Airborne Express, Seattle, announced the launch of a nationwide Ground Delivery Service, with the aim of competing better against industry giants UPS and FedEx.

"Airborne's extensive customer surveys revealed tremendous support for a ground service option," said Carl Donaway, president and chief operating officer. "Many existing customers who previously had to use another carrier for ground delivery shipments will now be able to save money by keeping all of their business with Airborne. Additionally, companies that aren't currently using Airborne will now find we offer everything they need from one source, at very competitive rates."
Initially available to a limited customer base, Airborne's Ground Delivery Service will offer the same value-added benefits currently afforded by Airborne's express services, including shipment tracking and customer automation options. The pricing of the deferred 1-5 day delivery service will be zone rated, which is consistent with industry standards currently in place.
Airborne's Ground Delivery Service will use Airborne's existing ground hub network. The service will be integrated into the company's current pickup and delivery operation. The company is targeting an average per day shipment volume of 15,000 units by the end of the first three months of service.
The company negotiated a special addendum to existing labor agreements with the Teamsters union in order to add the service.