DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

FedEx Corp.'s (FDX) express operation has expanded its international economy shipping services to 90 countries as it looks to expand its presence and capture sales from companies who have cut back.

The company, often considered a bellwether for the U.S. economy because of its massive shipping volume, has struggled during the economic downturn as orders and sales slow across a range of industries. In recent months, FedEx has cut jobs and reduced capacity at its express and freight segments to deal with the slowdown.

Michael Ducker, FedEx Express international president, said the company understands customers need to keep costs down amid the challenging economic environment, so the company is offering more choices and greater coverage around the world.

The company said it now offers international economy service from more than 90 countries, up from 16. It offers international economy freight service from more than 50 countries, up from 13.

FedEx also recently said it would expand its global freight-forwarding presence in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America as it looks to offer full-service transportation everywhere in the world.

FedEx's shares closed Friday at $67.86 and haven't traded premarket.

-By Kerry Grace Benn, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2353; kerry.benn@dowjones.com