What was the result of the Q3 earnings report?

Contrary to analysts’ projections of adjusted earnings of $3.45 per share, FedEx surprised everyone with an announcement of $3.86 per diluted share.

During the  Q3 earnings call, FedEx President and CEO Raj Subramaniam attributed the company’s improved adjusted operating income, margins, and earnings per share to its successful cost-cutting strategies and the DRIVE initiative. He stated, “as part of our transformation, we are on track to complete the consolidation of FedEx operating companies into one streamlined and simplified organization, creating efficiencies as we build a stronger, more profitable enterprise.”

Subramaniam says that the work going into June’s consolidation of FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Services into Federal Express Corporation will “create a more flexible, efficient and intelligent network” and “is translating into direct improvements in our customer offering and profitability.”

When FedEx introduced its DRIVE program, it set out to achieve $4 billion in savings. In the last quarter alone, it secured $550 million in benefits, a significant step towards its FY 2024 goal of $1.8 billion in permanent cost reduction benefits. This success story underscores the effectiveness of FedEx’s cost-cutting strategies and its commitment to financial prudence.

What are some of the cost-reduction strategies FedEx is utilizing?

The FedEx leadership team isn’t just sitting around waiting for change. They’re creating change within the organization and have the results to prove it.

Although the shipping industry is experiencing a downturn, FedEx is securing business by offering discounts to bulk shippers. Despite ending their relationship in 2019, FedEx even explored an opportunity to partner with Amazon again before negotiations between the two corporations ceased.

The carrier isn’t just increasing income; it’s decreasing spending by parking freight aircraft, opting against new aircraft purchases, laying off employees, and encouraging its pilots to take work piloting a passenger airline.

In the Q3 call, Subramaniam reiterated the carrier’s commitment to adding $2.2 billion in permanent cost reduction benefits in fiscal year 2025 through these strategies.

FedEx is saving money. Where’s my savings?

While FedEx slashes its workforce and consolidates its brands, you may wonder whether your opportunity to save on shipping has passed. When you request a free savings analysis from ShipRx, we analyze your current contract and suggest cost-saving opportunities by leveling the playing field between you and the carriers.

We offer parcel rate negotiations and weekly parcel audits to automatically recover refunds from service failures and incorrect charges. Getting started is free, so get in touch today to maximize your savings.

Todd Partner