FedEx was a pioneer in electronic commerce long before the Internet opened for commercial use.  In 1987, the FedEx PowerShip? was launched, allowing customers to process their shipments electronically.  This later evolved into a software version called FedEx Ship.  Then in 1996, the application was moved to the online world, and was given the name �interNetShip�.

FedEx interNetShip? provides the first automated shipping transaction available on the Internet.  Customers simply enter a valid FedEx account number in order to complete the entire shipping order directly from the Web page.  Here are some of the activities that customers can conduct online:
        schedule a courier pick-up.
        calculate the cost of any shipment.
        automatically upload the billing information to FedEx.
        prepare and verify shipping documents using electronic forms on the Web site.
        print shipping labels and other documents.
        store up to 300 addresses of recipients.
        get email notification of shipment sent.
        track the status of their packages.
The above activities benefit both customers and FedEx, saving time and money.  

The on-line tracking system enables customers to get critical information on the location of their shipment.  Let�s look deeply into the electronic processes and see how FedEx�s system works.  One thing we should be aware is that these processes require the coordination of their customers and their organization as a whole.  First of all, customers need to get their shipping-related documents, bills and labels from FedEx�s web site.  Then, all they need to do is fill out the form and arrange for a courier pickup time online.  After each package pick-up, the courier uses a hand-held computer called Super Tracker, which is about the size of a candy bar, to scan the bar code on each package�s air bill.  Once the courier returns to the van, the information is downloaded from the SuperTracker to the DADS (Digitally Assisted Dispatch System).  This system updates the package location for the central terminal. This scanning step is normally repeated at every stage of the delivery process.  Scans are normally performed an average of five times per shipping.  These five stages include: the pick-up, the arrival at the origin station, the arrival at the final station, the placement on the courier�s van and the delivery. Customers are able to find out exactly where their package is by using the online FedEx Tracking system at any time.  

The SuperTracker and DADS are reliable and helpful hardware that add value to online business.   In addition, FedEx uses Sun SPARCservers & HP9000s as servers, and also runs the Netscape communications server.  The average number of electronic transmissions is approximately 63 million daily. The company�s web site has heavy traffic-- 5 million hits and 1 million tracking requests per month.  FedEx interNetShip? uses the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) security standard, supported by Netscape Navigator® 3.0 (or above) and Microsoft® Internet Explorer 3.0 (or above) browsers.  Moreover, FedEx uses back-end checks and other security measures to help protect against improper use of customer account numbers or credit card information.