How FedEx keeps moving when other things stop
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Missiles flying, airports closed and oil prices through the roof. For most businesses, that is a crisis. For the logistics industry, it is closer to a regular Tuesday. The question is what the rest of us can learn from people who have been stress-testing for moments like this for decades.
In this episode of TransportBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents, host Derryn Wong sits down with Eric Tan, managing director of FedEx Express Singapore, to do just that. They talk through how one of the world’s largest logistics networks keeps moving when the world around it stops making sense. Tan brings 53 years of institutional FedEx experience to the conversation and is refreshingly direct about what works and what does not.
Why listen
- Why the Iran crisis hits logistics differently from Covid The impact on global energy prices is more immediate and more direct than previous disruptions. Tan explains exactly how that flows through an aviation-heavy network like FedEx.
- How a fleet of 700 aircraft gets rerouted in real time Longer flight paths, adjusted schedules and alternative hubs all come into play. Tan walks through how the decisions actually get made and how quickly.
- Why resilience is built years before a crisis hits, not during it The single most transferable lesson from FedEx’s experience across Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome), Covid and multiple supply chain shocks. Tan is specific about what that preparation looks like in practice.
- What small businesses can learn from how large logistics operators The mindset of never assuming smooth conditions will last is not just for multinationals.
The logistics industry has been stress-testing for moments like this for decades. This conversation shows what that looks like from the inside. Listen now.
Discover more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.
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Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@sph.com.sg)
With Eric Tan, managing director of FedEx Express Singapore
Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro
Produced by: Derryn Wong, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh
A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.
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