UPS announced that it has completed the acquisition of Frigo-Trans and its sister company BPL, which provide industry-leading, complex healthcare logistics solutions across Europe. The acquisitions further enhance the end-to-end capabilities available to UPS Healthcare customers, who increasingly need temperature-controlled and time-critical logistics solutions globally. Frigo-Trans’ network includes temperature-controlled warehousing ranging from cryopreservation (-196°C) to ambient (+15° to +25°C) as well as Pan-European cold chain transportation. This combined with the logistics solutions brought by BPL’s time-critical freight forwarding capabilities further enhances UPS Healthcare solutions for customers in Europe.

UPS announced the launch of UPS Global Checkout, an exciting new service that makes it even easier for consumers around the world to buy online from shippers around the world. Until now, international purchases often arrived with an unpleasant surprise – an additional bill for unpaid import costs. UPS Global Checkout solves that problem by guaranteeing upfront the amount online shoppers pay in duties, fees and taxes, and eliminating the frustration of unexpected costs at delivery. UPS is the only global integrated carrier to offer a guaranteed landed cost solution for international shipping that is seamlessly incorporated into its shipping technology, transforming the shopping experience and offering complete transparency on costs. With updates in near real time, the service adjusts to policy changes, international tax laws, duties and tariffs, helping to avoid surprise costs and offering a positive delivery experience. Available in 43 origin countries and delivering to more than 200 destinations worldwide, the service helps businesses of all sizes grow globally by streamlining international shipping.

Oil prices were steady on Thursday, holding gains made the previous session after falling U.S. crude and oil product inventories lifted the market. Brent crude futures LCOc1, the international benchmark for oil prices, stood at $49.72 per barrel at 0939 GMT, 2 cents up from their last settlement. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were at $47.10 per barrel, 2 cents below their last close.