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FedEx to test Wing Aviation drone for Walgreens deliveries

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Wing Aviation, an Alphabet company, is collaborating with FedEx and pharmaceuticals retailer Walgreens to launch a first-of-its-kind drone delivery service in Christiansburg, Virginia next month.

The pilot program will demonstrate the many benefits of drone delivery to communities by exploring methods to enhance last-mile delivery service, improve access to health care products, and create a new avenue of growth for local businesses.

Drone delivery in the United States has historically been limited to small-scale demonstrations on designated test sites, or extremely short flights along pre-planned, fixed routes – all within the visual line of sight of the drone operator. [Read more…] about FedEx to test Wing Aviation drone for Walgreens deliveries

FedEx to use Dollar General stores for parcel drop-off and pick-up

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FedEx Corp. and Dollar General announced today a strategic alliance that will offer new, convenient access to FedEx drop-off and pickup services at thousands of Dollar General stores across the USA.

The effort is designed to increase access for all customers, particularly those living in rural communities.

FedEx and Dollar General plan to begin rolling out the service in more than 1,500 Dollar General stores in late summer 2019, building to a total of more than 8,000 stores by the end of 2020.

[Read more…] about FedEx to use Dollar General stores for parcel drop-off and pick-up

FedEx unveils ‘SameDay Bot’ for future home deliveries

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Logistics giant FedEx is developing what it describes as “cutting-edge delivery solutions” to meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers.

As part of that development, the company has unveiled the FedEx SameDay Bot – an autonomous delivery device prototype designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers. (See video below.)

With the bot, retailers will be able to accept orders from nearby customers and deliver them by bot directly to customers’ homes or businesses the same day.  [Read more…] about FedEx unveils ‘SameDay Bot’ for future home deliveries

FedEx acquires 1,000 Chanje electric vehicles

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FedEx Corp. is expanding its fleet to add 1,000 Chanje V8100 electric delivery vehicles, buying 100 of the vehicles from Chanje Energy Inc and leasing 900 from Ryder System, Inc.

The purpose-built electric vehicles will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in the United States.

The vehicles are manufactured by FDG in Hangzhou, China, and purchased through Chanje Energy Inc., the company’s subsidiary for global business. Ryder System, Inc. will provide support services for all of the vehicles.

[Read more…] about FedEx acquires 1,000 Chanje electric vehicles

FedEx Ground expands US operations to six days a week

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FedEx Corp. has expanded FedEx Ground U.S. operations to six days per week, in response to the growing e-commerce demand and record influx of volume expected this holiday season, and beyond.

“FedEx anticipated early on that the growth of e-commerce would significantly increase demand throughout our network,” said Raj Subramaniam, executive vice president, chief marketing and communications officer, FedEx Corp.

“We underwent a transformation by opening new facilities and investing in highly-advanced technology and innovations that have resulted in the most automated network in the industry, delivering the speed and reliability our customers value highly.

[Read more…] about FedEx Ground expands US operations to six days a week

Volvo Trucks and FedEx demonstrate truck ‘platooning’ in the USA

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Volvo Trucks North America has carried out a successful on-highway demonstration of its truck platooning technology.

The company has been working closely with FedEx and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) to expand on-highway operations of Volvo’s Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) in the United States on N.C. 540, the Triangle Expressway.

This marks the first public on-highway showcase of platooning technology between a major truck manufacturer and a transportation company in the U.S.

[Read more…] about Volvo Trucks and FedEx demonstrate truck ‘platooning’ in the USA

FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

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Logistics company FedEx is reportedly increasing its robotics operations to see off the challenge from Amazon, according to the New York Times. 

The company has been testing a number of robotic vehicles in its warehouses since last year and is said to be ready to take the next step.

FedEx is said to be partnering with Vecna, a supplier of logistics robots, to automate its warehouses and take the load off human employees.

FedEx also seems to be employing Savioke robots (unit in main picture) for work in the repair and maintenance department.

[Read more…] about FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon