FedEx expands ground fleet in India

FEB 5, 2015: FedEx Express announced its ground fleet expansion plan in India, which will increase capacity and efficiency in the FedEx domestic ground distribution network. Over the next two years, FedEx will add more than 350 new vehicles to its fleet in a phased manner. This expansion is in line with the company’s plans announced earlier in the year, to strengthen its domestic transportation and supply chain capabilities.

With a cargo capacity ranging between 2.5 and 15 tonnes, the light and heavy vehicles procured from BharatBenz and Tata Motors will operate on dedicated routes across the country. The vehicles are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, cage palletizing systems and reverse cameras. These superior features, including the cage sort systems, will ensure higher safety of shipments.

“By 2020, it is estimated that 70 percent of all freight in India will move via road. Fast-growing industries such as high tech, retail and e-commerce continue to drive growth in the ground services segment,” said David Canavan, vice president, Operations, FedEx Express India. “These industries are demanding faster transit times, wider reach, agility and greater access within India. Additionally, the contribution of domestic consumption to GDP has increased from 45 percent in 2007 to 60 percent in 2011. Logistics companies are seeing a greater need for ground and domestic services in India. The fleet modernization plan and introduction of a dedicated toll free number for our domestic customers marks our readiness and commitment to meet customer requirements.”

In addition to being fuel efficient, the new air-conditioned vehicles enable better on-road maneuvering, increase driver comfort and will ensure improved transit times and reliability across service lanes. The vehicles are equipped with the latest safety and tracking equipment to give FedEx more control and visibility.