FedEx To Use AT&T Wireless Data Networks
Monday March 18, 4:31 pm Eastern Time
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- FedEx Corp. (FDX) signed a five-year agreement with AT& T Wireless Services Inc. (AWE) that will give the shipping company's 40,000 Express couriers better access to FedEx's tracking system.
Terms weren't disclosed in the companies' press releases Monday.
Currently, a FedEx spokeswoman said, couriers for core Express unit are forced to return to their trucks and place their hand-held scanners in a cradle in order to send and receive information. Under the new plan, the workers will be able to access a greater amount of information even when they are away from their trucks.
The agreement coincides with FedEx's plan to replace its current scanners with a newer handheld device called a PowerPad.
A FedEx spokesman said the company will begin tests of the PowerPad early this summer and that the devices will begin to use the AT&T Wireless's network early next year. FedEx will use AT&T Wireless's network, which is concentrated in urban areas, where it is available and otherwise will rely on an existing FedEx network, he said.
An AT&T Wireless spokesman said the Redmond, Wash. , company upgraded about 45% of its network to GSM, or Global Standard for Mobile Communications, by the end of last year and the system will be fully changed over to the Global Standard for Mobile Communications by the of this year.
Memphis -based FedEx said the steps will improve customer service by allowing couriers to update package information almost instantly and to access data about a package's status, weather advisories, customs clearance and shipping rates.
Company Web sites: fedex.com attwireless.com
-Tim Paradis; Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-5388 |
