FEDEX EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT OPERATIONS

FEDEX EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT OPERATIONS    FedEx Corp., the Memphis-based express delivery and logistics company, has expanded its international freight services to include more destinations and the acceptance of larger shipments.
   FedEx’s new freight portfolio will include door-to-door, door-to-airport, airport-to-door and airport-to-airport services for U.S. shipments to and from many of the world’s largest shipping markets. FedEx will accept with prior approval shipments weighing up to 2,200 pounds with a maximum declared value limitation of $100,000.
   FedEx will publish four simple rate tables for fast quotes and up-front pricing estimates, providing shippers greater visibility into international transport costs.
   “The current international air freight market is at $32 billion and growing at a rate of 6.5 percent annually with countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan leading the way,” said Carl Asmus, vice president of global product marketing. “FedEx’s new international freight offerings provide our customers with an industry leading service to succeed in this rapidly growing market.”
'    FedEx’s international heavy freight expansion comes as airlines and forwarders are trying to maintain their hold on that end of the global air freight market. Such companies as Panalpina, Lufthansa, Danzas AEI and Air France have begun to offer time-definite and door-to-door services that resemble the offerings developed by integrated carriers.