FedEx starts installing drop boxes in US post offices
FedEx, the USA-based express delivery organisation, has started implementing its recently-announced agreement with the US Postal Service (USPS) covering the installation of self-service drop boxes in post offices (the-Chain, January 11).
FedEx expects to place over 10,000 such boxes in local post offices throughout the US within the next 18 months. To launch that programme, the company plans to install more than 80 drop boxes at post offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, this week to begin the first market test of that service.
“Charlotte is the perfect test market for this undertaking because of its diverse industry and robust economy,” comments David Bronczek, FedEx Express president and chief executive officer. “Most importantly, Charlotte is home to a wide range of companies, including more than 20,000 small businesses.”
Fort Lauderdale in Florida has been lined up as the second test market for the new drop box operation, beginning in April, with the national roll-out of that programme scheduled to start in July. For more details, see Corporate Announcements (March 5).
FedEx and USPS have also executed an air transportation agreement that is due to be launched in August. Under the deal, FedEx Express will provide airport-to-airport movement of containers holding postal service priority mail, express mail and first-class mail. The two service agreements with the USPS are expected to generate approximately $1 billion a year for FedEx, or about $7 billion over the term of the seven-year contracts.
