BRUSSELS, December 10, 2012—FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), is gearing up for the busiest day in the history of the company.
Between the last week of November and Christmas, FedEx forecasts more than 280 million shipments to move through its worldwide shipping networks. This is a 13% increase for the Christmas season over last year when 247 million shipments were processed. FedEx Corp. will see almost 19 million packages move around the world on December 10.
In Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (EMEA), the busiest day for FedEx Express shipments going out from the region is expected on Tuesday, December 18, which represents an increase of 6% over last year. Likewise, December 17 will be the peak day for shipments coming into the region. FedEx will move more than 70 million shipments during its business week, December 9-15, a 10% increase on the same time in 2011.
“Our FedEx Express EMEA network is once again ready to support the high volume of deliveries expected this year,” said Gerald P. Leary, president of FedEx Express in Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (EMEA). “This is possible thanks to the commitment of our team members across the region and globally to provide exceptional customer service, especially during our busiest season.”
With a full range of express and deferred services, FedEx is strategically positioned to ensure customers have a choice of shipping options during the holiday period.
European e-Commerce also expected to reach record numbers
According to EMOTA, the European Multi-channel and Online Trade Association, European e-commerce is the fastest growing in the world with a turnover of over € 300 billion this year, up 20% since 2011. With the increase of mobile devices creating easier opportunities to purchase Christmas gifts, there is a greater pressure on retailers to ensure they are able to meet the customers’ needs. During the busy holiday season and beyond, FedEx offer businesses the value, speed, simplicity and reliability they need to compete during the holidays. [Source: http://www.imrg.org ]
Tips for our small business customers
Some simple tips to help our small business customers stand out from the crowd during the holiday season:
· Plan, plan, plan…and then plan some more! Even as soon as the busiest period is over, start thinking about next year. FedEx is at its busiest during the holiday season, but the moment the clock strikes midnight on December 26, our focus shifts to next Christmas – assessing what went well, what could have gone better and brainstorming around what else we can do for our customers during the holidays and all year round.
· Inventory: Make sure you keep an eye on stockpiles and keep customers posted if you expect delays. When planning for next year, consider stocking up early in order to be able to fulfill all orders, and always plan for extra. Compare your sales numbers with last year in order to obtain a good estimate of how much to order next year.
· Marketing Strategy: Be sure you’ve got the right products front and center on your website and in your online customer communications (emailed offers, newsletters, and more). If you don’t already, you may also want to offer special products and pricing on your biggest selling items or perhaps volume discounts.
Shipping Tips
Proper packing, sealing and labeling help ensure that shipments will arrive on time and in good condition. Here are some easy packing and shipping tips from the experts at FedEx:
· Choose the right supplies. Use sturdy boxes with flaps intact. For heavier items, use double-wall boxes.
· Keep within the weight specifications for your box. Make sure your box is large enough to put adequate padding around contents and use tape designed for packing.
· Use smart labelling. Make sure the label is clearly visible and all sender and recipient addresses are complete.
· Set up shipments online. Take advantage of our web-based resources for visibility, planning and efficiency for all your season’s shipments.
· Ship early and avoid the lines. For last-minute customers, the final day to ship with FedEx Express to ensure delivery before Christmas is December 21 for deliveries within Europe, to the U.S. and Asia Pacific.
· Track it. Tracking a package for real-time delivery status and location information is easy and convenient on fedex.com.
Ship it Green with FedEx
FedEx offers the following tips to get your package to its holiday destination while minimizing the environmental impact.
· Use the smallest box possible while adequately protecting your item. For fragile presents, double box the gift for more protection while shipping and reuse an older box for the interior box.
· Purchase boxes made from recycled materials. FedEx envelopes are made from 100% recycled content. FedEx 10 kg and 25 kg boxes contain a minimum of 70% recycled content and are recyclable.
· If you are reusing a box, make sure it is in good condition with no holes, tears or corner dents. Remove any old labels to avoid confusion.
· Look for eco-friendly solutions to cushion your package’s contents. FedEx suggests solutions such as shredded paper or biodegradable packing “peanuts.”
· Make sure you package your product properly with the correct amount of cushioning material and utilize a sturdy corrugated shipping container. Remember that the less your package weighs, the fewer resources it will use.
· Ship with a company that has strong environmental priorities. FedEx operates 482 hybrid and electric delivery vehicles around the globe and more than 3,300 alternative fuel vehicles. The FedEx hybrid fleet has logged over 19 million kilometers of revenue service since being introduced in 2004 saving approximately 1,3 million liters of fuel.
FedEx Global Volumes Over the Years
The busiest day of the year at FedEx has continued to grow in volumes over the years. A history of busiest days since 2005 follows:
· Dec. 12, 2005 – 9.8 million shipments
· Dec. 18, 2006 – 10.6 million shipments
· Dec. 17, 2007 – 11.5 million shipments
· Dec. 15, 2008 – 12.0 million shipments
· Dec. 14, 2009 – 14.2 million shipments
· Dec. 13, 2010 – 15.6 million shipments
· Dec. 12, 2011 – 17.2 million shipments