Logistics giant FedEx has launched a new state-of-the-art import system at its Stansted Airport facility. The new system will allow the company to handle higher volumes in a shorter time window.
Located 68 kilometers from London, Stansted is the UK’s third-largest cargo airport and currently handles over 258,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Managing director Ramp and Gateways Operations for Northern Europe at FedEx, Alun Cornish, says: “The new import system is the next step in the modernization of our Stansted operation. With the increased demand for imports from UK SMEs, this technology will help us maintain our exceptional customer service by getting goods to our customers as quickly as possible.”
In addition, the new parcel sorting system will speed up the processing of imports, sorting double the number of parcels per hour than the previous system.
Instant updates
The system can sort 6,000 packages per hour. It is equipped with technology that captures data points through barcode scanning. This allows the FedEx operations team to receive instant updates when receiving goods. The new system allows parcels to be in several different vehicles for onward delivery connection. It can also intercept and redirect shipments, subject to post-Brexit regulations.
Earlier this year, FedEx launched picture proof of delivery (PPOD) for express deliveries in Australia. This is to assure customers that a package will indeed arrive at their doorstep. The picture-perfect delivery comes just in time for the holiday season.
Facility in Dublin
In October, FedEx announced plans to open a logistics facility in Dublin, Ireland. The facility is set to be operational by 2025.
The facility is situated at Horizon Business Park near Dublin Airport. It will have a warehouse of 14,561 square meters, which includes 30 truck-loading bays and 137 van-loading bays. Construction for the facility will start in January 2024 and will be operational in early 2025. It will also house key operations such as a pickup and delivery station, aircraft operations, and customs clearance.
Parcel delivery in the UK
Mordor Intelligence reports the UK courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is growing with the increasing number of same-day delivery transactions. “The United Kingdom, along with Italy, has been the fastest-growing market in the European region, owing to the powerful digital trends that are driving the market. The key market players are continuously reinventing the post and parcel industry with technology-driven innovations,” reads the report.
The report adds that the growing internet penetration is shifting retail to the digital world. “The post and parcel companies are focusing on strategies to re-engineer their core businesses to meet the new face of rapidly expanding B2C parcel delivery, especially same-day delivery. The same-day strategy led by Amazon changed the pace of the delivery market and is becoming more widely offered,” reads the report.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
