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UPS is rolling out radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing technology across its U.S. small package network, marking what the company says is the first broad deployment of RFID across an integrated logistics network by a major provider.
The move gives shippers greater real-time visibility into package movements and forms part of UPS’s wider “Network of the Future” strategy, with the company investing more than $100 million to date in developing and implementing the technology.
RFID sensing is now active in all UPS package delivery vehicles in the U.S., across the company’s delivery facilities nationwide, and on every package shipped through more than 5,500 The UPS Store locations, including return shipments.
“We’re lighting up customers’ supply chains in real time with RFID, enabling precise tracking, faster insights, a smarter network and smarter packages,” said Matt Guffey, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer.
“This is the most significant visibility advancement in the past decade at UPS and in our industry.”
Matt Guffey, Executive VP and Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer
From scanning to sensing
The rollout represents a shift from traditional barcode scanning to automated sensing, replacing manual scan-based tracking with RFID-enabled package monitoring throughout the shipping process.
“With RFID embedded into labels, on our vehicles and in our loading bays, customers benefit from clear visibility during the entire shipping process – from pick up to delivery, with no manual scanning required,” Guffey added.
“The result is commerce that is smarter and predictable.”
RFID sensing automatically confirms when packages are picked up and in UPS possession, while continuously tracking shipments as they move through the network.
According to UPS, “no other carrier can offer this assurance across its U.S. network.”
Designed to improve resilience and response times
The richer shipment data generated by RFID allows the company to respond more quickly when disruptions occur, including weather events and other unexpected operational issues.
It also gives customers enhanced transparency into shipment location and progress without requiring additional investment in technology or internal systems.
UPS said it manages the complexity of the RFID infrastructure behind the scenes, allowing customers to access improved visibility without becoming technology specialists themselves.
Supporting millions of shipments daily
RFID sensing technology is already being used daily across UPS’s operations, supporting millions of package movements throughout the network.
The company said the initiative reinforces its long-term focus on technology-led logistics innovation and premium customer service.
UPS generated $88.7 billion in revenue in 2025 and operates in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
This article was produced by the editorial team at Supply Chain Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across supply chains, manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, food production, and sustainability.
Supply Chain Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping the global logistics and supply chain sector.
