Express carrier United Parcel Service recently opened a new $86-million, 46-acre package sorting and delivery facility in Swan Island, outside Portland, OR. The new operation not only doubles the capacity of its older building, but also helps UPS lower the fuel consumption and emissions output of its fleet serving the area.
The new building covers 263,488 sq ft, can accommodate up to 265 delivery trucks, and can sort up to 40,000 packages per hour, UPS said. That compares to the old facility that could only service up to 204 trucks and sorted just half as many packages. The new facility also features an automated “tilt tray” sorting process for small packages.
Other enhancements include technology upgrades that will decrease the effort needed to sort packages, improve sorting accuracy and reduce fuel consumption, miles driven and carbon emissions. The new building also features a Bioswale waste water recycling system, energy- efficient lighting fixtures, above-ground fuel tanks and increased recycling capability for solid waste.
“The new Swan Island building will allow us to process more package volume in less time and with less effort, which will definitely benefit our customers and our employees,” said Nancy Koeper, president, UPS Northwest District. “We see significant growth potential in this part of the country and this facility positions UPS to provide the best of service for years into the future.”
