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  • Making the most of Asia intra-regional trade

    Making the most of Asia intra-regional trade

    Global economic volatility might be worrying some companies in Asia Pacific, but the small- and medium-size enterprise (SME) sector is bucking the trend with strength and optimism for the year ahead.

    Even if trade deals take a new path, the many opportunities that Asia intra-regional trade brings to small business leaders are here to stay.

    In fact, SMEs in this region are bullish about the future. To start with, exports are looking good.

    Among Asia Pacific SMEs, global export revenue for 2016 held steady with the year before, and most SMEs believe that will continue or increase over 2017.

    Trade within Asia Pacific is sparking the most confidence. Intra-regional exports are the driving force of this stronger trend – a recent study found almost nine in 10 Asian SMEs sell goods to markets in Asia Pacific and are set to do so even more. Stronger regional ties and trade linkages are also contributing to the sense of optimism and resilience surrounding small businesses.

    In fact, FedEx-commissioned research found four in 10 Asia Pacific SMEs forecast an average double-digit growth of 20 per cent in intra-regional export revenue in the year ahead.

    In addition, Asia Pacific SMEs also generate the highest level of revenue from intra-regional exports among the four global regions in the study.

    The figures are supported by the latest Asian Development Bank (ADB) findings which show that intra-Asia trade now accounts for 57 per cent of total trade in the region.

    That’s impressive against a backdrop of wide ranging business challenges from higher production costs to increasing competition, along with slower trade growth worldwide.

    It is also welcome news that the crucial financing of SMEs is getting better all the time, with SME finance markets forecasting healthy growth in 2017, especially in Asia.

    Another aspect of SME optimism lies in the fact that small businesses today are now more technology-savvy, well-connected, agile and able to hold their own on the world stage.

    Whether it’s eCommerce, mCommerce, social commerce, the cloud, search engine optimisation, content management systems (CMS), ePayment technology or sophisticated logistics solutions, SMEs can quickly connect with more intra-Asia as well as global markets than ever before.

    So it’s no surprise that eCommerce is generating significant growth – a trend that is particularly pronounced in Asia Pacific, where 80 per cent of SMEs are generating revenue from eCommerce.

    In line with the boom in eCommerce, momentum is building behind two important trends – mCommerce purchases made using mobile devices, and social commerce purchases made via social media platforms.

    Just under 70 per cent of small businesses in the region are currently selling their products via mobile platforms and a similar number offer customers the option of buying via social media platforms such as Facebook.

    These new technologies are essential to attracting and retaining customers.

    So too is the necessity to have an efficient supply chain – in order to enhance customer experience, win new customers and improve bottom lines.

    As eCommerce drives demand for faster delivery, around two thirds of firms operating in eCommerce are prepared to pay more to get products more speedily to market.

    Maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in a difficult business environment is tough, especially since over a third of Asia Pacific SMEs cite increasing competition with foreign rivals as a major challenge.

    That’s why investment in new technologies and an efficient supply chain is essential for small businesses in navigating and exploiting the ever-changing digital economy, and tapping into all the opportunities ahead in intra-regional trade.

    –Karen Reddington, President of FedEx Express Asia Pacific

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  • FedEx Trade Networks expands in Malaysia

    FedEx Trade Networks expands in Malaysia

    FedEx Trade Networks, a premier international freight forwarder, announced the opening of a new office in Malaysia. Based in Penang, the additional facility highlights the continued expansion of FedEx Trade Networks to meet the growing market demand.

    “With our network stretching into Malaysia, we are well positioned to proactively respond to customer needs and support them in simplifying the complexities of international shipping,” said Udo Lange, executive vice president and COO, FedEx Trade Networks.

    The new FedEx Trade Networks office is strategically located in Penang’s central business district, with close proximity to the airport and the seaport as well as the city’s key infrastructure facilities. FedEx Trade Networks offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, covering e-commerce, international air and ocean freight forwarding, surface transportation (domestic and cross-border), customs brokerage, trade and customs advisory services as well as other value-added services, including My Global Trade Data, the company’s online suite of information management tools.

    “The world requires a new type of freight forwarder that understands how to turn global logistics into strategic advantages,” said Lange. “FedEx Trade Networks makes the complexities of global shipping simple, striving to provide customers with unparalleled supply chain visibility and logistics transparency to help move their businesses forward.”

    Penang is one of the most urbanised and industrialised states in Malaysia with a high concentration of key industries and sectors, including high tech, electronics and electrical products, industrial goods as well as aerospace, retail and e-commerce. Home to multinationals as well as small and medium enterprises, the city is one of the leading industrial sectors in the world.

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  • FedEx Trade Networks expands Into Malaysia with Penang office

    FedEx Trade Networks expands Into Malaysia with Penang office

    FedEx Trade Networks, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and a premier international freight forwarder, today announced the opening of a new office in Malaysia. Based in Penang, the additional facility highlights the continued expansion of FedEx Trade Networks to meet the growing market demand.

    “With our network stretching into Malaysia, we are well positioned to proactively respond to customer needs and support them in simplifying the complexities of international shipping,” said Udo Lange, executive vice president and COO, FedEx Trade Networks.

    The new FedEx Trade Networks office is strategically located in Penang’s central business district, with close proximity to the airport and the seaport as well as the city’s key infrastructure facilities. FedEx Trade Networks offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, covering e-commerce, international air and ocean freight forwarding, surface transportation (domestic and cross-border), customs brokerage, trade and customs advisory services as well as other value-added services, including My Global Trade Data, the company’s online suite of information management tools.

    “The world requires a new type of freight forwarder that understands how to turn global logistics into strategic advantages,” said Lange. “FedEx Trade Networks makes the complexities of global shipping simple, striving to provide customers with unparalleled supply chain visibility and logistics transparency to help move their businesses forward.”

    Penang is one of the most urbanised and industrialised states in Malaysia with a high concentration of key industries and sectors, including high tech, electronics and electrical products, industrial goods as

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  • FedEx brings packages to 7-Eleven stores

    FedEx brings packages to 7-Eleven stores

    FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and convenience store chain 7-Eleven, announced today that customers and online shoppers can collect their packages at selected 7-Eleven stores. The service is only applicable to shipments of up to 10 kilograms in weight and 105 cm in dimension and with a total value for customs of no more than US$500 per shipment.

    FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and convenience store chain 7-Eleven, announced today that customers and online shoppers can collect their packages at selected 7-Eleven stores. The service is only applicable to shipments of up to 10 kilograms in weight and 105 cm in dimension and with a total value for customs of no more than US$500 per shipment.

    Customers simply need to reply to their FedEx pre-delivery notification message and indicate their preferred 7-Eleven location. They will then receive an SMS message with the pick-up details.  Customers are required to present both the air waybill number and SMS message at their chosen 7-Eleven store upon pick-up.

    Packages must be collected within five days. Anthony Leung, managing director, FedEx Express, Hong Kong and Macau said the company’s retail service network expansion was a response to market needs. Rose Yeung, sales and marketing director, 7-Eleven Hong Kong and Macau, said this represented “another step forward in expanding our service portfolio, which includes bill payment, ticketing, self pick-up and donations.”

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  • FedEx has rolled out its Delivery Signature Options in the Asia-Pacific region.

    FedEx has rolled out its Delivery Signature Options in the Asia-Pacific region.

    FedEx has rolled out its Delivery Signature Options in the Asia-Pacific region.

    According to FedEx, the new service allows customers to decide how they want their customers to confirm receipt of their shipments. Four options are available, under which FedEx can either release the package without a signature; with a signature from a neighbour; with a signature from any person at the recipient’s address; or with a signature from an adult at the delivery address.

    FedEx expects the service to be of particular benefit to retailers and their end-customers.

    The four options are available for outbound shipments in all Asia-Pacific markets where FedEx International First, FedEx International Priority and FedEx International Economy are available, according to FedEx.

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  • Singapore students win FedEx challenge

    Singapore students win FedEx challenge

    A team of student entrepreneurs from Singapore have been crowned winners of the FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Asia Pacific Finals in Hong Kong.

    Challenged to come up with an idea for a travel security product or service for the U.K., team Kung Fu Pandas – made up of Colin Chee and Tan Jie Ying – impressed the judges with their product “RobStop”, a convertible bag with slash-proof body panels made of stainless steel mesh that can help to thwart pickpockets and protect all important personal belongings while travelling.

    In total, 48 students from eight Asia-Pacific markets (Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) took part in this year’s contest.

    “We came up with an idea that we thought would work and that we believed in, but some of the other team’s proposals were really outstanding, so we didn’t expect to be the winners,” said Colin Chee and Tan Jie Ying of Kung Fu Pandas.

    “Taking part in the contest has been a really eye-opening experience, and it’s made us realize that, with some planning, research and a good idea, it’s surprisingly easy to set up a business in real life.”

    Evelyn Tsui and Tanya Tam of team DOTS from Hong Kong took second place in the contest with their idea of “Secure Egg”, a compact portable device that helps elderly travelers in emergency situations by enabling them to connect to their families or even the police at the push of a button.

    Team LOHAS, also from Hong Kong, came third. Team members Michelle Ng and Vanessa Kwang devised “KidSafe”, a children’s backpack that tracks children’s whereabouts. Once the backpack leaves the “safety zone” set by parents, the parents receive an automatic alert.

    “Modern technology makes international markets more accessible to even the smallest business than ever before,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific.

    “I’m delighted that, by supporting FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge, we are helping to develop and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to recognize the opportunities for themselves. The program has grown considerably in both size and stature over the last 10 years, which is a testament of a huge success that FedEx is proud to be associated with.”

    “It is remarkable that FedEx/JA ITC has now been running for 10 years and we are very proud that it has not only endured, but actually grown considerably,” said Vivian Lau, president, JA Asia Pacific.

    “Our goal for the program was always to inspire young people to think big in what they can achieve in the world of business, and to enable them by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills through challenges that were as close to real life as possible. The feedback of previous years tells us that participants really benefited from the program, and we will work to ensure it remains equally valuable in the years to come.”

  • FedEx Acquires TNT Express

    FedEx Acquires TNT Express

    FedEx Corporation, FedEx Acquisition B.V. and TNT Express N.V. have jointly announced that FedEx has acquired TNT Express. The €4.4 billion acquisition combines the strengths of the companies – the world’s largest air express network and an unparalleled European road network, which will expand the existing FedEx portfolio and reshape the global transportation and logistics industry.

    “This acquisition is a significant accomplishment and marks the beginning of a new era, filled with promise for our people, customers and shareowners,” said Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO of FedEx. “We are proud to celebrate the joining of two iconic companies and the approximately 400,000 team members who are committed to serving customers around the world.”

    “The timing of this historic event is important, particularly in the current market environment where global e-commerce is growing at double-digit rates,” Smith added. “Adding TNT’s capabilities to our existing world-class suite of services, including GENCO and the recently re-launched FedEx CrossBorder, will further expand the ability of FedEx to support business connections around the world.”

    “Over our 43 year history, FedEx has repeatedly reinvented and revolutionized the industry, from the first overnight express service backed by a money-back guarantee to the invention of internet shipping. And just as we revolutionised the U.S. domestic parcel business through the acquisition and development of what is now FedEx Ground, the acquisition of TNT will change the way customers view FedEx around the world,” Smith continued.

    “We believe that this strategic acquisition will add significant value for FedEx shareowners, team members and customers around the globe, particularly in Europe where we will establish a strong new competitor,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “The TNT team members bring 70 years of diverse experience, which combined with that of FedEx team members, will make this integration a success.”

    Now that FedEx has acquired TNT Express, the integration process will begin immediately. The FedEx track record of successful acquisition integrations in the U.S. and globally will serve the combined companies well to leverage investments in technology, infrastructure, facilities and operational capabilities to position the combined companies for long-term growth and success.

    In the near term, customers can expect to interact with each company as they always have and receive the world-class service they have come to expect. Once the integration is complete, FedEx expects customers to enjoy an expanded global offering that draws upon the breadth of expertise from both companies.

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  • FedEx Announces Winners of Small Business Grant Contest in APAC

    FedEx Announces Winners of Small Business Grant Contest in APAC

    FedEx Express announced the winners of the first-ever FedEx Small Business Grant Contest in Asia Pacific.

    In Hong Kong, B-Free Technology Ltd., a local technology innovator, was awarded the grand prize of approximately US$20,000 (HK$150,000). After hearing about a disabled youngster who had been confined to his home for eight years as he could not negotiate the five stairs at the lobby of his building, the company founder came up with the award-winning B-Free Chair to help the disabled to navigate stairs and regain mobility. The grant from FedEx will allow the company to further research and develop its next-generation wheelchair, the B-Free Ranger, and expand into the European market.

    The winner of the Singapore contest was RedWhite Apparel Pte Ltd, a long distance cycling bib shorts company that was awarded the grand prize of approximately US$18,000 (S$25,000) to assist in its plan to go global. RedWhite Apparel was launched in 2014 by Amreet Singh and Yuvaraman Viswanathan whose passion is cycling ultra-distances of 200 kilometers or longer. Frustrated by bib shorts that were uncomfortable and didn’t provide adequate support, they set out to make their own high-performance but affordable long-distance bib shorts for modern cyclists. Going global has been RedWhite Apparel’s goal since the company was launched, and it already has a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan. The founders plan to use the grant to help secure wider distribution and expand into Australia, Europe and USA.

    “SMEs account for 98 percent of all businesses in Asia Pacific and are a vital part of the regional economy. However, according to a recent FedEx study, only 36 percent of APAC SMEs are exporting despite there being a great opportunity to sell to markets beyond their own borders,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “Through the Small Business Grand Contest, FedEx aims to support small businesses looking to branch out into new markets and help them fulfill their global aspirations. Both in Hong Kong and Singapore, we were highly impressed by the quality of entries we received. The contest serves as a showcase for the dynamism, innovation and creativity of the SME community in both markets and we hope it will inspire the wider business community and budding entrepreneurs.”

    The contest was open to all for-profit small businesses that met entry criteria around the number of employees in the organization and the length of time the companies had been established, among others.  In October, eligible SMEs were first required to register online and outline their business plans to go global.  Selected finalists then progressed to the final judging stage in November.

    First rolled out in the U.S. three years ago, this year marked the first time that the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest was held in other regions of the world. In addition to Hong Kong and Singapore, the contest took place in Brazil.

  • How smaller retailers are thinking beyond Fashion Week for #fashion to compete

    How smaller retailers are thinking beyond Fashion Week for #fashion to compete

    Increasingly easy-to-use technology has enabled smaller retailers to speak and deliver to their niche customer sets across all channels with the same voice as they would in a shop in Hong Kong. So what is driving their success?

    This vendor-written piece has been edited by Executive Networks Media to eliminate product promotion, but readers should note it will likely favour the submitter’s approach.

    Like many reading this, I’m always intrigued by the small business owners I meet across the world, many running generations-old boutiques selling one-of-a-kind treasures. These shop owners, with their warm welcomes and time-honored craftsmanship, can quickly endear themselves to even the most casual shopper. A storefront with a history or an intriguing story can quickly turn a browser into a loyal customer, as has been my experience time and time again.

    This sort of personalized experience has always been the key to success for small retailers in the fashion and luxury goods sector.

    However, as the worlds of fashion, luxury and media descend upon Paris for Fashion Week, these experiences and transactions seem increasingly quaint and inconsequential. Amid all the dazzle, glitz and glamor, one can be forgiven for thinking that high fashion continues to be the realm of global retailers and big-name luxury brands.

    Yet remarkably, more and more fashion retailers are starting to embrace being ‘small’ as a strategy for success and growth. Increasingly easy-to-use technology has enabled smaller retailers to speak and deliver to their niche customer sets across all channels with the same voice as they would in a shop in Hong Kong. So what is driving their success?

    They’re tech-savvy

    With e-commerce growth projected to double the retail industry average at least until 2017, half of all shoppers discovering new products when searching with smartphones, 82 percent of smartphone owners looking online for product information when shopping, and smartphones already accounting for over 40 percent of ecommerce transactions in Japan and South Korea it is no wonder that small retailers are realizing that they need to be as tech-savvy and flexible as their customers. That means engaging and delighting shoppers on mobiles, social media and online channels. 

    They’re highly personal

    Technological advancements and the democratizing power of the Internet have allowed retailers to scale up without sacrificing intimacy and personal service. As customers no longer think about retailers’ brands in a silo, neither does the small retailer. They analyze insights from website visitor traffic, social media interactions, and newsletter click-through rates to better understand their customers. Any retailer with a Facebook page can now easily discover that their average customer is, for example, female, aged between 16 and 24, and listens to One Direction, and by using this data to precisely tailor their sales and marketing strategy, they can more effectively engage and delight their customers.

    They look for ways to cultivate and engage a community

    It is much more profitable to sell to loyal customers than to constantly look for new ones. A Bain study showed that just a five percent growth in customer retention could boost profitability by 75 percent.

    Small retailers are starting to use this insight to build loyal online communities, which do the selling for them. No wonder a brief Google search on the words ‘e-commerce’ and ‘social media’ turns out 101 million results, with articles such as ’12 Social Media Tactics to Drive Traffic to your E-commerce Site’ being the most visited. Another way is through loyalty programs, which 30 percent of independent retailers are planning to implement in 2016. This is on top of the quarter of independent retailers who already have a loyalty program in place.

    They find the right support 

    Finally, one cannot ‘grow small’ without a reliable network of business partners, whether it’s like-minded companies to cross-sell services and expand the product offering, or other companies to provide operational support in areas where expertise is lacking.

    One example of this is logistics. According to a recent FedEx study, about 70 percent of consumers surveyed listed shipping-related factors as the most influential in their decision to buy from online retailers in other markets. That is why small retailers look to third-parties for their expertise and capabilities in potentially complex areas, such as the implementation of a policy that allows customers the option to return items purchased online to a physical store.

    #fashion is a game changer

    As global product availability is almost a non-issue these days, smart small retailers in the fashion and luxury sector need to constantly rethink their strategies, find ways to stand out, grow, and engage their customers without compromising the essence of their appeal.

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  • Exporting the key to Asian SME growth

    Exporting the key to Asian SME growth

    If you’re an Asian SME and a retailer and you are not pursuing an export strategy – you’re missing out, according to a study completed by FedEx.

    Small- to medium-size enterprises throughout Asia Pacific that export to overseas markets are twice as likely to be experiencing growth of 11 per cent or more than SMEs who are focused solely on their home market.

    That’s the conclusion of a new global research study commissioned by FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company.  In the survey that includes six key markets in the region –China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan – 22 per cent of exporting SMEs reported that they were growing rapidly, compared to just 11 per cent of SMEs that sell only in their home market.

    The independent study, entitled Global opportunities: Examining Import and Export Trends Among Small Businesses, reveals the considerable revenue opportunities on offer to SMEs that export.  In Apac, SMEs reported that exports generate an average of US$1.8 million in revenue each year – the highest of the four global regions in the study.  In certain Apac markets, this figure was far higher: Taiwanese SMEs generate an average of US$2.8 million in revenue per year from exports, the highest level of export-driven revenue in the study, while Hong Kong SMEs came in second place, generating an average of almost US$2.6 million.

    “Small businesses are a critically important part of the Asia Pacific economy, and this study shows how they are able to thrive when they grasp the opportunity to sell to markets beyond their own borders,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific.

    “However, while many Asia Pacific SMEs see the potential of exporting, they are not confident in their ability to translate that potential into business success as they feel they lack the necessary advice and support. This should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. Helping SMEs to succeed in overseas markets can only be good for the entire region,” she said.

    Despite this significant opportunity, many SMEs are still hesitant about targeting overseas markets.  Currently, only 36 per cent of Apac SMEs are exporting, despite a much higher proportion (77 per cent) recognising that there is a whole world of customers out there.

    One of the reasons for this seems to be a lack of advice and support. Only 10 per cent of Apac SMEs believe they already have sufficient support to succeed in international markets – the lowest level among the four global regions in the study.

    Logistics plays a vital role in tackling this confidence gap. SMEs in Singapore and Taiwan ranked logistics providers as their top source of expertise on exporting, and SMEs in five out of six Apac markets rank logistics providers among their top sources. A reliable logistics service provider plays an important role in connecting SMEs with overseas opportunities and shaping the experience that SMEs provide to their customers.

    Despite the perceived barriers, SMEs are optimistic about the prospect of exporting in the future. Some 52 per cent of Apac SMEs anticipate they will be doing so by 2020, an increase of 16 per cent on the current level. They are even more positive when it comes to international business growth: 61 per cent anticipate greater revenue from overseas business in five years’ time, compared to just 45 per cent that predict this for their domestic business.

    The study was conducted by market research consultancy Harris Interactive on behalf of FedEx Express to provide insights into global import and export behavior among SMEs and the challenges they face. Completed in September, the results are based on interviews with 6891 senior executives from 13 markets across four regions, including 3315 from Apac.

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  • FedEx prepares for eCommerce boom

    FedEx prepares for eCommerce boom

    FedEx Asia Pacific is predicting a record breaking Singles Day in Asia this November 11.

    “Due to the huge popularity of the occasion in recent years, China’s State Post Bureau anticipates that this year will see a maximum of 140 million packages being handled per day on the days immediately following Singles’ Day – an increase of 40 per cent compared to the same period last year,” said FedEx in a statement.

    “The rise of eCommerce is particularly pronounced in our region, and this translates into ever-increasing volumes of shipments at this time of year,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific.

    “Our strategic investments, operational strength of our network, and more than 17,000 dedicated team members across the region – backed by more than 300,000 of their colleagues worldwide – are poised to deliver a holiday season to remember.”

    Globally, FedEx is also expecting record volumes on the US’ Cyber Monday (November 30) and the first two Mondays in December, when the company expects to move more than double its average daily volume.

    It expects a record-breaking 317 million shipments between Black Friday (November 27) and Christmas Eve – a 12.4 per cent increase over last year’s peak seasonal volume.

    FedEx says it has added 7000 delivery vehicles to its fleet and added 30 aircraft to its fleet over the last year. Across its network 55,000 package handlers, drivers and other support positions have been added to help meet the peak demand.

    FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, covering more than 220 countries and territories.a

  • FedEx sees record holiday shipments on rising retail

    FedEx sees record holiday shipments on rising retail

    Package delivery company FedEx Corp said on Monday that it expects to see a record number of shipments during this year’s busy holiday season, driven by rising retail sales and a jump in ecommerce.

    The Memphis-based company said it expects to handle 317 million shipments between Black Friday, traditionally the busiest U.S. shopping day of the year, and Christmas Eve, an increase of 12.4 percent over the previous year.

    “Each year we face a challenge that’s greater and that’s driven by ecommerce,” Patrick Fitzgerald, FedEx senior vice president for integrated marketing and communications told Reuters. “We’ve learned that planning and preparation is key.”

    The National Retail Federation has predicted retail sales in November and December – excluding automobiles, fuel and restaurant sales – will increase 3.7 percent to US$630.5 billion after a 4.1 percent increase last year. The NRF said online retail sales could increase up to 8 percent, to as much as US$105 billion.

    FedEx said that it expects to see three spikes in package volumes during peak season, on Cyber Monday and the first two Mondays in December. The company said its holiday projections are included in its full-year fiscal 2016 earnings guidance of between US$10.40 and US$10.90 per share.

    The rapid rise of ecommerce poses challenges for retailers and package delivery companies alike. In 2013 bad weather and a late surge in online retail packages caught FedEx and main rival United Parcel Service Inc off guard, leaving an estimated 2 million packages undelivered on Christmas Eve, the majority in UPS’ network.

    Last year both companies touted investments in their networks and close collaboration with major retailers to manage package flows during the holidays. UPS ended up over-spending to prepare for package volume spikes that did not materialize, hurting its fourth-quarter earnings. FedEx did not report any problems.

    This year FedEx has invested US$1.6 billion in capacity and automation projects at FedEx Ground to help with peak season.

    FedEx’s Fitzgerald said that if retailers come in way above forecast with a sudden surge in packages, the company may “need to cap volumes” in order to protect its network.