FedEx: Raising the bar with Cross-Border EV Delivery

Over the course of more than 50 years, FedEx has continuously found new ways to raise the bar across transportation, logistics and delivery services. 

The same goes for its subsidiary, FedEx Express, one of the world’s largest businesses of its kind, offering fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. 

Naturally, FedEx Express is working on numerous projects to make its operations more sustainable, including with the electrification of its entire parcel pick-up and delivery fleet.

Fleet electrification at FedEx

A prime example of FedEx Express’ electrification efforts came in February when the company successfully executed the first-ever cross-border package delivery from Malaysia to Singapore using an electric vehicle (EV). 

The milestone journey, which spanned a distance of more than 250 miles, began at a FedEx station in Shah Alam and concluded at a FedEx facility at Changi Airport, Singapore. It was completed with just a single charge in Johor and demonstrated a 100kg reduction in tailpipe CO2 emissions when compared to diesel-powered vans.

It’s an effort that has underscored FedEx’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2040, and was subsequently recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records as being the ‘First Zero Emission Cross-Border Delivery’. 

“When we set our goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040, we knew we were setting a bold target that set us apart in our industry and across other industry sectors,” explains Kawal Preet, President of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa region at FedEx.

“Transitioning successfully to a zero emissions operating model means we need to think strategically about all of our ground operations, not just last-mile delivery.

“This cross-border trial has been a successful proof of concept that will help advance our fleet electrification programme. This will be pivotal in shaping the future of its operations, which will not only benefit the environment, but also improve the efficiency of its fleet, while providing excellent service to its customers.”

The FedEx sustainability strategy

FedEx is using insights gained from the aforementioned trial to assess operational effectiveness for future cross-border pick-up and delivery operations.

In addition to vehicle electrification, FedEx has a tailored approach to efficient and responsible resource management of both its air and ground operations.

This forms part of the wider FedEx sustainability strategy, which focuses on the three Rs: reduce, replace and revolutionise. Specific efforts include fuel savings initiatives, investments in renewable energy and the implementation of sustainable packaging solutions.

What’s more, the organisation recently launched a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool called FedEx Sustainability Insights, which gives customers access to historical emissions information on their shipments within the FedEx network. 

Customers can harness this data to help make more informed decisions on their future shipping strategy to reduce their overall impact on their surroundings. 

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