The freight division of Memphis, Tenn.-based FedEx will break ground this morning on an expanded distribution facility that could bring additional jobs to Commerce City.
FedEx Freight chose to expand in Commerce City because of the metro area’s central location for east-west shipments, said company spokeswoman Kathy Brooks.
When completed in November 2007, the 70,000-square-foot service center, at Marty Farms Industrial Park on East 96th Avenue, will boast 241 doors and rank as the second-largest after Dallas among the company’s network of 330 centers.
The facility will replace a 46,000- square-foot, 152-door service center at 5601 Holly St., also in Commerce City. FedEx Freight leases that space.
FedEx Freight specializes in less- than-truckload shipments, typically on pallets. Less-than-truckload shipping has become more popular as companies and retailers try to exercise tighter control over their inventories, ordering smaller amounts more frequently.
FedEx Freight employs about 600 workers in Commerce City and is the city’s fourth-largest employer, said Commerce City spokeswoman Heather Grady.
FedEx Freight wouldn’t give a timetable for its hiring plans or how many positions would be added.
“We will be adding additional positions as the business level warrants,” Brooks said.
Companywide, FedEx Freight employs more than 28,000 people and handles more than 65,000 shipments daily.
FedEx Freight generated $3.6 billion in revenues during its last fiscal year, part of the parent company’s $32.3 billion in revenues.
The FedEx parent company is best known for its overnight package-delivery services. The company also operates a ground package-delivery service, competing against rivals such as United Parcel Service and U.S. Postal Service.
Established in 2001 through the acquisition of American Freightways and Viking Freight, FedEx Freight is the fastest- growing division within FedEx, Brooks said.
Staff writer Aldo Svaldi can be reached at 303-954-1410 or asvaldi@denverpost.com.
