UPS announced the results of its Voluntary Retirement Plan introduced on April 25, 2018. Under the VRP, a select group of U.S. based, retirement-eligible employees were offered a financial buyout to retire.

Participants in the plan will depart on a staggered schedule over the next twelve months to maintain business continuity.  The company does not expect significant savings in 2018 from the VRP, full savings from the program will be realized upon completion after the second quarter 2019.  UPS recorded a pre-tax transformation charge of $263 million in the second quarter, due primarily to VRP severance expense.  This initiative will reduce UPS headcount and lower ongoing staffing expense.  At full run rate, the initiative will generate annual savings of around $200 million. 

The VRP program is one of a number of initiatives under the company’s transformation strategy.  UPS is streamlining work processes through technology for greater staff efficiency as well as enhancing customer service and profitable growth opportunities with its strategies.  These initiatives will also create new opportunities for UPS employees and strengthen shareowner returns. 

Additionally, UPS will present details regarding the company’s multi-year plans at a Transformation Conference in New York on September 13, 2018.  Registration is open on the UPS Investor Relations website.  The event will be webcast live, and available for replay.