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OnTrac challenges FedEx, UPS with cross-country delivery services
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-09-09 20:18
Core Insights - OnTrac is launching a hybrid air-and-ground Express delivery product in early 2026 in collaboration with ClearJet, aiming to provide a cost-effective solution by skipping domestic ground shipping zones, thus offering consistent two-day and three-day coast-to-coast transit times [3][8][9] Company Overview - ClearJet operates a parcel delivery service that integrates regional ground transport with narrowbody passenger aircraft, managing on-airport sortation and final delivery through regional partners or its own vehicles [2] - OnTrac serves 35 states and the District of Columbia, focusing on last-mile delivery from retail fulfillment centers located near customers [6][10] Service Offerings - OnTrac Express will reach over three-quarters of U.S. shoppers and 48 of the top 50 metro areas, offering competitive pricing and fewer surcharges compared to traditional air express services [9][16] - The new deferred delivery product, OnTrac Ground Essentials, will provide transit times one to two days longer than legacy services at rates up to 30% lower than national providers [13][14] - The 7-Day Play service will utilize artificial intelligence to predict delivery times, enhancing the current seven-day service and improving order conversion rates for retailers [18][21] Market Positioning - OnTrac aims to fill the gap for retailers needing faster delivery options without the high costs associated with legacy air services, thus appealing to a broader range of e-commerce merchants [8][16] - The company is responding to a market trend where many retailers have not fully regionalized their fulfillment networks, often relying on one or two centers [8][21] Competitive Landscape - Experts have mixed reactions to OnTrac's strategy, with some supporting its expansion to compete with FedEx and UPS, while others suggest it should focus on its strengths in last-mile delivery [6][10] - The traditional carriers, FedEx and UPS, have raised prices and added surcharges, prompting shippers to seek alternative carriers like OnTrac [14][17]