SME

By FedEx | First published: April 12, 2023    Updated: June 21, 2024

When choosing international shipping options, SMEs and e-tailers need to consider cost and speed. From overnight express to deferred delivery, find out which service is best for your business.

• When it comes to online shopping, many consumers are willing to wait longer for goods to save on costs.
• For e-tailers, offering a range of shipping solutions can benefit their business. Understanding what international shipping options are out there helps SMEs decide on the right logistics strategy.

In today’s economic climate, many online shoppers are considering less urgent delivery options. In fact, there is an increased willingness for customers to wait longer for deliveries if they can save money, or even qualify for free shipping.

For businesses, opting out of the fastest service means you can get better deals on shipping. Waiting to consolidate orders – and making the ‘last-mile’ more sustainable - is also less impactful on the environment.

At FedEx, we deliver an average of 16 million packages per day. Over the years, we’ve expanded and tailored our solutions to offer a range of options for different business needs.

An emerging trend for deferred deliveries

SMEs and businesses globally are observing a trend of customers choosing slower transits. SMEs are looking at ways to streamline spending - and we’re listening to their ever-evolving needs. Last year, we responded to a shifting economic environment by announcing the resumption of our FedEx International Economy® service.

FedEx International Economy services have been reinstated from Asia Pacific markets to 170 markets and territories worldwide. This is welcome news for businesses looking for flexibility and choice when moving goods around the globe. Plus, SMEs will be able to ship less time-sensitive shipments in a cost-effective way - while maintaining the reassurance and reliability that comes with other FedEx shipping services.

The benefits of an agile delivery strategy

Whether you’re sending small, big, express, or less urgent shipments, your needs may evolve as your business grows or moves in a new direction. As customer demographics or priority markets shift, it’s good to stack your options.

This goes hand-in-hand with other efficiencies that businesses have adopted. For example, moving from just-in-time to just-in-case delivery – has seen SMEs diversify their supplier network to plan disruption contingencies. Post-pandemic, most businesses have prioritized increasing digital adoption, too.

More choice, more convenience

One thing that has proven to be a gamechanger is that SMEs can now ship straight from an app on their phone, monitor deliveries via WhatsApp, and handle customs clearance paperwork digitally. The move from the analog world to a paperless digital environment also benefits the environment.

As customer needs evolve, we’re making sure new services are back on the map. Customers old and new can explore our full portfolio, with a range of five service options* to choose from. Each one is door-to-door, customs-cleared guaranteed:

• FedEx International First: Wake up to absolute certainty with our early-day international delivery to key global markets

• FedEx International Priority Express: Cross-border shipments delivered by 10:30 or noon in 1 - 2 business days to major markets

• FedEx International Priority: Overseas delivery by end-of-day, typically in 1 - 2 business days depending on destination

• FedEx International Connect Plus: A day-definite e-commerce shipping service combining competitive speed with attractive prices

• FedEx International Economy: Save when shipping less time-sensitive international shipments with our reliable door-to-door customs-cleared service, in 2 - 5 business days

Whatever the speed of delivery, time of arrival or price point, there's now a solution to accommodate it. With more options on the table, resource-lean businesses just starting to expand overseas can optimize their shipping strategies.

More choice and convenience means , SMEs can focus their energy on enhancing other areas of their business, from talent retention to sustainable operations to digitalization.

Small businesses today are multi-tasking more than ever and logistics is an essential piece of the puzzle. With that in place, SMEs can enjoy greater peace of mind as they forge ahead, grow and expand.

To find out more about our International Economy® service, head here.

You can also use our Rating Tool to calculate shipping rates in seconds to determine the best service for your business needs.