OREANDA-NEWS. February 10, 2016.  UPS will move more than 100 million flowers or 9 million pounds, to love birds around the United States. That’s enough to fill approximately 70 Boeing 767 cargo aircraft. Many of the roses and tropical flowers originate from Latin American countries, primarily Colombia and Ecuador. More than 90% of the imported flowers will travel through Miami International Airport (MIA) where UPS is the largest air cargo carrier. From the flower farm to the importer, the journey takes less than two days.

According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend \\$147 on Valentine’s gifts, and \\$41 to buy flowers, on average. U.S. consumers are projected to spend almost \\$20 billion on Valentine’s presents.

“Every year we increase our operational resources to expedite incoming flower shipments,” said Domingo Mendez, UPS Air Cargo manager. “This year UPS is moving 560,000 boxes of flowers, that’s more than 8 million dozens of roses!”

To handle all those blooms, UPS has added 40 additional temperature-controlled flights. The flowers stay fresh in a refrigerated warehouse about the size of 5 basketball courts located in the UPS air cargo facility in Miami, where they are inspected and sorted for travel to their final destinations.  

And for many, Valentine’s Day would not be complete without a romantic dinner. UPS will also move temperature-sensitive dinners from companies such as Omaha Steaks. A recent Omaha Steaks survey revealed nearly 90% of Americans would prefer their significant other to surprise them with dinner at home. Share what you would cook on Valentine’s Day on our Twitter channels @UPS and @OmahaSteaks  using #LoveDelivered.

Those waiting until the last minute can ship as late as Friday, Feb. 12 using UPS Next Day Air® to have gifts arrive on Valentine’s Day. [Note: Customers must select the Saturday option when creating the shipment. Additional fees may apply.] Click here for the UPS Valentine’s Day Shipping Calendar.

Visit the Longitudes blog to learn more about the logistics of keeping flowers fresh.  

About UPS

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

About Omaha Steaks

Founded in 1917, Omaha Steaks is a fifth-generation, family-owned company known nationwide for the finest in USDA-approved, grain fed beef and gourmet foods. Today, Omaha Steaks is recognized as the nation’s largest direct response marketer of beef and gourmet foods available through multiple marketing channels including by phone at 1-800-228-9055, online at www.OmahaSteaks.com or at retail stores nationwide