FedEx operations in Clark City will expand by around five times more than its current capacity to enable it to operate as a transshipment point for packages, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
In a statement from Washington DC where he met FedEx officials led by its vice president Ralph Carter on April 18, Lopez said this expansion will mean all arriving packages in Clark are sorted and reloaded back to designated planes flying to various destinations and will not pass through the Customs area.
FedEx is looking ahead to initiate Phase 2 of its project in Clark, Pampanga in the soonest possible time. FedEx’s Phase 1 facility has an area of 7,000 square meters.
In February 2022, FedEx executives discussed with the government the company ‘s expansion plans and to seek assistance for the transport company’s initiative in getting into an agreement with the Bureau of Customs on transshipment rules.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the 17,000-square-meter facility enables faster processing with the capability to sort 9,000 parcels per hour.
The facility’s expansive dedicated freight-handling area spans 630 square meters. The facility supports the growing e-commerce demand of bulk shipments and large items especially for the upcoming peak season shipping volumes.
The new Clark gateway also features a state-of-the-art cold storage facility for varying temperature-sensitive shipments. One unit has storage temperature capabilities ranging from -20°C to 5°C or -4°F to 41°F, appropriate for storing vaccines, fresh produce, and raw products. Two other units have storage temperature of 5°C to 20°C or 23°F to 68°F, appropriate for keeping vegetables and dry foods such as canned goods. These units help retain the freshness of products and maximize their shelf life.
The facility provides convenience to customers with the launch of Dangerous Goods One-Stop Shop. This solution offers customers an end-to-end shipping experience for dangerous goods that is fully compliant with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines. This new gateway also allows businesses to access FedEx’s extensive network and expand their market reach with 36 flights coming in and out weekly, connecting them to over 220 countries and territories. In line with our sustainability goals, the Clark gateway exclusively uses electric ground service equipment, replacing traditional units that run on fuel.
The opening of the Clark gateway facility is one of many strategic investments FedEx has continued to make in the Philippines and across Asia-Pacific to enhance service coverage and customer experience. — Irma Isip
