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FedEx rolls out suite of options to better accommodate consumers

FedEx is letting package recipients customize deliveries to their homes with its new delivery manager service that spans multiple platforms including mobile.

Through the new FedEx Delivery Manager, United States customers can browse a range of options to schedule dates, locations and times of delivery. By signing up at fedex.com/delivery, customers can receive notification of FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages en route to their homes, and can choose various delivery options.

?FedEx Delivery Manager is designed to give recipients of FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages visibility to and customization of deliveries coming to their home,? said Carla Boyd, a spokeswoman at FedEx.

?It provides customers with free access to delivery schedules and notifications that keep them informed about packages coming their way,? she said.

?A personal delivery planner allows for easy changes to delivery schedules.?

Seamless delivery
Through the new service, FedEx customers can actively track and manage the deliveries en route to or from their home without a tracking number or even a FedEx account.

FedEx Delivery Manager is available through multiple digital platforms, including a free mobile app, and customers can request alerts via email, SMS or phone, providing advance notifications about packages being shipped to their homes.

Additionally, customers can tell FedEx where they would like their package delivered and by providing their signature online or in advance of the delivery, customers can authorize FedEx to deliver their packages, even if they are not home to receive them.

Moreover, through a variety of platforms, customers can request a vacation hold, have their package held at a nearby FedEx Office or FedEx Express location and pick it up at a later date and request to have their package delivered somewhere other than the original destination.

?Mobile is an important part of this offering,? Ms. Boyd said. ?FedEx Delivery Manager is available through multiple digital platforms ? including a free mobile app ? and customers can request alerts via email, SMS or phone.

Past efforts
FedEx is no stranger to mobile.

In 2011, the company worked with Medialets, OMD and BBDO on a mobile ad campaign that used audio and rich media to offer consumers a special deal (see story).

Most recently, FedEx geared up for the rush of holiday shipping with a targeted campaign that reminded users to get their packages sent in time for Christmas by finding nearby locations (see story).

?Mobile is the future,? Ms. Boyd said. ?FedEx provides several mobile solutions for our customers.

?Customers in the U.S. and around the world are using smartphones more than ever before,? she said. ?Recent research from analysts at comScore shows that as of Feb. 2013 more than 133.7 million people in the U.S. own smartphones, a figure which continues to grow each quarter.

?One example is that FedEx offers Mobile Shipping Label which let customers ship from their mobile device without ever needing a printer. This service is a hassle-free way for FedEx customers to ship a package by simply using their smartphones.?

Final Take
Rimma Kats is associate editor on Mobile Marketer, New York