BRUSSELS, Belgium, Dec. 15, 2008 — FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and an operating unit of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), is gearing up for the busiest week of the year, expected to kick off on 15 December.
FedEx Express is ready to help its valued customers deliver their goods in time for the holidays. For last-minute customers seeking delivery on or before Christmas, the final day to ship with FedEx Express is Monday, December 22, 2008 for deliveries to Europe and Asia, and Tuesday, December 23, 2008 for deliveries to the USA.
“As a truly global company, we understand the unique needs of our customers and the trust they place in FedEx Express,” said Hamdi Osman, Senior Vice President, FedEx Express, Europe, Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and Africa. “With a broad array of express services for almost every shipping need, FedEx Express is well prepared to provide our customers with excellent service during the holidays and beyond.”
In addition to the usual seasonal spending, consumers are expected to spend more time online. E-commerce will likely drive more holiday activity this season than in the past. Research from IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group) suggests that over two-thirds (68%) of shoppers are more likely to shop online for seasonal gifts this year, with 77% of shoppers planning to carry out about half or more of their shopping online, up from 56% in 2007. This is supported by research from Euphoria Consulting who reported that the internet is creating a huge global shopping marketplace, worth £250bn in 2007 and predicted to be significantly bigger in 2008.
To help customers plan ahead, FedEx Express offers five practical tips for stress-free Christmas shipping:
1. Prepare your shipping documents accurately to speed up customs clearance
It is important to accurately list the parcel content, what the contents are made from and what they are to be used for. If the contents of your parcel have not been declared in full, it may be held by customs until the sender provides the missing information. Further, to avoid delays during customs clearance, ensure that your sender information (i.e. recipient name, address and telephone number) is accurate, complete and legible.
2. Personal gifts
By clearly marking ‘personal gift’ on your package, you will avoid unnecessary customs duties or taxes on your shipment. Please contact your local customer service team to find out which goods can be sent duty-free.
3. Package and label food goods with care
Holiday food shipments to the USA must be described as one of the following: For personal consumption, a gift or not for resale. If the food item was purchased at a store or online in a foreign country, the shippers and recipients name, product description and the statement “For personal consumption” should appear on the FedEx International Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice. More shipping tips can be found on http://www.fedex.com.
4. Check online purchases to ensure all tollages and foreign taxes are included
Snapping up an overseas bargain online is always tempting but make sure there are no unexpected tollages or additional sales taxes to pay when importing the product. You wouldn’t want any surprise costs.
5. Take great care with your packaging
It is important to ensure that the contents of your shipment are packed securely and sufficiently cushioned. The correct FedEx packaging may be ordered online, at no extra cost.
Additional information regarding FedEx during the peak holiday season can be found online at newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom.