UPS's revenue decreased during the first quarter of 2009 but it still delivered on average over 14 million packages per day worldwide.

International parcel delivery firm UPS has announced its first quarter of 2009 trading results.

The firm found that revenue decreased 13.7 per cent year-on-year at $10.9 billion in 2009 compared to $12.7 billion in 2008.

UPS was found to have delivered an average of 14.54 million packages around the globe per day.

This was split up into 12.68 million parcels delivered domestically within the US and 1.86 million internationally.

Scott Davis, UPS's chairman and chief executive officer, said the firm managed to contain costs while maintaining "excellent service to customers" as "economic activity deteriorated throughout the world during the quarter".

He added: "We are optimistic about the company's future. UPS is becoming an even leaner, more efficient enterprise, making many improvements that are sustainable when the economic climate strengthens."

UPS recently announced it was preparing to launch a new range of television adverts in which top NASCAR driver David Ragan learns what it takes to be a courier for the firm.