Will your UPS deliveries be affected? What to know about the 20,000 job cuts
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From everyday essentials to special occasion gifts, many of us rely on UPS to keep our lives running smoothly.
So when headlines announced that the company is cutting 20,000 jobs and closing dozens of buildings, it’s only natural to wonder: Will deliveries still arrive on time?
And what’s driving these major changes at one of the world’s largest package carriers?
At The GrayVine, we believe it’s important to stay informed—especially when it comes to services we rely on regularly.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening at UPS, why it matters, and what it could mean for your doorstep.
UPS recently announced plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs in 2025—just over 4% of its global workforce of nearly 500,000 employees.
The move comes after last year’s cut of 12,000 jobs and is part of a cost-saving strategy to close 73 facilities by mid-2025 and reduce spending by $3.5 billion.
While there are multiple reasons for the shift, much of it traces back to the company’s changing relationship with its largest customer—Amazon.
Amazon has long been a key driver of UPS package volume.
But the two companies have agreed to reduce UPS deliveries of Amazon packages by over 50% by the end of 2026.
UPS leadership says this decision was made to focus on “revenue quality”—that is, prioritizing more profitable deliveries rather than simply handling higher volumes.
Amazon has stated it was willing to increase its shipping business with UPS, but the company chose a different path.
As a result, fewer Amazon packages mean fewer routes and roles.
The job cuts are expected to focus on management and support positions, but with such a large number, the changes may touch other areas of the company as well.
However, with fewer employees and facilities, some customers may notice changes in delivery service.
While UPS has stated that its goal is greater efficiency, industry analysts have raised questions about how reduced staffing might impact service consistency—especially in areas with lower package volume.
The announced cuts have raised concerns among employees and their union, the Teamsters.
Under their current labor contract, UPS is required to create 30,000 union jobs, not eliminate them.
Teamsters president Sean M. O’Brien has stated that the union will oppose any attempt to cut union jobs or sidestep the contract.
At this time, UPS maintains that the reductions are limited to non-union roles.
UPS is also navigating international headwinds.
Ongoing trade tensions—particularly between the US and China—are creating uncertainty for companies that rely on global shipping routes.
UPS’s most profitable routes, including shipments from China to the US, could be impacted by new tariffs and shifting regulations.
In response, UPS has introduced features like Global Checkout, which helps shoppers see the full cost of international purchases—including duties and taxes—before they check out.
Amazon is facing similar pressures but has not yet implemented upfront tariff displays for its customers.
To avoid surprises, here are a few tips:
As UPS navigates these changes, staying informed can help you plan ahead—whether you’re waiting on a package or supporting someone who works in the industry.
Read next: Alert: Undelivered package scams from UPS, FedEx, Amazon, USPS—What you don’t know could cost you!
Have you noticed changes in your UPS deliveries recently? Do you or someone you know work at UPS and have insights to share? Or do you have tips for managing package deliveries during times of uncertainty? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experiences in the comments below!
So when headlines announced that the company is cutting 20,000 jobs and closing dozens of buildings, it’s only natural to wonder: Will deliveries still arrive on time?
And what’s driving these major changes at one of the world’s largest package carriers?
At The GrayVine, we believe it’s important to stay informed—especially when it comes to services we rely on regularly.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening at UPS, why it matters, and what it could mean for your doorstep.
What’s happening at UPS?
UPS recently announced plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs in 2025—just over 4% of its global workforce of nearly 500,000 employees.
The move comes after last year’s cut of 12,000 jobs and is part of a cost-saving strategy to close 73 facilities by mid-2025 and reduce spending by $3.5 billion.
While there are multiple reasons for the shift, much of it traces back to the company’s changing relationship with its largest customer—Amazon.
Amazon and UPS: A changing partnership
Amazon has long been a key driver of UPS package volume.
But the two companies have agreed to reduce UPS deliveries of Amazon packages by over 50% by the end of 2026.
UPS leadership says this decision was made to focus on “revenue quality”—that is, prioritizing more profitable deliveries rather than simply handling higher volumes.
Amazon has stated it was willing to increase its shipping business with UPS, but the company chose a different path.
As a result, fewer Amazon packages mean fewer routes and roles.
The job cuts are expected to focus on management and support positions, but with such a large number, the changes may touch other areas of the company as well.
Also read: UPS rolls out a pricey surprise—Here’s what you need to know.
Will your deliveries be delayed?
However, with fewer employees and facilities, some customers may notice changes in delivery service.
While UPS has stated that its goal is greater efficiency, industry analysts have raised questions about how reduced staffing might impact service consistency—especially in areas with lower package volume.
What about UPS workers and unions?
The announced cuts have raised concerns among employees and their union, the Teamsters.
Under their current labor contract, UPS is required to create 30,000 union jobs, not eliminate them.
Teamsters president Sean M. O’Brien has stated that the union will oppose any attempt to cut union jobs or sidestep the contract.
At this time, UPS maintains that the reductions are limited to non-union roles.
Also read: UPS delivery gone wrong—think twice before answering that knock!
Global challenges and shifting trade policies
UPS is also navigating international headwinds.
Ongoing trade tensions—particularly between the US and China—are creating uncertainty for companies that rely on global shipping routes.
UPS’s most profitable routes, including shipments from China to the US, could be impacted by new tariffs and shifting regulations.
In response, UPS has introduced features like Global Checkout, which helps shoppers see the full cost of international purchases—including duties and taxes—before they check out.
Amazon is facing similar pressures but has not yet implemented upfront tariff displays for its customers.
Also read: Are your packages really safe? Major shifts in USPS and UPS contracts could change everything for you!
Staying ahead of delivery disruptions
To avoid surprises, here are a few tips:
- Track your packages regularly using UPS’s website or mobile app
- Explore alternate carriers such as USPS, FedEx, or Amazon’s in-house service
- Plan ahead, especially for important items, by ordering early when possible
As UPS navigates these changes, staying informed can help you plan ahead—whether you’re waiting on a package or supporting someone who works in the industry.
Read next: Alert: Undelivered package scams from UPS, FedEx, Amazon, USPS—What you don’t know could cost you!
Have you noticed changes in your UPS deliveries recently? Do you or someone you know work at UPS and have insights to share? Or do you have tips for managing package deliveries during times of uncertainty? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experiences in the comments below!
