Parcel Handling Systems
Automated Parcel Sorting
Case Study: FedEx Ground Services
CLIENT
FedEx Ground
INDUSTRY
Parcel Handling
PROJECT SCOPE
Project Management & Engineering, Conveyor and Equipment Solutions, Warehouse Controls System, Millwright/Mechanical & Electrical Installation
LOCATIONS
Multiple sites in eight states
FedEx Ground turned to SilMan’s Material Handling Team for its parcel handling systems to provide engineering, equipment, electrical and mechanical installation, and controls for upgrades at ten sites in eight states.
Parcel Handling Industry in Transition
In 2016 FedEx Ground sought to modify its parcel handling systems and logistics operations to serve higher volumes of home delivery as demand for shipping shifted from business to consumer delivery. They engaged SilMan Material Handling to take on multiple, fast-track projects at distribution points across the country to modify, expand, and relocate key facilities to meet.
Retooling for Home Parcel Delivery
FedEx Ground facilities – equipment, systems, site plans, and trucks – were designed to handle business shipping rather than home delivery with its fewer parcel pickups and smaller parcels and trucks. The company faced a backlog of site projects across the country and a lack of qualified contractors and suppliers as it adjusted to rapid industry change in a short time frame.
Parcel Handling Systems and Solutions
SilMan Material Handling had the knowledge, resources, and capabilities in parcel handling systems to take on multiple, distant projects quickly and with little orientation. The company supports a dedicated Controls Division to serve the work, which covered procurement, installation, and set-up of new home delivery sortation systems, including mechanical, software, and electrical installs, as well as modification of van and truck lines to connect to adapted conveyors.
All told, SilMan provided project management and engineering support at ten expanded sites and new locations nationwide.
- Alabama: Dothan
- California: Redding, San Jose, Stockton
- Connecticut: North Haven
- Louisiana: Shreveport
- Pennsylvania: Allentown
- South Dakota: Rapid City
- Utah: Hurricane
- Virginia: Winchester
Custom Element for Success
While height challenges prevented a purely gravity-fed system, SilMan designed an elevated equipment solution, engineering a gravity-based conveyor that has been proven to be a highly functional workaround.
Learn more about the SilMan Material Handling Team. Looking for more? Take a deeper dive into distribution center optimization or our Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Parcel Handling Systems.
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FedEx Improves Home Parcel Services
Due in part to SilMan’s work, FedEx Ground was able to take advantage of this significant business growth opportunity, reaching record volumes of home deliveries and meeting the holiday season demand. Customer satisfaction was high and corporate profits increased while SilMan became an approved manufacturing supplier of conveyors to FedEx Ground.
This outcome was achieved by the experience, insight, and grit of several key SilMan Teams and Team Members:
- Kevin Jackson: Controls and Project Execution
- Ian Futon: Engineering and Project Execution
- Eric Bickford: Engineering and Project Execution
- SilMan Project Managers
- SilMan Specialty Trade Services
Did you know: FedEx
In 1985 Roadway Package System developed the “bar code.” The company, previously acquired by Caliber, was bought by FedEx in 1998 and was re-branded as “FedEx Ground.”
In 2000 they launched the first business-to-consumer parcel program, known as “FedEx Home Delivery.”
In 2015 FedEx acquired third-party logistics leader GENCO, which lead to the advances in-home delivery discussed in this case study.
Continuing to expand their capabilities and competitiveness, FedEx Ground expanded to seven-day home delivery in 2019.
About the Company
SilMan Industries (previously SilMan Construction) is based in San Leandro, Calif., with Engineering and Field Operations offices in Tupelo, Miss. The firm provides integrated turnkey solutions in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Public Works sectors.
Notably, in 2010 SilMan Industries was contracted to dismantle and remove the NUMMI assembly line in Fremont, Calif., transport the equipment, and reinstall the system in Blue Spring, Miss., establishing Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS). This high-visibility project ignited the company’s meteoric growth, laying the foundation for SilMan’s national service area.
For more information, please visit www.silmanindustries.com/about.
Parcel handling system, including sorting logistics and sorting machines – a case study focusing on the needs of FedEx Ground Services. Our parcel sorting systems are known for innovation, ingenuity, comprehensive performance, and excellent support. SilMan is national, serving all cities. This includes: Oakland. Los Angeles. Phoenix. Dallas. Chicago. Atlanta. Bowling Green. Charlotte. Huntsville. Indianapolis. Seattle. Kansas City.
