As Asia Pacific gears up to become the fastest-growing region for imports in 2024, the demand for efficient, streamlined logistics solutions has never been greater. Navigating the complexities of cross-border trade—often marked by manual processes, fragmented systems, and delayed shipments—has long been a challenge for businesses in the region. Recognising this opportunity, FedEx launched its new Import Tool in October 2024, a digital innovation designed to simplify and centralise import operations, providing businesses greater control, transparency, and efficiency in managing their supply chains.
By addressing the region’s pressing need for smarter supply chain solutions, FedEx continues to position itself as a leader in digital transformation, helping businesses anticipate challenges and stay competitive in an ever-evolving global marketplace.
From manual to automated: Revolutionising the import process
The FedEx Import Tool is reshaping how businesses manage cross-border trade in Asia Pacific by addressing the inefficiencies of traditional import operations.
“Previously, import operations involved manual procedures, extensive offline coordination, and limited shipment visibility,” says Salil Chari, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “Customers often dealt with fragmented experiences, requiring separate interactions with clearance agents via phone or email to provide missing customs information or documents. Shipment status inquiries also relied on customer service teams coordinating with clearance agents, sometimes leading to delays.”
Addressing these challenges, FedEx developed an integrated platform that centralises import activities. “The new tool offers an integrated, user-friendly platform which centralises import operations. It provides real-time notifications for required actions, such as submitting customs information or documents, which can be easily uploaded through the platform,” Chari explained.
With this streamlined approach, businesses benefit from greater transparency and efficiency, minimising the delays and manual interventions that previously hindered operations.
Adoption and user feedback in key markets
Since its launch, the FedEx Import Tool has quickly gained traction in Asia Pacific. “Early feedback from users in Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea has been very encouraging, highlighting the tool’s user-friendly design, which makes managing import shipments much simpler—a common challenge for SMEs in the region,” says Chari.
Customers have praised its consolidated shipment visibility as one of the most useful features. “Users particularly value the consolidated visibility it provides, allowing them to monitor shipments and handle clearance tasks from a single platform,” Chari added.
Real-time notifications have also resonated with users, streamlining their ability to address clearance actions promptly. “Customers have told us that the tool’s real-time updates and notifications have helped them stay on top of shipment statuses and immediately address clearance actions, ultimately improving their operational efficiency,” Chari notes.
Listening closely to user feedback, FedEx is already planning enhancements. “In response to customer feedback, we are also developing a feature that enables proactive uploading of customs instructions and clearance documents,” Chari shares.
FedEx’s technology-driven future
FedEx’s technological advancements extend well beyond its Import Tool, reflecting its commitment to innovation across the logistics spectrum. One notable example is the AI-powered robotic sorting system at its Singapore hub. “Our AI-powered robotic sorting arm at our Singapore hub can sort up to 1,000 packages per hour with an impressive accuracy rate of 98.5%, significantly accelerating sorting processes and reducing delivery times,” Chari said.
The company is also leveraging tools like FedEx Surround Monitoring and Intervention, which combines artificial intelligence with IoT to track high-value shipments in real time. “The FedEx Surround Monitoring and Intervention tool ensures the integrity and timely delivery of high-value shipments, such as those in healthcare, aerospace, and technology,” Chari explains.
By integrating these technologies, FedEx is building a smarter, more efficient logistics network. “Our focus is on leveraging data, advanced analytics, and automation to digitise supply chains, drive growth, and improve the shipping experience,” Chari states.
E-commerce growth shaping FedEx’s APAC strategy
The booming e-commerce sector in Asia Pacific continues to shape FedEx’s strategy in the region. “In the Asia Pacific region, this is especially evident as e-commerce continues to grow at an impressive rate. Our recent survey shows that 70% of APAC SMEs expect year-on-year sales growth during the ongoing holiday shopping season, with nearly 80% of that growth coming from within Asia, particularly Southeast Asia,” Chari says.
Complementing this growth, intra-Asia trade is projected to reach $13.5 trillion by 2030, further emphasising the need for streamlined logistics solutions. The FedEx Import Tool supports businesses in managing their supply chains effectively while addressing cross-border complexities.
In addition, FedEx offers solutions tailored to e-commerce needs. “We offer cost-effective options like FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP), which enables delivery between APAC, the U.S., and Europe in just one to three business days,” Chari notes. Enhanced Ship Manager capabilities allow e-tailers to manage shipments directly from online orders, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
“With over 50 compatible and alliance programs across the region, we offer affordable shipping solutions that help e-tailers sell effortlessly across e-commerce platforms,” Chari adds.
Shaping the future of logistics in the Asia Pacific
FedEx’s ongoing innovation is redefining logistics in the Asia-Pacific region. “At FedEx, we are transforming towards a smarter, more efficient logistics network,” Chari said. The Import Tool, alongside advanced automation technologies, positions FedEx as a leader in driving digitalisation within the logistics industry.
“The pace at which we are developing and applying these technologies, along with the increasing use of connected data, is transforming our operations and how we serve customers, and that will continue to accelerate in the future,” Chari concludes.
By continuously harnessing digital innovation, FedEx is not only enhancing logistics operations but also paving the way for a more connected and efficient global supply chain.
This story was first published in the November-December 2024 issue of Payload Asia.
