UPS expects to handle a record 1.4m returns in a single day

Washington

THE holidays are over, which means it's time for the annual rush of returns. But instead of flocking to stores, unwanted merchandise in hand, shoppers are increasingly mailing back their ill-fitting sweaters, creating new issues for shipping companies and retailers.

United Parcel Service (UPS), FedEx and others are bracing for what they expect to be a week of record-setting returns as Americans head back to work - and drop off their boxed-up returns on the way.