FEDEX Express has announced it is enhancing its freight services in New Zealand following the recent launch of a trans-Tasman air cargo service.
New Zealand is one of four countries (including Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam) added to the FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) service: a global, day-definite air freight service.
The stated goal of the FICP coverage expansion is to support the development of e-commerce in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region.
The latest development in FedEx’s New Zealand air freight offerings builds off the trans-Tasman air cargo service introduced in July, connecting Australia and New Zealand as trade grew between the two countries.
According to data analyst ecommerceDB, the e-commerce market in New Zealand is forecast to grow by 6% each year up until 2025.
Peter Langley, vice president, Australasia at FedEx Express, said FICP would help the New Zealand market tap into cross-border opportunities and meet rising demand for local goods.
“New Zealand e-commerce businesses are increasingly looking for more diversified, cost-effective solutions … and with FICP they can provide their customers with a time definite international shipping solution with prices that offer value-for-money,” Mr Langley said.
Salil Chari, senior vice president, Marketing and Customer Experience AMEA region at FedEx Express, said the company has experienced an uptake of e-commerce customers since FICP was launched last year.
“Providing businesses with a broader portfolio of shipping solutions, that match their specific needs is a top priority for us at FedEx,” Mr Chari said.
“Alongside our other digital solutions, the expansion of FICP allows us to better support customers and accelerate the future growth of cross-border e-commerce within their dynamic region.”
One of the features of FICP is online and offline shipping automation to enable paperless shipment processes.
The service also offers digital features such as tracking, notifications to receivers and the flexibility to change delivery options via FedEx Delivery Manager, which gives users more visibility, control over online orders.
