UPS cutting 1,800 management jobs

Shipping giant UPS Inc. will cut 1,800 management and administrative jobs, less than 1 percent of its global work force, as it repositions itself for a gradual economic recovery. About 1,100 employees will be offered a voluntary separation package as part of the work force reduction, which is meant to streamline the company's U.S. small package segment. Other cuts will come through attrition and layoffs. The U.S. small package segment represents roughly 60 percent of UPS' annual revenue. It handles shipments of up to 150 pounds by ground and air. UPS, based in Atlanta, has 408,000 employees worldwide. About 340,000 of those workers are in the U.S. UPS also raised its profit forecast for the fourth-quarter that ended in December, citing improving operations and cost cuts. UPS will reduce its U.S. regions from five to three and its U.S. Districts from 46 to 20 in April. There are no plans to close any operating facilities. UPS said the consolidation of offices will not affect the sales and operations team, including drivers. UPS expects to incur a one-time charge in 2010 because of the restructuring.