FedEx launch economic alternative for less urgent shipments

FedEx Express has announced the expansion of its international shipping portfolio with a suite of economy services. This expansion provides customers in Brazil with more choices for their less urgent shipments, to more destinations around the world, at lower costs.

Effective 31 October 31, FedEx Express offers Brazilian exporters FedEx International Economy® to 203 destination countries and territories, and FedEx International Economy® Freight to 83 destination countries and territories. These services provide door-to-door, customs-cleared, time-definite delivery, and are an economical alternative for less urgent shipments, characterized by the same quality, service and reliability expected from FedEx.

FedEx International Economy services feature competitive rates that can range up to 28% less than FedEx International Priority® rates. In addition, small and medium exporters can benefit from further savings through the FedEx PyMEx program, designed to help these companies successfully penetrate the global marketplace fedex.com/br/pymex. Key features of the FedEx Economy services include:

• Delivery typically in 4-6 days
• 24-hour real time shipment status tracking at fedex.com and via e-mail
• Customs clearance
• Money-back guarantee

“Businesses around the world are seeking cost-effective alternatives to keep their competitive edge and still reach new market opportunities,” said Carlos Ienne, managing director for FedEx Express in Brazil. “Our new economy services provide more choices and cost savings, all with the same reliability that FedEx is known for around the world.”

With the new FedEx economy services, customers doing business internationally now have more opportunities to improve their global supply chains, a strategic imperative for businesses large and small. “Industry studies and entrepreneurs themselves are telling us about the impact today’s global economy is having on supply chains and the urgent need to reduce costs,” said Ienne. “At FedEx, we listen to our customers and believe that FedEx International Economy services are perfect for small and medium businesses in Brazil that are striving to compete in the global market.”

Receita Federal indicates that small and medium businesses (SMBs) represent more than 98% of Brazilian firms, confirming how crucial they are for the country’s economic development. In 2010, according to the latest research from SERASA, a financial services and information firm, Brazil will increase its exports by 1.25%.  Further, the research indicates that 13,000 small and medium companies will take part in this trend, up from 10,000 in 2009. The new FedEx International Economy services will help these SMBs continue to participate in international markets with competitive costs and services.

FedEx International Economy and FedEx International Economy Freight services complement the existing FedEx Express international portfolio, which includes FedEx International Priority®, FedEx International Priority® Freight and FedEx International First®, designed for more time-sensitive shipments.