In line with FedEx announcement that there could be delay for some deliveries scheduled for holiday season, its drivers are working extra shifts to help manage the surge in online shopping and the severe weather.
The major FedEx hub, located in Memphis, Tenn., was hounded by severe weather days before Christmas and it significantly affected the timing of Christmas gifts. In addition, the number of orders increased this year. FedEx employees worked tirelessly to deliver packages to customers on Christmas Eve. FedEx was expecting nearly 12 percent increase in shipments compared to last year.
Company’s spokeswoman said that FedEx Express continues to do limited delivery operations in some markets to deliver shipments before Christmas because of the unforeseen volume and severe weather in some areas of the country, Fox News reported.
Weeks before the start of shopping season, FedEx and other shipping companies had indicated that they were hiring temporary staff to deal with increase in volume of orders. Express employees had volunteered to work extra shifts on Christmas to help get packages to customers. The company also informed customers that they can pick up their packages from FedEx Express offices.
The spokeswoman said Friday that Express employees had volunteered to work extra shifts on Christmas to help get packages to customers. FedEx also opened some offices on Christmas so customers could pick up packages, according to Wall Street Journal.
It was unclear how widespread the FedEx delays were, but a number of unhappy consumers took to Twitter and other social-media outlets to complain.
FedEx executives said that earlier this month was the busiest peak season in the company’s history and did not expect things to slow before Christmas.