Visits Worldport In Louisville

Workers in UPS's Louisville hub heard from US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta on Friday as he discussed his vision of opening more international markets to American companies. Mineta visited UPS to personally see the benefits of expanded trade.

"For every additional 40 international packages that run through a UPS facility, another American job is created," Secretary Mineta said. "And growing access to markets like China is bringing more jobs to Louisville."

The Department of Transportation also announced that UPS is one of four companies who have been given permission to fly additional flights to China in 2006. UPS predicts that three additional weekly roundtrip flights to China will increase capacity by 15 percent and create additional jobs.

“This enhances UPS’s ability to address supply chain needs in trade between the United States and China as well as throughout the world,” said Mike Eskew, UPS chairman and CEO. UPS is Kentucky's largest employer, with its main hub, Worldport, located in Louisville.

Mineta toured the hub to observe "just-in-time" delivery phases and to spread the word to the employees that more flights to international locations creates more American jobs. He has signed agreements with China, France, and Vietnam, and plans to sign one with India this month according to a news release.

"Opening skies is the best way to open new opportunity right here at home," Secretary Mineta said.  "I will continue to fight for open skies so that one day you and others can fly wherever the market demands, whenever the customer needs."

FMI: www.dot.gov