UPS Airlines — Air Freight Services & Rates
UPS Airlines air freight services, rates, and global network. Louisville hub with 800+ destinations in 220+ countries. Express, standard, and heavy freight solutions.
Description
Last updated: April 2026 | Request a precise quote
UPS Airlines — Air Freight Services
UPS Airlines is the cargo airline subsidiary of United Parcel Service, operating one of the world’s largest cargo fleets. Based at UPS Worldport in Louisville, Kentucky (SDF), UPS Airlines serves 800+ destinations in 220+ countries and territories. The airline operates both express parcel and heavy freight services, with dedicated hubs in Louisville, Cologne (CGN), Shanghai (PVG), and Shenzhen (SZX).
Key Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | 5X |
| Parent Company | United Parcel Service (UPS) |
| Main Hub | Louisville Worldport (SDF) |
| European Hub | Cologne/Bonn (CGN) |
| Asia Hubs | Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX) |
| Fleet Size | 290+ aircraft (747-8F, 767-300F, 757-200F, A300-600F, MD-11F) |
| Destinations | 800+ in 220+ countries |
Freight Services
| Service | Description | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Express Freight | Next-day/2-day heavy freight with guaranteed delivery | 1–3 days |
| UPS Air Freight Direct | Airport-to-airport freight for large shipments | 2–5 days |
| UPS Air Freight Consolidated | Consolidated freight for cost-effective shipping | 3–7 days |
| UPS Temperature True | Cold chain solution for pharma and healthcare | 1–3 days |
| UPS Worldwide Express | Express parcels and documents worldwide | 1–2 days |
Key Routes
| Route | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| SDF → CGN (Louisville–Cologne) | Multiple daily | 747-8F / MD-11F |
| SDF → PVG (Louisville–Shanghai) | Daily | 747-8F |
| CGN → LHR (Cologne–London) | Daily | 767-300F |
| SDF → SZX (Louisville–Shenzhen) | Daily | 747-8F |
| CGN → DXB (Cologne–Dubai) | 5–7x/week | 767-300F |
| PVG → SDF (Shanghai–Louisville) | Daily | 747-8F |
Why Choose UPS Airlines?
UPS operates the world’s largest cargo airline by fleet size with over 290 aircraft. The Louisville Worldport hub processes 2+ million packages per hour, enabling unmatched sorting speed and global connectivity. UPS’s integrated ground+air network means door-to-door service is seamless — from pickup through customs clearance to final delivery. For European freight, the Cologne hub provides same-day connections to virtually any EU destination.
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FAQ
What’s the difference between UPS Express and UPS Air Freight?
UPS Express is for parcels and smaller shipments (up to 70 kg per package) with guaranteed next-day delivery. UPS Air Freight handles heavier shipments (pallets, crates, oversized) on an airport-to-airport or door-to-door basis.
Does UPS handle customs clearance?
Yes — UPS has in-house brokerage in most countries. Their integrated system auto-files customs declarations for express shipments, significantly reducing clearance times compared to traditional freight.
What is UPS Worldport?
Louisville Worldport is UPS’s global air hub — the largest automated package handling facility in the world. It processes 2+ million packages per hour across 5.2 million sq ft, enabling overnight connections between virtually any two points.
Does UPS Airlines accept dangerous goods?
Yes, UPS accepts most DG classes on its freighter fleet subject to IATA DGR regulations. Some restrictions apply to passenger aircraft belly capacity. Contact for specific DG requirements.