FedEx Boosts e-Fleet, Digital Services,
Workforce to "Deliver Happy" to Canadians
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 2, 2023
/CNW/ - The 2023 holiday season is approaching, and gift-giving
Canadians are being resourceful to try to avoid feeling the pinch
of inflation. According to the annual FedEx Express Holiday
Shopping Survey, 85 per cent of Canadians who plan to shop for the
holidays say that they are likely to face more budget pressure this
year with 37 per cent saying they intend to spend less than they
did last year, a significant jump from 22 per cent in 2022. The
survey also reveals that more than half of Canadians (57 per cent)
prefer to shop online compared to in-store. Of those survey
respondents who plan to do holiday shopping online this year, 66
per cent do so for the convenience, 59 per cent do so to save time,
and almost half (46 per cent) do so to easily compare specs and
pricing. One-third (34 per cent) said they leverage online shopping
for lower prices on their holiday purchases.
"Inflation and economic pressures are top of mind for Canadians
as they approach the holiday season," said Ann-Marie McIntosh, Vice President, Marketing,
Customer Experience, and Corporate Communications at FedEx Express
Canada. "Amidst these challenges, online shopping emerges as a
powerful tool for Canadians seeking to maximize their holiday
budget and secure the best deals this shopping season. The
convenience and accessibility of online platforms provide
opportunities to shop smartly and efficiently."
Commissioned by FedEx Express Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp
(NYSE: FDX), and conducted among members of the Angus Reid Forum,
the survey uncovers key insights into Canadians' holiday shopping
behaviour and concerns. These include:
- Over one-quarter (28 per cent) of online shoppers note they had
packages stolen in the past (vs. 24 per cent last year and 20 per
cent in 2021). Overall, 70 per cent of online shoppers are at least
somewhat worried about package theft. Tracking shipments and
checking delivery notifications is the most common way of
protecting from package theft, and three-in-five (61 per cent)
shoppers say they do this.
- Despite porch piracy concerns, online shopping remains stable,
with 69 per cent of online shoppers expecting to maintain their
current spending levels in the next 12 months.
- Additionally, 61 per cent now check online availability first
when purchasing non-grocery items, up from 56 per cent in
2022.
FedEx electric fleet, enhanced
self-serve tools deliver on Canadians' expectations
Just as Canadians gradually embraced online shopping over the
years, FedEx Express Canada is also undergoing a paradigm-altering
transformation, with electric vehicles joining its fleet of
delivery vehicles. This past June, FedEx Express Canada
introduced its first 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vans
in Toronto, Montreal, and Surrey, and recently added another 10 in
Surrey. According to the survey,
the introduction of electric vehicles aligns with the views of
nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of the survey's respondents who
stated that a switch to electric vehicles is a step in the right
direction for the environment. FedEx also continues to invest in
its electric cargo bike fleet, which it first launched in 2020 and
has since expanded to several cities across Canada. These bikes provide a more agile
solution for residential deliveries, while helping to reduce
traffic, and air and noise pollution in crowded urban centres.
The company is not only investing in its electric fleet, but
also improving the online shopping experience for recipients of
FedEx packages. Package recipients can track their packages on the
FedEx app, get an estimated delivery window, manage their
deliveries to redirect to hold locations, and see a picture
confirmation of residential driver-released deliveries on the FedEx
tracking page, without logging in. This feature is very helpful for
online shoppers who want to stay on top of their delivery status as
the survey found that 37 per cent of online shoppers track their
shipments at least once a day after they get a confirmation of
shipment.
Employment opportunities at FedEx
Express Canada
FedEx continues to expand its award-winning team to meet the
increased demand during the holiday season. The company is actively
hiring in various markets across Canada. Interested candidates can explore
career opportunities and apply through the FedEx Express Canada
careers page at fedex.ca/careers.
"Part of bringing joy to Canadians during this festive season is
about helping them complete their holiday to-do lists without a
hitch, and FedEx is committed to doing its part through our
continuous investments in our operation," said Ann-Marie McIntosh. "We deeply value the trust
that Canadian consumers and businesses place in us during this
important time of year. We stand ready to help ensure a seamless
and happy holiday season for all."
About the Survey
The survey was conducted from October 1
to 5, 2023 with a representative sample of 1,507 online
Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum, balanced on age,
gender, region, and education to Census Canada. Interviews were
conducted in both English and French. For comparison purposes only,
a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of
+/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses
worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and
business services. With annual revenue of nearly $90 billion, the company offers integrated
business solutions through operating companies competing
collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally as
one FedEx. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and
trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees
to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional
standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx
is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the
world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve
carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please
visit fedex.com/about.
SOURCE Federal Express Canada Corporation