FedEx Delivers Functional and Attractive New Uniform to Employees around the World.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 1996--Federal Express Corporation today unveiled a new, more functional uniform for all its couriers, ground operations employees, and World Service Center agents throughout the world.

Designed by fashion industry consultant Stan Herman, the new uniform provides employees day-to-day variety with an updated classic-casual look in the workplace. It also provides more comfort and new safety features, including 80 percent more outerwear reflectivity.

"We conducted extensive employee surveys and focus groups around the world to determine how the new uniform could better meet their needs," said Gayle Christensen, managing director of Corporate Marketing for FedEx. "We're especially proud of the uniform because it was a true team effort, taking the needs and desires of a global work force into account, and extending our new identity."

Among FedEx World Service Center agents surveyed, 93 percent requested more casual and comfortable uniforms, like those of the couriers.

Employees will receive uniform pieces at launch and throughout the year; the full roll-out will be completed by December 1997.

"Over 80 percent of employees said they wanted new, updated uniform components," stated Christensen. "The current uniforms -- also designed by Herman -- were revolutionary for their time and have served the FedEx team well. We're making the new uniforms bolder and more comfortable to meet the needs of the company's employees."

Uniform Designed to Perform

Meeting the various needs of an international work force is a challenge. For example, U.S. employees prefer wash-and-wear clothing; international employees prefer all natural fibers in apparel. Therefore, FedEx compromised: while most uniform components are the same around the world, FedEx developed one short-sleeved golf-style shirt that is different overseas. In the U.S., the shirt is made of a very high percentage of cotton blended with synthetic fiber; the international shirt is 100 percent cotton.

"We chose slightly different material for some U.S. and international uniform components, based on employee requests and climate differences around the world," explained Christensen. "Our employees told us that they needed uniforms that were easy to care for, so we developed a cotton/poly blend that contains as much cotton as possible."

A Distinct Appearance

The new uniform incorporates a variety of components so employees can mix separates to meet their individual needs. Some of the new pieces include a variety of shirts, sweaters, caps and outerwear. The shoulder epaulets on the current uniform will be replaced with modern pins worn on the collar or chest to display and employee's years of service.

"We updated the uniform, not only to correspond to changing job requirements, but also to allow employees the opportunity to express their individuality within the confines of a uniform," said Herman, president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. "FedEx's desire to work with its employees in designing a new uniform exemplifies the company's forward-thinking nature."

Federal Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable services for more than 2.5 million items in 211 countries each working day. The company employs approximately 124,000 people and operates more than 560 aircraft, 37,000 vehicles and over 400,000 Powership(R) and FedEx Ship(TM) automated systems in its integrated global network. Federal Express reported revenues of $10.3 billion for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1996. -0-

FEDEX NEW UNIFORMS

FACT SHEET

-- Based on extensive employee surveys and research, the updated FedEx uniform offers employees many separates for a variety of layering options, depending upon climate, work environment, job requirements and individual preferences.

-- The new FedEx uniform is made from fabrics woven exclusively for FedEx with a higher percentage of natural fibers. The proprietary FedEx fabric is an 84% cotton and 16% polyester blend, which is comfortable, easy to care for and durable.

-- Designed to meet the demands and regional customs of a global work force, the core pieces of the new FedEx uniform are provided free to employees.

Uniform Components

-- 84% cotton/16% polyester woven fabric shirts: Long- and short-sleeved button down collared shirts with new FedEx logo embroidered on the breast pocket; orange, purple and white threads are woven together for a unique FedEx color.

-- Knit shirts: Long- and short-sleeved golf-style shirts in FedEx navy blue, with the FedEx logo and "The World on Time" tagline on the sleeve. The long-sleeved shirts are 100% cotton; the short-sleeved shirts are a cotton/polyester pique blend.

-- 100% acrylic reduced-piling sweaters: Pullover, sweater vest and cardigan feature the FedEx logo and "The World on Time" tagline in FedEx purple/navy heather; the FedEx logo is knit into the fabric of the pullover and sweater vest.

-- 100% cotton turtleneck and T-shirt: Long-sleeved turtleneck with knit collar and short-sleeved T-shirt in FedEx purple or navy blue coordinate with all other layers of the uniform.

-- Durable, year-round polyester/cotton twill pants/shorts: FedEx navy pants and shorts, which feature five pockets, are more functional.

Outerwear

-- Nylon and Fortrel(R) Ecospun(TM) (a fiber made from recycled plastic) fleece jackets: The outer jacket, hooded fleece liner and fleece vest include 80% more reflectivity for increased safety. The three can be worn separately or together.

-- Durable nylon and hollofill overalls and raingear: A quilted, insulated bib overall in FedEx navy with a reflective strip around the legs; 100% nylon FedEx navy rain jacket and pants feature a three-inch reflective trim across the chest and back, back vent and attached hood.

-- Thermastat(TM) gloves: Purple/orange gloves with rubberized grips on the palms and fingers for added strength and durability.

-- Nylon and Ecospun(TM) hats: FedEx sun protection hats include a "foreign legion-style" cap with sloping front long bill and neck shield; the FedEx navy visor has an elastic strap back.

-0- Note to Editors: Fortrel Ecospun is a trademark of Wellman, Inc. Thermastat is a trademark of Dupont, Inc.

Federal Express press releases are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.fedex.com.

CONTACT: Federal Express

Sonja Whitemon, 901/395-3484

or

Ketchum Public Relations 

Kenneth Hooper, 212/878-4685