FedEx provides many benefits to its customers. The shipping industry, however, is one of extreme competition. Not only are customers confronted with the choice of carrier, they are also confronted with a choice of means of shipment. It is further complex, as the pricing strategy of the sector has companies, for instance, who lead cost in one form of shipment such as ground and follow in another form of shipment such as international delivery. .
FedEx foresaw the importance of differentiation early on, as did most of the sector players. FedEx realized that it was in the information business. Customers are not only concerned with the product getting from point A to B, but further, are interested in the knowledge of where the cargo originated from, its present whereabouts, destination, estimated time of arrival, price and cost of shipment. All these elements are just as important to some businesses and consumers as receiving a safe delivery. To support this need, and differentiate itself from competitors, FedEx created state-of-the-art technology for customers to track and validate shipments. Shipments are virtually traceable from their origin to their destination all with the convenience of the personal computer. Additionally, FedEx has forecasted the important strategic trend of a continuously global shipping market. The differentiation of products is a continuous process in this competitive industry as innovations are often quickly imitated. FedEx strives to develop innovations and listens to customers wants and needs.
Further meeting the needs of customers worldwide, the company has invested extensively in global infrastructure. Fedex connects some of the most important areas of the world that make up 90% of the world's gross domestic product, some of the new hubs were built in the Philippines at Subic bay and in Europe at Charles de Gaulle, in Paris. Particular emphasis has been placed on gaining a strong presence in the spawning Asian market.