Kinko’s, FedEx Alliance Made to Improve Service

Ventura-based Kinko’s Inc. and FedEx have formed an alliance to provide customers with document printing and finishing, with same- and next-day delivery.

The two companies also said they are expanding their existing retail relationship, which has been in place since 1994.

Under terms of the agreement, Kinkos.com and FedEx will launch a co-branded service this fall that will be accessible at Kinkos.com and via links at Fedex.com. Customers can use this service, dubbed “Print to Kinko’s,” at Kinko’s Web site for same-day delivery in 20 major markets and overnight delivery throughout the country.

By year’s end, same-day delivery via local couriers will be offered in 55 markets, covering 80% of the U.S. population. Also in the coming months, the companies plan to expand service to select international markets and offer in-store pickup in select Kinko’s locations.

Currently, FedEx operates staffed world service centers, offering express shipping, in more than 50 U.S. Kinko’s branches. The number of FedEx-staffed locations is expected to increase to 150 by May 2001.