FedEx is stepping deeper into the fast delivery race with a new same-day shipping programme powered by last-mile logistics firm OneRail.
The move, as reported by a CNBC exclusive, comes just days after Amazon revealed plans to introduce delivery windows as short as one to three hours across parts of the US.
As retailers face rising pressure to match faster fulfilment expectations, FedEx’s latest offering aims to combine speed, flexibility, and real-time tracking without requiring major infrastructure changes.
The partnership signals a broader shift in how logistics providers and retailers are adapting to growing demand for near-instant delivery across categories.
Same-day delivery push
The collaboration allows retailers using FedEx to offer same-day shipping with defined delivery windows.
Customers will be able to select options such as two-hour slots or deliveries completed by the end of the day.
The service is designed to give more predictability while improving visibility throughout the delivery process.
FedEx said the programme focuses on speed, reliability, and transparency. It also introduces near real-time tracking, allowing customers to follow their deliveries more closely.
The system integrates with retailers’ existing store networks, enabling faster dispatch without building new logistics systems.
OneRail’s AI logistics network
OneRail brings an AI-driven platform that manages routing, optimisation, and delivery tracking.
The company said it covers nearly 99% of the US and operates a network of more than 1,000 drivers.
It currently supports around 80,000 deliveries per day that are completed within 30 minutes or less.
Through this partnership, FedEx gains access to a flexible last-mile system that can scale based on demand.
Retailers will also receive a rate card from OneRail, allowing them to set their own pricing for same-day delivery depending on their business strategy.
The structure gives retailers more control over customer relationships and data, while adding another fulfilment option alongside traditional shipping models.
Retail competition intensifies
The timing of the announcement reflects growing competition across the retail and logistics sectors.
Amazon recently introduced delivery windows as short as one to three hours for more than 90,000 items, including household goods, clothing, and essentials.
The company plans to expand this offering to more regions after its initial rollout.
Other retailers such as Walmart and Target, have also been expanding express delivery services.
These efforts are partly aimed at countering Amazon’s long-standing advantage built through its Prime membership programme.
Amazon first set expectations for fast delivery with its free two-day shipping model introduced in 2005.
It later moved to one-day delivery in 2019 and has continued investing heavily in same-day capabilities.
Flexible model for retailers
FedEx and OneRail said the partnership has been in development for several years but is now launching as market demand accelerates.
The model allows retailers to offer faster delivery without needing to redesign their logistics infrastructure.
The system also supports time-sensitive deliveries, including large items such as furniture, where customers may need specific delivery windows.
By outsourcing complexity to a unified platform, retailers can avoid the costs and operational challenges of building in-house same-day networks.
The rollout highlights how logistics providers are evolving from traditional shipping services into integrated technology partners.
As customer expectations shift towards speed and convenience, same-day delivery is increasingly becoming a standard offering rather than a premium feature.
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