FedEx has chosen Geodis to pick up and distribute its parcels across France from January 2007onwards. The contract, whose value was not disclosed, is a blow to the strategic alliance between
FedEx and GeoPost, the La Poste express parcels subsidiary.Geodis said in a statement that the three-year contract would enter force next January andrun until 2010. The leading French transport group will perform through its domestic Expressnetwork pick-ups and deliveries for FedEx customers in designated areas in France, not directlyserved by FedEx. FedEx customers will benefit from Geodis’ quality of service and extensive groundinfrastructure in those areas of France, Geodis noted.
Through its subsidiary Geodis Calberson, the French group operates a nationwide network fornext-day delivery of parcels up to 30kg as well as heavier freight shipments. The premium “Calexpress” service provides twice-daily deliveries (by 10:00 or by 12:00) across France using anetwork of 110 terminals, 300 collection points and over 3,000 drivers.
“Through this agreement Fedex acknowledges Geodis’s position as the leading domestic expressnetwork in France and a supplier with a high level of service quality, as a result of our TotalCustomer Satisfaction policy. We will draw on our industrial resources, exclusive Track & tracesystem and our commitment to permanent innovation to manage these operations”, said Denis Zimmer,Senior Vice-president French regions at Geodis.
Jean-Marc Lacombe, FedEx director general operations for France, added: “Thanks to this newoperational agreement, FedEx will significantly improve the cut-off collection times for all itsclients, and will extend the coverage of deliveries by midday across France for itsintercontinental customers. FedEx will offer easier and higher-performing access to the world’sfastest network to Asia and North America.”
FedEx France, with about 2,400 staff, operates out of the European air hub at Paris CDGairport and has several branch offices in Paris and regional cities.
In November 2003, FedEx and GeoPost renewed their previously existing cooperation agreementfor a further ten years. Under this agreement, Chronopost International, the GeoPost express unit,provided distribution in France and Belgium for areas not served directly by FedEx. GeoPostcompanies gained access to the FedEx network for intercontinental express parcel transport.
