FedEx Express forms new Brazil network
FedEx Express has signed agreements with three Brazilian companies that will link most businesses in the country to FedEx’s global network. (4/18/2002)
The three companies – Expresso Araçatuba, Rapidão Cometa and Transportadora Americana – replace numerous agents that previously worked with FedEx. The deals, announced Wednesday, will enable FedEx to serve companies representing about 90% of Brazil’s gross domestic product, the company said.
The resulting network includes approximately 2,400 vehicles; more than 100 distribution centers; two dedicated FedEx aircraft, and 6,800 employees to service Brazil and connect it to the FedEx global network.
FedEx currently provides direct service to and from São Paulo, Campinas, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. These areas will remain under the FedEx structure and operational framework.
Expresso Araçatuba, founded in 1952, transports cargo from the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil to the central-west and northern areas. Under the agreement, it will cover the following states for FedEx: Roraima, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Tocantins, Goiás and Paraná.
Rapidão Cometa, established 60 years ago, is described by FedEx as the leading transport company in the northeast region of Brazil and the second largest in the country. It will serve the states of Amazonas, Pará, Amapá, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe, Bahia and Espírito Santo.
Transportadora Americana, founded in 1941, is based in the state of Sao Paulo. It will cover the states of Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
“We are excited about the enhanced level of service this network will provide for our customers. It will increase their speed into the global marketplace and, at the same time, make it more convenient for any Brazilian to become an exporter,” Julio Colomba, vice president of operations, South America and Caribbean, for FedEx Express, said in a statement. He described the agreement as the first of its kind for the express industry in Brazil, adding that it combines the local expertise of the three providers with the global reach of FedEx.
Eye for Transport
