“Unstoppable” United Cargo saddled up for the long ride as more than 300 United Cargo team members from 36 countries on five continents came together recently in sunny Houston for their annual Worldwide Meeting.
     This was a distinct change in climate – previously the team has gathered every February in cold, snowy Chicago.
     In homage to the new locale, United Cargo President Jan Krems and team combined the serious business of the conference with a celebration of the spirit of the legendary cowgirls and cowboys of Texas history.

Opens The Drive

     But it wasn’t all just hats, boots and spurs and barbecue.
     As Jan noted in his opening address:
     “There are strong similarities between what it took to lead the cattle drives from Texas in the 19th century and the qualities needed to lead in the cargo business.
     “Those men and women were pioneers in their industry, flexible and agile, and tough but fair.
     “There were also independent thinkers who knew how to work together as a team. And they weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty!”

Best Award Unstoppable United

      The title and theme of this year’s meeting was “United Cargo: Unstoppable.” Recognition of the team’s unstoppable spirit was a key component throughout: 26 team and individual Annual Achievement Awards and 11 individual Extra Mile Awards for extraordinary service to customers and co-workers were presented during the meeting. Attendees also participated in several breakout sessions detailing new programs and strategies for enhancing Cargo’s service to their customers and their contribution to United’s success.

The Charity Case

     The session focused on activities benefitting charitable causes is a highlight of each year’s United Cargo gathering.
     This year, team members partnered with innovative non-profit organization Clean the World to build over 5,000 hygiene kits that were donated to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul in Houston. Clean the World collects discarded hygiene products and distributes them to those in need, leading to prevention of hygiene-related deaths while reducing environmental waste.
     “Clean the World works with thousands of hotels around the globe, but United is the first airline to partner with them,” said Jan.
      “Our team members know we have many advantages in life others do not share, and the part of annual meeting where we ‘give back’ is just a part of our team’s efforts throughout the year to share our blessings.”

The Spirit of United

      Reflecting on the energy and attitude he experienced at the meeting, Jan said, “There’s a new spirit at United, and the strategic plan in progress to build the best airline in the world harmonizes perfectly with Cargo’s long-term aspiration to be the best belly carrier in the world. The United Cargo team is contributing to and inspired by the new spirit.
     “We feel we are unstoppable, so now our intention is to go out and prove that every day.”
Geoffrey