Supply Chain Research

UPS has launched a transformation plan designed to boost cash flows by $1 billion over the next five years through a mixture of rationalization, automation, new services and a focus on higher growth markets. That follows a decline in profitability (EBITDA margin) for eight straight quarters after a slide to 15% in 2Q from 17% a year earlier, which track a fall for the freight forwarder sector overall. The twin aims of better profitability and growth may not be compatible. A 9% decline in U.S.-inbound volumes in the three months to August 31 vs. a sector average increase of 5% indicates p...