UPS’ Teamsters contract expires in 2028. Shippers should prepare now.

Even with a potential clash a ways out, shippers should ensure they have other established carrier relationships to mitigate strike risk, experts say.

UPS shippers should already be exploring ways to limit their exposure to a potential strike from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in 2028, parcel shipping experts told Supply Chain Dive.

The delivery giant has about 300,000 Teamsters-represented employees in its ranks, including drivers and package handlers. The current national contract between UPS and the Teamsters — which was ratified in 2023 following a tense negotiations period — lasts through July 31, 2028.

Threatened strikes during the last round of negotiations failed to materialize, and with the current deal's expiration date well over a year away, a work stoppage isn't imminent. However, shippers still should consider the strike risk before signing an agreement with UPS and make sure they have a contingency plan in place, experts said.

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