Following the expansion of its Clark International Air Hub, US-based logistics company United Parcel Service (UPS) has installed its first automated small-package sorting system at the facility.
Clark Hub General Manager Albert Sapaen Jr. said in a press conference that this is UPS’s first automated system in Asia-Pacific, using an intelligent conveyor to separate and direct packages without manual handling.
“With this new hub, we are rolling out our first-ever in [the] Asia-Pacific, our first automated auto small sort facility… An intelligent conveyor system which is able to separate packages from one another and direct them to the right destinations,” Sapaen said.
A part of UPS’ push for modernization across the region, the high-tech sorting system can process up to 9,000 small packages an hour, expanding the total average daily packages processed in the hub.
The automated sorting system uses an intelligent conveyor to automatically process, organize, and route packages without manual handling. Upon arrival, it singulates clustered parcels so each item moves individually.
Once separated, packages pass through a six-sided scanner reading labels in any orientation. The system instantly scans barcode data to match tracking details with the assigned flight, trade lane, and destination.
This routing data guides the conveyor to divert parcels into destination-specific sort chutes and bags. The hands-free process enables the Clark facility to process up to 15,000 pieces hourly, speeding up turnaround and reducing errors before flight loading.
Daryl Tay, UPS President of Asia Pacific Operations and Strategy, emphasized that the Clark hub’s transformation aligns with shifting global supply chain dynamics. As multinational manufacturers adopt more resilient networks across Asia, logistics providers must offer agile, diversified transportation options.
In addition to its high-speed sorting infrastructure, the site directly interfaces with Clark International Airport’s runway, giving UPS dedicated apron access to service large freighter aircraft such as Boeing 747-8s and 767s.
Sapaen also noted the upgrade improves delivery times and transit windows globally, connecting Philippine enterprises to markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Beyond speed and capacity, the expanded operations have created more than 600 incremental jobs, primarily sourced from Pampanga and adjacent communities.
