ATLANTA - UPS Inc., the world's largest shipping carrier, has begun a reorganization of its logistics and freight forwarding unit that will result in unspecified job reductions, a spokeswoman said Thursday.

"We're making some job reductions," UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg said. "There is no net number. We're also doing position reassignments."

The Atlanta-based company declined to say how many employees may be affected. There are roughly 2,000 employees in the unit in and around Atlanta and others spread throughout the company, Rosenberg said.

"Quiet honestly I cannot give you a number," Rosenberg said. "It's being evaluated."

The restructuring in the company's Supply Chain Solutions segment will primarily be focused in North America and on management, administrative and technical functions, Rosenberg said.

Rosenberg said the changes will be made over the next few weeks to reduce costs and align transportation services and planning across the company. The restructuring will be completed by the end of the year, Rosenberg said.

Worldwide, UPS has about 417,000 employees.

No facilities will be closed or services impacted as a result of the restructuring, Rosenberg said.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions provides services related to transportation and freight, logistics, international trade, consulting and industry solutions.

UPS, also known as United Parcel Service, is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings on Oct. 19. UPS shares rose 94 cents, or 1.3 percent, to close at $75.43 in Thursday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

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