FedEx to merge specialty logistics, e-commerce into its forwarding arm

FedEx announced this morning that, starting March 1, 2018, it will begin merging its specialty logistics and e-commerce services into a new structure, under the company’s freight forwarding arm, FedEx Trade Networks, Inc.

The reorganization puts the muscle of FedEx’s entire network behind the company’s global e-commerce services portfolio, which the integrator called, “an important growth driver.”

The reorganization merges the following four companies into FedEx Trade Networks:

• FedEx Custom Critical – the company’s expedited surface and air transport service, specializing in same-day and overnight delivery of expedited freight.
• FedEx Cross Border – an e-commerce platform that allows local merchants to offer global shipping through FedEx’s global network
• FedEx Supply Chain – a non-asset-based third-party logistics provider with a footprint in the technology and electronics, retail and e-commerce, consumer and industrial goods, and healthcare industries.

• FedEx Forward Depots – this is a new company with responsibility for critical inventory and service parts logistics, 3-D printing, the repair center and FedEx’s Packaging Lab.

The scope of the four companies being merged into FedEx Trade Networks hints at the size of the expanded company. “This realignment under FedEx Trade Networks will allow us to offer customers the full power of our wide array of unique and competitively advantaged customized services in a way that is even more convenient and intuitive,” said Richard W. Smith, CEO, FedEx Trade Networks.