Shipping Meets Spending: UPS & Amex Power SMBs Over Holidays
Two of the most recognised names in the worlds of logistics and finance, UPS and American Express, have confirmed a collaboration aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) manage the pressure of fulfilment and finance, especially as the holiday season picks up pace.
The announcement, made during the annual UPS Impact Summit, introduces a series of exclusive offers available for the first time through both companies.
These perks are designed to improve how small firms manage shipments, payments and customer expectations in the busiest trading period of the year.
Trusted companies join forces
As one of the largest logistics providers in the world, UPS operates in more than 200 countries and brings in US$91.1bn in annual revenue.
Its integrated logistics services cover everything from air freight to ground delivery, with a workforce of nearly 500,000 employees focused on the company’s purpose: “Moving our world forward by delivering what matters.”
American Express, in turn, brings decades of experience in global payments. With a network of more than 100 million merchant locations worldwide, it supports everything from credit solutions to lifestyle services.
For SMBs, this means access to tools that simplify transactions, smooth out cash flow and offer stability during high-volume periods.
Together, the two companies are offering a set of exclusive deals via the American Express Business Savings Suite.
These include discounted rates across UPS shipping services – from air to ground and international – and introduce a tiered system that rewards increased shipment volume with deeper savings.
“UPS and American Express have both been trusted for over a century," says Matt Guffey, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at UPS. "Bringing our expertise together creates a powerful ecosystem for small businesses."
“UPS is making strategic investments in areas important to SMBs like industry-leading service, flexible returns and seamless integration with our end-to-end smart logistics network.
"We know what it takes to help small businesses be unstoppable and our collaboration with American Express is the perfect extension.”
The initiative aims to link two operational lifelines, logistics and payments, into a single support structure. SMBs can expect easier access to affordable delivery options while using credit solutions to manage operating costs during peak sales windows.
Logistics remains key for growth
The reality of ecommerce and in-store sales today is that customer satisfaction relies on fast, flexible and reliable delivery. That need becomes more intense during the holiday season, when volume spikes and delays carry greater risk.
By connecting the logistical strengths of UPS with the financial tools of American Express, the partnership offers a practical solution for smaller enterprises dealing with the dual challenge of scale and cash flow.
Colleen Taylor, President of US Merchant Services at American Express, explains: “Small businesses drive commerce around the world and it’s the behind-the-scenes essentials like logistics and payments that keep these businesses running.”
“During the critical holiday season, when every transaction counts, small businesses often rely on credit cards to manage cash flow, stock inventory and meet surging demand – all while looking for the best way to get their shipments where they need to go.
"That’s why Amex and UPS are teaming up to support small businesses during this make-or-break time of year.”
That dual challenge – meeting demand while keeping operations efficient – is what this partnership tries to ease.
For SMBs already using UPS for fulfilment or American Express for payments, the offers are easily accessible. Business Card Members can log into their accounts through the American Express Offers page to view eligibility and activate savings.
Looking beyond the festive rush
While the timing of the collaboration makes it most immediately relevant for the end-of-year sales peak, the relationship between UPS and American Express appears structured to support businesses long after the seasonal rush fades.
Additional benefits and promotions are scheduled to roll out in the coming months, with a focus on improving the overall business infrastructure for SMBs through better integration of services.
For now, the collaboration provides a straightforward incentive: ship more, save more and do it all using tools designed for flexibility and growth.
By focusing on core logistics and payment functions, UPS and American Express are placing operational stability at the heart of their offer – something most small firms depend on, particularly in high-stakes periods.
The tie-up brings practical support to the businesses that often feel the most strain during the holiday season, without overcomplicating how they access it.
