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FedEx Archives: 1999 Press Releases

( BW)(TN-FEDERAL-EXPRESS)(FDX) FedEx Prepares For Busiest Shipping Night of the Holiday Season; E-commerce Drives Increase in Peak Volumes Worldwide

    Business Editors

    MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 1999--The final week of the holiday rush is here and Federal Express Corp. ("FedEx")(NYSE:FDX) is ready to deliver more last-minute packages than ever. With FedEx First Overnight(R), FedEx Priority Overnight(R) and FedEx Standard Overnight(R), even the most extreme procrastinators still can have their packages delivered before Christmas, backed by a money-back guarantee.
    Each year, FedEx peak volumes top the previous year's and this week that pattern is expected to continue with about 4.5 million packages moving through the global network on its busiest night. This compares to about 4.2 million packages on last year's peak night and to about 3.2 million packages on an average business day.
    "From digital cameras to fresh Chilean salmon and Belgian chocolates, FedEx is delivering more Christmas gifts around the world this holiday season than ever before," said David J. Bronczek, FedEx president and chief executive officer-elect. "Our customers count on us to reliably deliver an amazing variety of high-value, time-sensitive merchandise to homes and businesses as late as Christmas Eve.
    "This year, we are seeing a strong increase in holiday volume and one of the reasons is electronic commerce," Bronczek said. "Companies and consumers are using us in a big way."
    Unlike much of the competition, FedEx offers money-back guarantees that remain in effect throughout the holidays for FedEx First Overnight(R), FedEx Priority Overnight(R), FedEx Standard Overnight(R) and all FedEx International Priority(R) delivery services. The peace of mind afforded is a valued commodity for many online retailers who use FedEx reliability as a strategic competitive advantage.
    As in year's past, teams of FedEx employees began planning for the peak shipping season nearly a year in advance. Contingency strategies and special arrangements were developed to continue the superior customer service and reliability for which FedEx is known. Steps taken this year include:

--	Dedicating aircraft solely for use of merchants whose holiday shipping volumes and items warrant special consideration. These high-value items include luxury leather goods from COACH, fashion apparel from The Limited and playthings from leading online retailers.
--	Extending operating hours at FedEx hubs across the United States, allowing additional time to sort, load and unload the higher number of packages. At the FedEx hub in Fort Worth, shifts have been added on Fridays to help with peak shipping.
--	Increasing the number of "static spare" and "flying spare" aircraft that can be diverted at a moment's notice to a city, region or country experiencing an unexpected surge in shipping.
--	Continuing a long-standing company tradition by coordinating the efforts of hundreds of FedEx office workers who volunteer to help sort, load and unload packages at the Memphis hub. A record number of volunteers - hundreds per day -- are expected this week.

    "Our customers purchase an upscale product and expect it to be delivered by a very high quality shipper. Our customers would expect us to deliver their purchase by FedEx," said Shari Fitzpatrick, founder of Shari's Berries, a California-based supplier of gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries.
    With the FedEx MarketPlace, accessed through the FedEx home page (www.fedex.com), shoppers can gain one-click access to a range of top online merchants - including L.L. Bean and the HP Shopping Village - that provide fast, reliable FedEx shipping.
    "FedEx's cutting-edge technology and unparalleled integrated air-ground network make it easier for customers to conduct business during the holiday season and throughout the year," Bronczek said. "We stand ready to deliver for Christmas."
    Federal Express, a subsidiary of FDX Corp., connects areas that generate 90% of the world's gross domestic product in 24-48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.2 million items to 210 countries each working day. FedEx employs more than 150,000 employees and has more than 45,000 drop-off locations, 648 aircraft and 44,500 vehicles in its integrated global network. The company maintains electronic connections with more than 2.0 million customers via FedEx Powership(R), FedEx Ship(R) and FedEx interNetShip(R). Federal Express reported revenues of $14.0 billion for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1999.

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     CONTACT:  Federal Express, Memphis
               FedEx Media Relations, 901/395-5007
               or
               Tamara Woodard, 212/448-4351
               tamara.woodard@ketchum.com

     KEYWORD:  TENNESSEE
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD:  TRANSPORTATION TRAVEL AIRLINES