FedEx adds Venice to growing Italy network

FedEx Express has opened its 20th new branch in Italy in the last 18 months with its firststation in Venice following new locations in Naples and north-west Italy earlier this year and the

The Venice branch, employing some 20 staff, went into operation last month, serving the city andsurrounding region. “Venice and its province are a nerve centre for trade. Our customers have askedus for a long time to have a direct FedEx service area and we’re really happy to comply with thisrequest,” said Renato Carrara, managing director of FedEx Express in Italy.

Customers will benefit from access to faster international connections within 1-2 working dayswith countries representing 90% of global GDP, FedEx stated. Shipments collected from some parts ofthe province before 17:30 reach US destinations within 48 hours, for example. The Venice depotoffers a full range of FedEx products, including next-day express delivery within Europe with theInternational Priority service and the cheaper deferred International Economy product.

Carrara also stressed that FedEx is continuing to invest in Italy despite the economic crisisaffecting the country. “FedEx is growing steadily in our country, with the opening of 20 newbranches over the past 18 months, and the hiring of more than 200 additional staff,” he added.

FedEx has opened new branches in Naples and Cuneo, north-west Italy, this year, giving it atotal of some 30 depots, with more than 1,000 employees across the country. The branch in Naples,with some 20 staff, was opened in March to serve Italy’s fourth-largest city and surroundingregion.

The moves follow the launch of direct B777F flights from Milan Malpensa airport to Memphis lastOctober, enabling the integrator to offer faster intercontinental deliveries to and from the keynorthern Italian market. Italian companies are looking to exports as an alternative to thestagnating domestic economy, according to FedEx.

“Last October, we launched a new direct B777F flight from Milan Malpensa to our global hub inMemphis, providing our customers with the fastest transit times in the market between Italy and theUnited States,” Carrara commented.