Global Logistics: FedEx Trade Networks expands presence in Asia and Europe
Jeff Berman, Group News Editor -- Logistics Management, 11/16/2009
MEMPHIS-In an effort to expand its offerings and presence to suit global supply chain needs for customers, FedEx Trade Networks, a subsidiary of FedEx focusing on international trade and ocean and air freight forwarding, recently announced it has opened seven new freight forwarding offices in Asia and Europe. This expansion brings its total of new freight forwarding locations in 2009 to 14.
FedEx officials said the new Asia-based facilities are in Xiamen, Tianjin, Dalian and Ningbo, China, as well as a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They said these offices will support international freight forwarding operations and provide coverage in various Asia-Pacific trade lanes. The new Europe-based facilities are in Paris, France and Amsterdam, Netherlands and are the first FedEx-owned operations in Europe. These offices, according to FedEx, will allow FedEx Trade Networks to provide shippers with freight forwarding services between Europe, Asia, and North America, including additional support and capabilities in the growing Europe-Asia trade lane.
"FedEx understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when shipping internationally," said Trish Beeman, FedEx Trade Networks senior marketing and communications specialist, in an in interview. "When making shipping decisions, customers expect a range of solutions to meet their unique needs, whether their decisions are guided by a specific time, price or even mode of transportation. The opening of our new FedEx Trade Networks locations will enable customers to tap into our international ocean and air freight forwarding services and give them more global shipping options."
Beeman added that this expansion marks another significant milestone in the FedEx global growth strategy, noting that despite the challenging economic environment, FedEx remains committed to making smart, strategic international investments that benefit its customers, employees and shareholders.
"Expanding the footprint of FedEx Trade Networks demonstrates that the company is listening to customers who have indicated that they prefer providers with a physical presence in the regions they trade with," added Beeman.
In terms of services these new locations will provide shippers, the FedEx spokesperson said these offices allow FedEx Trade Networks to offer integrated freight forwarding services on a global level with the added benefit of increased local expertise and customer service. The new offices in Asia and Europe can provide enhanced custodial control and tie-ins to the FedEx global network for its customers' freight forwarding needs, whether they require a complete end-to-end solution or take advantage of individual services as needed, she added.
FedEx Trade Networks offers a full range of international ocean and air freight forwarding services. Options include door-to-door (DTD), airport-to-airport (ATA), airport-to-door (ATD), door-to- airport (DTA), port-to-port (PTP), port to-door (PTD), and door-to-port (DTP). FedEx Trade Networks can also facilitate customs brokerage, warehousing, surface transportation services (LTL and FTL) as well as online visibility and specialized options like direct distribution and Global Order Logistics. Many other freight forwarding services are also available, including:
- consolidation, including vendor coordination, purchase order (PO) tracking, load plans, and inspections
- pick up and delivery;
- distribution, logistics and warehousing;
- trans-loading;
- cargo insurance arrangements;
- special projects loads;
- trade & Customs Advisory Services (TCAS);
- dedicated account management and customer service; and
- end-to-end ocean and air solutions.
In August, FedEx Trade Networks opened up new freight forwarding offices in Asia and Latin America. Its Asia-based offices are in Singapore, Taiwan and Qingdao, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzen, China. Company officials said these offices support its international air freight forwarding operations and coverage in Asia-Pacific trade lanes. And in Latin America, FedEx Trade Networks rolled out a San Paulo, Brazil-based air and ocean forwarding office.
And in 2008 FedEx Trade Networks opened flagship offices in Asia, with air freight forwarding operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
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