FedEx Express is launching domestic overnight express deliveries in four more European countries– Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic and Hungary – and has further extended its operational
network in southern Europe.With the four new markets, FedEx will offer domestic express deliveries in 12 Europeancountries. The door-to-door, time-definite FedEx Priority Overnight service was successfullylaunched in Switzerland last year and then extended to seven other European countries – Belgium,France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Netherlands – earlier this year. The service istargeted at express packages up to 68kg and offers money-back guarantees and other productfeatures.
FedEx said today it has successfully launched its domestic shipping service in Sweden followinglast year’s addition of five local stations. A similar service is due to start in Finland shortly,meaning that domestic delivery will be offered in three of the four Nordic countries.
“With this new domestic service our customers in Sweden are being offered a great combinedsolution. Now they are getting just one carrier for all their shipping needs: one invoice, oneonline solution and free FedEx packaging,” explained Patrick Stienlet, managing director,operations, Benelux, Nordics and Baltics, FedEx Express. “Sweden is a key market for us as it’s theeconomic powerhouse of Scandinavia. We’re always trying to give our customers in Sweden andthroughout the world the best possible service and highest degree of flexibility.”
FedEx said the domestic service launch came in response to growing customer demand in Sweden andmeans shipments can be delivered to 70% of the country’s GDP within one business day. The companyhas expanded operations in Sweden in recent years including stations, aircraft, and a fleetincrease of more than 30 vans. Last year it opened branches in Gothenburg, Norrköping,Västerås and Ljungby.
In a parallel move, FedEx last week started offering a domestic door-to-door delivery service inthe Czech Republic, with Hungary to follow in the near future. FedEx Priority Overnight is nowavailable in all Czech cities and offers nationwide delivery to any address in the country, thePrague Post newspaper reported.
“We are delighted that the Czech Republic is now also covered by the FedEx domestic serviceoffer. It completes our service portfolio and will make a huge difference in helping our customersgrow their businesses not just here in the Czech Republic but throughout Europe,” said JanosPfiszter, senior manager, Operations, FedEx Express Central and Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, FedEx Express is further expanding its operational network in southern Europe.
In Spain, the company has opened a new station in Gerona (Catalonia) and added more routes innearby Tarragona, creating 13 new jobs. As with all other FedEx stations already operating inSpain, the new branch will offer a wide range of services, including next-business-day deliveriesto and from Europe as well as international economy services.
FedEx Express said it is reinforcing its presence and network of operations in Catalonia, as itis one of the most important areas in Spain in terms of turnover, and there is a broad mix ofbusinesses in sectors such as textiles, high tech and bio-health in the region.
“The Catalonian business community has focused on research and innovation, creating a thrivingbusiness community with a strong enterprising spirit. This is why we have chosen Gerona andTarragona as a key point for our investments in the Catalonian region and to help create new jobs,”said Ian Silverton, senior manager, Operations, FedEx Express Spain. “We are able to offercustomers our expertise in leveraging the opportunities of global trade, together with our know-howat local level.”
FedEx stressed that due to the depressed Spanish economy local businesses are increasinglylooking abroad for export markets. “This plan will allow us to tap into new business opportunitieswhen the current crisis passes. We are committed to our Spanish customers and we are well placed tohelp them grow their businesses so that they too will be in a stronger position when the economicsituation improves,” Silverton said.
FedEx has also expanded its network in Italy with new branches in the centre and south of thecountry. New stations were opened at Perugia, Pescara and Bari in July, extending the network to 31branches, with some 1,200 staff.
The expansion in Spain is part of the organic growth programme that has been underway in Europefor the past 20 months and has seen 88 new stations open, FedEx pointed out.
