ATLANTA. March 12, 2002 - For the fifth year in a row, the Export-Import Bank of the United States has ranked UPS's First International Bank as its top provider of export and working capital loans.

First International, a unit of UPS Capital, was ranked No. 1 among the 130 financial institutions in a dozen countries that used Ex-Im Bank guarantees during the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2001. First International facilitated 118 transactions for customers in more than 20 countries during the period, with its Ex-Im-backed approvals totaling $98.5 million (US). Individual loans ranged in size from $200,000 up to $10 million.

The Ex-Im guaranteed loans are ideal for small- and mid-sized U.S. businesses that wish to export goods around the world, as well as for foreign buyers of U.S. goods that otherwise would have only limited access to capital at competitive rates. First International is represented in 24 emerging countries around the world, including Brazil, Chile, Mexico, India, the Philippines and Turkey. The bank also is active in other markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

In addition to its Ex-Im Bank expertise, First International currently is the top provider of loans backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (based on dollar volume) and a top provider of loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (based on dollar volume).

"We can't think of a better way to help fulfill UPS's mission of enabling global commerce for its customers than to help facilitate international trade through financing," said Bob Bernabucci, CEO of UPS Capital. "We plan to continue this trend through the other international products and services offered by UPS Capital ranging from Letters of Credit to Export Receivables Services."

UPS Capital (www.upscapital.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of UPS and as the first complete supply chain finance company, is a key component of UPS's business strategy of enabling the flow of goods, information and funds. Combined with other UPS subsidiaries, UPS Capital's financial services can leverage technology, transportation, e-commerce and logistics solutions for efficient supply chain management solutions, allowing companies to focus on their core businesses.

The U.S. Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal government agency that seeks to increase employment in the United States by providing assistance to U.S. exporters in the form of loans, guarantees and export credit insurance. In fiscal year 2001, Ex-Im Bank authorized financing to support approximately $12.5 billion of U.S. exports worldwide. .

For More Information Contact:

Laurie Mallis
UPS
404-828-7183