How a leading carrier coped with the Christmas demand

On one peak day, 25 million packages would be delivered to eager recipients. This is in fact a 60 per cent rise on the usual volume UPS anticipate sending within a day.

A store manager at the company, Bob Strickland, based in Fort Payne, United States, speaking about this high increase in demand said:

"I've been in the business for 12 years and used to own two UPS Stores in Virginia. Always the second Monday before Christmas is our busiest day. I don't know why, but it's always worked out that way. Nationwide, you can put it on your calendar, and it will ring true."

In the US it is true to say that parcels do tend to be sent across longer distances, with the majority being delivered by ground transport. However, as it gets nearer to Christmas Day, air shipping will become more common as last-minute shoppers frantically place their orders.

UPS took on about 55,000 additional staff over Christmas in the United States, with about 400 extra flights being added across this busy period.