US-based global parcel and freight carrier UPS has announced a nearly $50m (€42m) investment in dedicated network capabilities and specialist industry teams targeting automotive and industrial manufacturers across North America, as the company moves to consolidate its position in high-complexity, time-critical supply chains.

According to Parcel and Postal Technology International, the investment includes the expansion of UPS's North American Air Freight service to and from Mexico from August, offering one-, two- and three-day time-definite options for the first time for manufacturers moving high-value, production-critical parts across the border. UPS says the expansion is designed to reduce border delays and improve shipment visibility across the region.

Matt Guffey, UPS chief commercial and strategy officer, said: "Our automotive and industrial customers want an easy button for logistics. They need reliability, visibility and a partner that understands their supply chains end to end, today and tomorrow. We have made strategic investments to build the team and the network that meet their needs unlike any other in the industry."

As part of the broader investment, UPS has assembled a dedicated team of more than 300 subject-matter experts with automotive and industrial manufacturing experience. The company says this specialist capacity, combined with its integrated transportation, brokerage and warehousing offering, is intended to reduce the complexity of cross-border shipping compared with fragmented multicarrier models.

UPS highlighted several recent network upgrades supporting the announcement, including automation across 67.5% of its facilities and RFID sensing technology embedded throughout its network. The company also pointed to expanded next-day delivery by 10:30am to more US businesses than other major carriers, strengthening its value proposition for manufacturers with tight production schedules.

Additional service capabilities include a Ground with Freight Pricing option for shipments over 69kg and same-day parts delivery to dealerships and repair shops via its Roadie subsidiary, rounding out an integrated offering aimed at reducing reliance on fragmented multicarrier arrangements.

Find out more about UPS's automotive and industrial logistics investment and North American air freight expansion at the full report.