FedEx Launches Web-based Trade Resource

FRAMINGHAM (05/16/2000) - Federal Express Corp., a subsidiary of Memphis-based FedEx Corp., yesterday launched the FedEx International Resource Center, a Web-based resource to link companies to information about international trade.

The site contains a set of information-gathering and documentation-preparation tools, along with international trade and shipping information.

"The FedEx International Resource Center can equip businesses with accurate, up-to-date information on customs and commodity requirements, market trends and strategic analysis," David Roussain, FedEx's vice president of e-commerce marketing, said in a statement. "Those companies seeking to expand into new markets will be able to use the site's extensive tools and information to sell products on a global basis."

Donald Broughton, a transportation analyst at A. G. Edwards & Sons Inc. in St.

Louis, said expanding its offerings on the Web is exactly what FedEx should be doing.

"Part of your reasoning for expanding services is to make (customers) more dependent on you," Broughton said. "You build brand loyalty and customer relationships."

Broughton said FedEx and its customers will benefit from the additional services.

"It's like (going) to Jiffy Lube to get your oil changed and while you're there you might decide to get your wiper blades changed because it's convenient," he said.

Information and tools offered at the FedEx IRC include the following:

-A tool that enables users to complete the seven most commonly used U.S. export forms online in one streamlined process.

-A searchable database of U.S. laws and regulations and other Customs resources.

-A news center that offers daily news briefs, information and regulatory changes from around the world.

-A library of resources including downloadable import/export forms and a trade dictionary.

-Global Trade Search, an online directory that lists more than 32,000 U.S. firms actively engaged in exporting.

-The Trade Broker, a qualified trade leads retrieval system that accesses a large database of international buy/sell offers.

-Tools such as a global time zone locator, a universal currency converter and a database of FedEx-recognized holidays throughout the world.