FedEx Unveils “fdx” To Take on E-Commerce Giants

This fall, FedEx is shaking up the e-commerce world with a new data-driven platform named “fdx.” Engineered to provide online merchants with top-to-bottom e-commerce solutions, this innovative venture is set to revolutionize the supply chain management sphere.

Building from its acquisition of ShopRunner, an online e-commerce marketplace purchased in 2020, FedEx plans to integrate existing features into the new fdx platform. Online sellers, for instance, will be able to provide customers with estimated delivery times during the shopping process. Other features will inform them about the carbon footprint of their supply chain resources and help “streamline, configure, and manage” returns.

Upon its launch, fdx promises to enhance delivery efficiency, resulting in more cost-effective solutions for its users. Using the platform’s data, FedEx aims to create a tailored post-purchase experience for customers. Brands will be able to provide accurate shipment information, bolstering transparency and improving the customer experience.

Raj Subramaniam, CEO and president of FedEx, announced the new fdx platform on Jan. 14 at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show. “FedEx is transforming into a digitally-led business powered by our extensive physical transportation network, leveraging our scale and insights from moving 15 million packages per day,” he said. “Through fdx, we will enhance our longstanding relationships with merchants of all sizes to help them optimize and grow their businesses through digital intelligence.”

FedEx, along with UPS, has been losing ground to Amazon in the delivery game, a trend that has been observed since Amazon ramped up its home package delivery operations in 2022. In just a few short years, Amazon has managed to outperform both FedEx and UPS, delivering more packages domestically.

The unveiling of fdx marks a pivotal move for FedEx as it seeks to rival e-commerce behemoth Amazon. Over the years, FedEx has viewed Amazon as a formidable adversary. Back in 2019, FedEx chose not to renew a delivery contract with Amazon. In retaliation, Amazon prohibited its sellers from using FedEx for Prime deliveries during the holiday season, citing diminished service quality.