Related policy perspectives
Related policy perspectives
While there are a number of related important policies and issues that affect FedEx and our customers, our guidepost is steady: FedEx supports policies that promote the interests of our customers, team members, investors, and business.
Sustainability
Our roots in sustainability run deep. Now we’re driving toward what’s next: A goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. To get there, we’re designating more than $2 billion of initial investment in three key areas: vehicle electrification, sustainable energy, and carbon sequestration.
Our longstanding, three-pronged approach to sustainability—Reduce, Replace, Revolutionize—guides our practices and innovations to reduce the environmental impacts of our fleets, facilities, and material choices. It drives the responsible and efficient use of resources, optimizes our business, lowers costs, and delivers value for our customers. From training our drivers to be more eco-conscious and upgrading our aircraft to more efficient models, to expanding our fleet of electric vehicles, we’re reducing resources, replacing older technologies, and revolutionizing for the future.
Our customers work hard to build their businesses and expand their reach. And as they grow, we grow. In fact, between FY09 and FY21, our average daily package volume grew by 180%. Over that same period, we reduced the intensity of our CO2e emissions by 45% (on a revenue basis). That’s no small feat, and we’re not finished yet. Learn more in our latest Environmental, Social, Governance Report.
FedEx has joined the newly established Electrification Coalition Business Council as a founding member. We look forward to working with other industry leaders in support of policies and programs that help speed the transition to electric vehicles.
At FedEx, our positive impact extends far beyond pallets and parcels. ESG – environmental, social, and governance – principles have been at the root of our reporting since these efforts began 14 years ago. In 2022, we remain focused on our approach to deliver a more sustainable future. Read our latest ESG report which covers progress and performance on material ESG topics for the 2021 fiscal year, which ended May 31, 2021.
In a piece for the OECD Forum Network platform, FedEx CSO Mitch Jackson and SVP of Regulatory Affairs Ralph Carter discuss the value of climate-smart trade policies and how trade can help advance sustainability goals.
FedEx Corp. has received its first five of an order of 500 electric Light Commercial Vehicles (eLCVs) from BrightDrop, the new electric delivery and logistics business from General Motors (GM). The introduction of BrightDrop’s all-electric, zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles into the FedEx fleet is an important step in the company’s goal to take its global operations carbon neutral by 2040.
The fund is designed to help entrepreneurs and businesses grow viable climate technologies across five categories: clean energy, enabling solutions, decarbonized transport, greening industrials, and agriculture & natural solutions.
ESG – Environmental, Social, Governance – principles have been at the root of FedEx reporting since these efforts began 13 years ago. Read our latest report to learn more about our commitment to connecting the communities where we live and work in resourceful and responsible ways.
FedEx Chairman and CEO Frederick W. Smith appeared before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the hearing, “The Business Case for Climate Solutions,” where he discussed the company’s newly announced carbon neutrality goal and the need for sound policy and innovative solutions to address climate challenges.
FedEx has announced an ambitious goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. To help reach this goal, FedEx is designating more than $2 billion of initial investment in three key areas: vehicle electrification, sustainable energy, and carbon sequestration. This includes a pledge of $100 million to Yale University to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, accelerating research into methods of carbon sequestration at scale.
A $100 million gift from FedEx will help fund a new center at Yale University focused on developing natural solutions for reducing atmospheric carbon. The Center for Natural Carbon Capture will support and accelerate research across academic disciplines, helping to establish a more sustainable and healthier future for our planet.
As one of the founding partner companies, FedEx will work with the Electrification Coalition Business Council (ECBC) and the Electrification Coalition to advance policies and programs that support the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure on a mass scale in order to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges associated with the American transportation sector’s dependence on oil.
FedEx will be the first customer of GM’s BrightDrop, a new business line of electric-powered first-to-last-mile solutions for delivery and logistics companies. After innovating with GM through a series of pilots, FedEx Express will welcome 500 new EV600 all-electric vans to its fleet by the end of 2021.
Postal reform
U.S. Postal Service reform
FedEx has long supported reforms that would give the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) the ability to adapt and prosper in a rapidly changing market with ever-shifting customer needs. FedEx has consistently urged Congress to give USPS the managerial flexibility needed to compete effectively while also holding it accountable to the same rules, market forces and incentives as its private sector competitors.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
The compromise reached at the UPU is a good step forward to addressing the issues that precipitated the convening of the UPU 2019 Extraordinary Congress and all UPU members should be congratulated for reaching an agreement. We encourage all UPU member countries to continue reform efforts as the organization prepares for its 2020 Congress.
Regulated and specialty shipments
Lithium battery transport
The safe transport of lithium battery shipments and other regulated commodities in the FedEx network is unquestionably a priority each day.
We support the harmonization of U.S. law with the International Civil Aviation Organization rules for lithium batteries. A global set of rules should be applicable to this inherently global product.
FedEx continues to advocate for stepped up enforcement efforts against those individuals and companies who willfully or recklessly violate regulatory requirements for lithium batteries, as non-compliant shipments are the truly dangerous shipments in air cargo. In the same vein, we support additional outreach by the U.S. government to their counterparts in Asia to enhance knowledge and awareness regarding the requirements.
The safe transport of lithium battery shipments and other regulated commodities in the FedEx network is unquestionably a priority each day.
We support the harmonization of U.S. law with the International Civil Aviation Organization rules for lithium batteries. A global set of rules should be applicable to this inherently global product.
FedEx continues to advocate for stepped up enforcement efforts against those individuals and companies who willfully or recklessly violate regulatory requirements for lithium batteries, as non-compliant shipments are the truly dangerous shipments in air cargo. In the same vein, we support additional outreach by the U.S. government to their counterparts in Asia to enhance knowledge and awareness regarding the requirements.
Energy security
FedEx backs the long-term U.S. commitment to reducing energy interdependence and eliminating U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Through research and innovation, as well as new and evolving technologies, the U.S. now has the possibility to start achieving lasting, sustainable energy security. FedEx believes this is achievable by, for example, increasing the nation’s use of energy-efficient vehicles that are powered by electricity and alternative and renewable fuels. FedEx believes that producing more domestic and cleaner energy will help realize this important goal.
FedEx proudly serves varying needs of the energy industry, from transporting radioactive materials removed from a nuclear power plant, to wind turbine parts requiring specialized equipment.
FedEx is a member of Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) Coalition. SAFE is working toward enhancing the nation’s energy security and supports economic resurgence and resiliency, by advancing transformative transportation and mobility technologies and ensuring that the United States secures key aspects of the technology supply chain to achieve and maintain our strategic advantage.
Firearms shipping
FedEx is committed to the lawful, secure, and safe movement of regulated items through our network and we comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Customers holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and federal, state, or local government agencies may ship firearms with FedEx, in accordance with applicable law.
Customers holding an FFL must also enter into an approved FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement and have a signed contract on file with FedEx before shipping any firearms with FedEx. Among other things, the agreement requires that shipments containing firearms be shipped:
- Only on a designated account number. FedEx requires any shipment containing a firearm to be shipped on the designated firearms account number;
- Exclusively to recipients that have an active FFL. Requests to redirect or reroute firearms are prohibited;
- Using either the Adult Signature Required (“ASR”) or the Direct Signature Required (“DSR”) Delivery Signature Option.
As part of this agreement, the customer also agrees to comply with applicable laws, keep such records that are necessary showing compliance with applicable laws, to make such records available to FedEx upon request, and that FedEx may, if required, provide information concerning the customer’s shipments, enrollment, account, or other information to federal, state, or local law enforcement.
Additionally, and in accordance with state and federal law, the FedEx Service Guide prohibits the shipping of unserialized frames and receivers or other items that may be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to function as a firearm frame or receiver per federal regulation.
Customers who do not meet the requirements of the FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Program are prohibited from shipping firearms with FedEx. Instructions on how to ship firearms are outlined here. Additional information can be found in the FedEx Service Guide. As laws and regulations change, FedEx will comply to protect the safety of our team members and the communities that we serve.