Mail Boxes Etc. Centers Implement Contingency Plan In Response To UPS Strike

Business Wire, August 4, 1997

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1997--

MBE Centers Accepting US Postal Service Packages Without Limitations

Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE), one of the largest customers of United Parcel Services (UPS), has developed a contingency plan to ensure continuation of shipping services during the Teamsters work stoppage at UPS.

The more than 2,800 MBE Centers throughout the United States are accepting packages for delivery through other carriers, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), without limitations.

The USPS has placed a four-package limit per customer, per visit, at local post office windows; customers with more packages must set-up an appointment for parcel drop-off. Recognizing that many customers exceed this four-package limit, local MBE Centers will not place a limit on the number of packages accepted, and will deliver the packages to designated USPS parcel drop-off centers. MBE Centers also offer shipping and delivery services through other carriers, such as Federal Express, Airborne Express, DHL and Burlington.

"While the strike by UPS Teamsters union members is unfortunate and will inconvenience our customers, we are prepared to offer alternative carrier options to meet our customers' shipping needs. Although MBE ships millions of packages through UPS each year, our Centers have established relationships with other carriers as well," said Jim Amos, MBE president and chief operating officer. "During the strike, our goal will be to remain true to our mission of providing world-class customer service."

Mail Boxes Etc., with headquarters in San Diego, is the world's largest franchisor of retail business, communication and postal service centers. There are more than 3,350 Centers operating worldwide, with master licensing agreements in place for the development of the MBE business in 52 countries and territories around the world. In the United States, MBE Centers are owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., USA, Inc. Outside the United States, MBE Centers are owned and operated by master licensees or their franchisees. MBE maintains a Web site at http://www.mbe.com .

Please call 619/623-1718 to arrange an interview with Jim Amos, president and chief operating officer, Mail Boxes Etc.

CONTACT: Mail Boxes Etc., San Diego

Richard Hallabrin, 619/623-1718

619/692-9873 (home)

or

Hadeler White Public Relations

Monica Feid, 972/776-8054

972/831-1840 (home)