FedEx is readying itself for the holiday shipping deluge by adding new technology, reports Supply Chain Dive. 

Logistics networks are already bulging with volume brought on by a societal shift toward e-commerce during the coronavirus pandemic. But the deluge is only just getting started as peak season arrives.

When disaster strikes an area, survivors are in crucial need of supplies in order to survive the hardship. In most cases homes, roads, and many structures are decimated making it tricky for survivors to access life saving goods. When a disaster hits an island – survival becomes even tougher. Hurricane Dorian barreled into the Abaco Island and Grand Bahamas at the beginning of September. The Category 5 hurricane slowed down considerably – hovering over the islands from September 1^st to the 3^rd  leaving considerable destruction in its wake. As of today over 1,000 people are still missing with over 70,000 homeless.

FedEx is bringing its ground shipping contract with Amazon to an end. Despite working together for years on ground and air deliveries, Amazon is now building its own delivery network.  Amazon’s go-it-alone strategy is the main reason why partners such as FedEx are moving away. Over the years, Amazon has shown its intention to compete with the leading players in the logistics industry. This means that it will become a direct competitor to FedEx in the coming days. In fact, Amazon is now building its infrastructure which includes cargo planes, trucks and is also investing in local delivery drivers. The move by Amazon to compete directly with its former business partner is evidence of tension that has been building up between the two long-time partners.

It was the break up heard all over the Supply Chain community. FedEx Express and Amazon have officially called it quits when it comes to U.S. domestic deliveries. The news was confirmed when FedEx decided not to renew their express shipping service contract with the e-commerce giant which is set to expire on June 30th. Amazon responded by diplomatically explaining to The Verge, ““We respect FedEx’s decision and thank them for their role serving Amazon customers over the years.” Express shipping tends to be the fastest way a package gets from point A to point B. Examples of express shipping includes same day, overnight, and next day shipping.