December 18 To Be The Busiest Day In FedEx History

December 2006 (Medialink) -- Continuing a nine year trend, FedEx Corp. expects to make history again when a record-breaking total of 9.8 million packages move through its global and ground networks on December 18, 2006. This could be the busiest night in the history of FedEx, breaking the company's previous record night of 8.9 million last year.

According to FedEx chief economist Gene Huang, growing volumes are a positive sign for economic strength during this heightened retail season. The National Retail Federation predicts a solid holiday season, citing anticipated growth of 5 percent over last year, bringing projected holiday spending to $457.4 billion. Also, online retailing is expected to increase 18 percent over last year.

While sending gifts early will save time, FedEx is ready to help last minute shoppers get their gifts delivered in time for the holiday. The last day to ship with FedEx Express is December 22, 2006. The last day to ship FedEx Ground is December 15, 2006.

On its first day in operation in 1973, Federal Express (as it was then known) delivered 186 packages. This year, the holiday season began in July of 2006 as goods left overseas ports and entered the FedEx Freight system for delivery to retailers. FedEx Express and the company overall will see its peak in mid-December as the highest value goods move from manufacturers directly to retailers and customers.


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Produced for FedEx