a large problem facing e-tailers and other business-to-business shippers as well – handling and processing returns from customers. UPS Returns on the Web was unveiled in September 2000, offering customers the convenience of printing a return label directly from their PCs. Their packages can then be taken to any UPS drop-off location or handed directly to any UPS driver. Behind the scenes, this new service offers shippers complex technology to simplify their returns processes.

Opening the door to UPS
Increasing access to UPS services was a high priority in 2000. In June, UPS announced an agreement with Air2Web Inc. to provide U.S. customers with two-way, interactive access to UPS services from virtually any wireless device regardless of carrier or network.

Outside the virtual world, UPS and Office Depot completed the rollout of 550 Office Depot Shipping Centers. This partnership offers consumers a full selection of packaging and shipping supplies as well as the complete portfolio of UPS services at regular UPS Customer Counter rates.