FedEx Trade Networks, the freight forwarding arm of FedEx Corp., has announced that it has recently established operations in Johannesburg, South Africa; Bologna, Italy; and Ankara and Izmir, Turkey. As part of the company's global expansion initiative, which began in 2008, it has opened a total of 45 offices throughout Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.

"FedEx Trade Networks is more than just a freight forwarder," said Fred Schardt, president and CEO of FedEx Trade Networks. "We are in the business of providing solutions and that means giving our customers access to the markets that are most important to them. Whether they ship freight via air, ocean, or both, we deliver."

The opening of the new office in Johannesburg marks the Memphis-based company's entry into the South African market. The offices in Bologna, Ankara, and Izmir are all additional locations in Italy and Turkey. FedEx Trade Networks opened an office in Milan, Italy in November 2010 and established operations in Istanbul, Turkey in August of this year.

This latest round of office openings will offer FedEx Trade Networks customers increased access to major global markets, both inbound and outbound. Customers will also benefit from the company's wide range of ocean service options and flexible air freight forwarding solutions that employ a variety of value-added services, including the ability to manage their supply chain and control their goods in transit from point of origin to final destination.