Federal Express Corporation is strengthening its European logistics infrastructure with a €46 million investment in the expansion of its road hub in Duiven, the Netherlands, reinforcing the facility’s role as a critical gateway in the company’s regional freight and parcel network.
The expansion comes amid rising demand for premium international freight services and growing integration between air and road transportation across Europe. FedEx said the investment will significantly increase operational capacity at the Duiven site while improving efficiency and network resilience during peak shipping periods.
Located in the Netherlands’ strategically important logistics corridor, the Duiven hub is one of FedEx’s largest and most technologically advanced road facilities in Europe. The company confirmed that the project involves acquiring and developing a neighboring facility to enhance freight handling capabilities and strengthen connectivity across the European Road Network.
As part of the development, palletized freight handling capacity at the site will increase by more than 50 percent. FedEx will also add 65 new dock doors, taking the total number of dock doors at the facility to 265. The additional infrastructure is expected to streamline freight flows and reduce dependence on first- and last-mile processing locations.
FedEx executives said the upgraded hub will play an increasingly important role in supporting the company’s integrated “truck-fly-truck” operating model, which combines road transport with international airfreight services. The model enables intercontinental shipments arriving by air to be distributed efficiently across Europe through the company’s road network.
The company views premium airfreight as a major growth segment, particularly as customers seek faster and more reliable cross-border logistics solutions. By enhancing road connectivity from Duiven, FedEx aims to improve transit times, operational flexibility, and service reliability across European markets.
The Netherlands continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading logistics gateways, supported by its central geographic location and multimodal transport infrastructure. FedEx’s latest investment also underlines the growing importance of integrated logistics hubs that can support both parcel and freight operations within a unified network.
The first phase of the project will focus on enabling operations at the newly acquired facility, while future phases will include additional optimization measures and improved connectivity between the existing and new buildings.
FedEx noted that freight and parcel volumes through Duiven have experienced strong growth over the past year, especially during year-end peak seasons, prompting the need for expanded capacity to support future demand.
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Blue Dart Express has launched International Parcel Connect; a business-to-consumer (B2C) cross-border parcel shipping service aimed at helping Indian e-commerce businesses, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, marketplace sellers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emerging exporters access international markets more affordably. The service will initially cater to eligible shipments from India to the United States, offering an alternative to premium-priced express delivery services and lower-cost postal shipping options. Powered by DHL eCommerce, International Parcel Connect Combines Blue Dart’s domestic logistics capabilities and customer support with an established international parcel network. The new offering provides Standard and Expedited delivery options, enabling businesses to select shipping speeds according to their requirements. Shipment visibility and access to Blue Dart’s customer support in India are intended to provide greater control and simplify the management of cross-border e-commerce deliveries. Commenting on the launch, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said the service responds to customer demand for international shipping solutions backed by the company’s established service capabilities. He highlighted the importance of dependable logistics connections in helping Indian enterprises expand beyond domestic markets and convert global business opportunities into growth. Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart, noted that India’s B2C e-commerce exports are estimated at around US$2 billion, highlighting the potential for Indian businesses to reach international consumers. He said International Parcel Connect bridges the gap between premium express services and lower-cost postal options, giving sellers greater flexibility through two delivery speeds, shipment visibility and local customer support. The service covers eligible B2C parcels weighing between 50 grams and 11 kilograms. Supported product categories include apparel and fashion products, automobile spare parts, books, handicrafts, imitation jewellery and rugs, alongside other eligible e-commerce and marketplace goods. All shipments remain subject to applicable customs and regulatory requirements, as well as commodity, weight and dimensional restrictions. Starting with the US market, Blue Dart plans to progressively expand International Parcel Connect to other key destinations, including the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada and Australia. The launch strengthens the range of logistics options available to Indian businesses pursuing cross-border e-commerce opportunities. By combining multiple delivery speeds with international network access and domestic customer support, Blue Dart aims to make overseas parcel shipping more accessible to businesses seeking to expand their global customer base. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Safexpress has inaugurated a new logistics park in Vapi, Gujarat, expanding its warehousing, distribution and transportation capabilities across one of western India’s key industrial regions. Located near National Highway 48 (NH-48) in Valsad district, the 3.5 lakh sq. ft facility is designed to support the growing logistics requirements of manufacturers, exporters and businesses operating across Gujarat and neighbouring markets. The new facility features dedicated transshipment infrastructure and third-party logistics (3PL) capabilities, with cross-dock infrastructure that can accommodate the simultaneous loading and unloading of more than 116 vehicles. The configuration is intended to streamline cargo movement, improve handling efficiency and reduce transit times by facilitating the faster transfer of shipments between incoming and outgoing vehicles. The logistics park also incorporates a column-free span exceeding 105 feet, allowing smoother movement of goods within the facility. Meanwhile, 16-foot-wide cantilever sheds are designed to support loading and unloading operations in different weather conditions, helping maintain operational continuity. Safety and environmental considerations have also been integrated into the facility’s design. The park is equipped with modern firefighting systems and trained emergency response personnel. Its sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting, green spaces and extensive use of natural daylight to help reduce energy consumption. Supporting Gujarat’s Industrial Supply Chains Vapi is an established manufacturing centre with industries spanning chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging, paper, plastics and engineering. Its industrial base generates demand for dependable transportation, warehousing and distribution services to move raw materials, intermediate goods and finished products to domestic and export markets. The new logistics park is expected to help businesses consolidate shipments, improve delivery reliability and strengthen distribution networks. Its location close to NH-48 also provides connectivity to major industrial and commercial markets, supporting freight movement across western India and other parts of the country. Expanding Logistics Footprint in Western India The Vapi facility adds to Safexpress’ presence in Gujarat, following its logistics park in Vadodara. It also forms part of the company’s broader expansion of logistics infrastructure along important highway corridors, including facilities in Vijayawada, Chennai and Hyderabad. The inauguration reflects the growing importance of modern, highway-linked logistics parks in supporting industrial growth and more efficient freight distribution. With dedicated cross-dock capacity, warehousing infrastructure and 3PL services, the Vapi facility is positioned to support regional businesses seeking improved supply chain connectivity and faster cargo movement. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Blue Dart Express Limited has announced a planned leadership transition, with R.S. Subramanian set to take over as Managing Director from 30 November 2026, subject to requisite approvals. He will succeed Balfour Manuel, who will step down from the role on 29 November after a 43-year association with the express logistics company. As part of the succession plan, Manuel will continue with Blue Dart as Senior Strategic Advisor until 15 May 2027, supporting continuity across the company’s strategic priorities during the transition. The company’s Board approved Subramanian’s appointment for the period from 30 November 2026 to 25 May 2030, subject to shareholder and other statutory approvals. Manuel joined Blue Dart in 1983 as one of its earliest employees and has played a significant role in the company’s development, including its customer-centric culture, market position, network expansion and operational capabilities. He became Managing Director in 2019. Reflecting on the leadership transition, Balfour Manuel said, “Blue Dart has been the defining journey of my professional life. After careful consideration, I believe this is the right time to implement a structured succession plan that serves the company’s long-term interests. I have every confidence in R.S. Subramanian, who understands our business, respects our culture and shares our ambition. As Senior Strategic Advisor, I look forward to working closely with him and the Board to ensure continuity throughout the transition.” Subramanian brings more than three decades of experience across product-led and service businesses, with expertise spanning business strategy, customer experience, organisational transformation and profitable growth. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, DHL Express South Asia, and Managing Director, DHL Express India, and is a member of the DHL Express Asia Pacific Management Board. Associated with DHL Express since 2004, Subramanian has held leadership responsibilities across South Asia and has overseen operations in markets including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. He has also been a Director on the Blue Dart Express Board since 2019, giving him familiarity with the company’s operations and strategic priorities. Commenting on his appointment, R.S. Subramanian said, “It is a privilege to lead Blue Dart, an institution that has played a defining role in the development of India's express logistics industry. Having served on the Blue Dart Board over the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to gain a firsthand appreciation of the company’s strong customer focus, operational excellence and the culture that the team has built. My focus will be on building on Blue Dart’s strong foundation, advancing its market leadership and delivering sustainable, profitable growth, while continuing to create value for customers, employees and shareholders alike.” The leadership transition comes as Blue Dart continues to expand its express logistics network and capabilities. The company reported revenue of ₹6,141 crore for FY2025-26 and serves more than 56,400 locations in India, according to its latest fact sheet. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!