Ian Silverton: "Our goal is for Spanish SMEs to compete on a level playing field in any market"

In March 2026, Ian Silverton, MD of FedExIt analyzes how digitalization and logistics infrastructure are driving the internationalization of Spanish SMEs, eliminating customs barriers and optimizing the global supply chain through the strategic use of artificial intelligence.

 

Global leadership in express transport

 

Founded in 1971 by Frederick W. Smith, FedEx It is currently the world's largest express transportation company. With a presence in more than 220 countries and territories, the company employs over 500.000 people and generates annual revenues of $90.000 billion. España, where it has operated since 1989, the firm has an expanding network that includes five gateways strategic in Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia y Vitoriain addition to 26 operational stations. During fiscal year 2025, the company strengthened its infrastructure with key investments in Málaga, Bilbao and the airport Madrid-Barajas.

 

 

Ian Silverton (Redhill, 1966) holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from the Universidad de Plymouth and has a track record of more than three decades in FedExwhere he joined in 1992. After holding various positions of responsibility in customer service and operations, he was appointed legal representative of the company for España y Portugal in 2007. Currently, he holds the position of Managing Director Ground Operations all with Iberia and is a key figure in the sector, having held the vice presidency of the logistics organization UNO and the presidency of AECI.

 

What is your assessment of these first 25 years of the 21st century in the evolution of global logistics and the internationalization of Spanish companies?

 

Ian Silverton: Looking back at the first 25 years of the 21st century, I would say that global logistics has completely changed. We've gone from stable, fairly linear supply chains to much more complex, interconnected, and demanding global networks. Today, resilience, visibility, and adaptability are essential. And digitalization, e-commerce, and automation have raised expectations for everyone: customers and companies alike.

 

 

If I had to give advice to a Spanish SME that wants to simplify its international operations, I would tell them to think globally from the start. Opportunities are growing, distant markets are more accessible than ever, and cross-border e-commerce is opening doors that didn't exist before.

 

 

In this environment, Spanish companies have made a huge leap forward in internationalization. They export more, reach more and more distant markets, and do so with much more sophisticated logistics. What only large corporations could do before, SMEs can now do. A small Spanish company can operate globally with an agility that was unthinkable twenty years ago. España has strengthened its role in global trade, and since FedEx We have accompanied this progress with investments in infrastructure, technology, and intelligence applied to the supply chain.

 

Our global network, which connects 99% of the world's GDP, allows Spanish companies to compete on equal terms in virtually any market.

 

In an environment of complex supply chains, what is the main role it plays today? FedEx to "demystify global trade" and make life easier for SMEs?

 

ICE: Today, supply chains are more complex than ever, and that's precisely why our role in FedEx It's about demystifying global trade. Many SMEs feel that exporting is complicated, that there are too many steps or too much uncertainty. And that complexity remains one of the biggest barriers to their growth. That's why we're focusing on solutions that make international trade easier, faster, and more predictable.

 

We have a global network that moves over two trillion dollars' worth of goods annually and connects three million shippers with 255 million recipients. This scale allows us to offer SMEs something very valuable: simplicityOur goal is for a Spanish company to be able to focus on its business, while FedEx It ensures that your product reaches any part of the world quickly, reliably, and in compliance with regulations.

 

To achieve this, we provide you with a powerful and reliable network, intuitive digital tools, and more predictable customs processes. Ultimately, we want exporting to cease being a challenge and become a real opportunity for any SME.

 

Challenges and digitization

 

Looking ahead to the medium term, what are the biggest challenges (customs, sustainability, digitalization) and opportunities you identify for the logistics sector?

 

ICE: Looking to the medium term, we see a logistics sector brimming with opportunities, but also facing very clear challenges. Companies tell us this repeatedly: high logistics costs and the complexity of customs regulations remain two of their main concerns. To stay competitive, they need smarter and, above all, simpler supply chains.

 

At the same time, global trade flows are evolving toward much more digital and decentralized models. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are paving the way for more predictive, resilient supply chains that are better able to absorb geopolitical and economic volatility.

 

We also see a very interesting movement in EspañaSMEs are expanding their reach into high-potential markets, and cross-border e-commerce is boosting their growth prospects. For them, this is a moment of opportunity.

 

To address these challenges, what key solutions or innovations are you currently promoting that will make a difference for exporters?

 

ICE: To face the challenges ahead, in FedEx We are driving a technological transformation that is already having a real impact on the daily operations of exporters and importers. Our goal is for companies to be able to operate with greater precision, visibility, and confidence.

 

Several innovations are making a difference. For example, we're using artificial intelligence to optimize routes and maximize cargo space in vehicles and aircraft by analyzing variables such as shipment size and weight, traffic, weather, and delivery times. This allows us to generate more efficient and reliable routes.

 

We have tools such as FedEx Surround®which offers near real-time visibility into shipment status and allows for anticipating issues through predictive analytics. This is complemented by a reinforced infrastructure in España, with new centers in Madrid, Málaga o BilbaoThese improvements significantly increase our sorting capacity and processing speed. And we are redesigning our global network to react quickly to tariff or regulatory changes, which is key to competing in international markets.

 

Looking ahead to 2026, our goal is to continue offering our customers faster and more direct access to key markets, eliminate the stress associated with customs, and enable businesses to operate with greater precision, transparency, and confidence.

 

 

What trend do you consider crucial to monitor in the coming months? And finally, what advice would you give to a Spanish SME that wants to simplify its international operations today?

 

ICE: If I had to choose one key trend to watch in the coming months, it would be intelligent automation. The combination of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics is redefining how supply chains are planned, executed, and monitored. This technological convergence will be crucial for gaining efficiency and resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment.

 

And if I had to give advice to a Spanish SME that wants to simplify its international operations, I would tell them to think globally from the start. Opportunities are growing, distant markets are more accessible than ever, and cross-border e-commerce is opening doors that didn't exist before.

 

And above all, I would recommend relying on logistics partners capable of offering a global network, customs advice, and digital tools that provide clarity. In an environment where complexity is the norm, simplicity becomes a decisive competitive advantage.

 

Key indicators of FedEx

 

Concept	Data / Impact
Global annual revenue	90.000 million
Value of goods transported per year	More than 2 trillion dollars
Packages transported daily (Global)	Approximately 17 million
Global network reach	99% of world GDP
Global economic impact (FY2025)	126.000 million
Employees worldwide	More than
Operational facilities in España	26 stations and 5 strategic gateways
Improves capacity in Málaga	Tripled sorting capacity
Improves capacity in Bilbao	+70% operating space / Doubled capacity

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about International Logistics and SMEs

• What is the biggest benefit of the global network of FedEx for a small business?
  It allows small businesses to compete on a level playing field by connecting their products to 99% of the world's GDP quickly and reliably.
  
• How does Artificial Intelligence help exporters?
  It optimizes routes and loads by considering variables such as weather and traffic, and offers predictive visibility through tools such as FedEx Surround®.
  
• What is the main advice given to simplify exporting?
  Think globally from the start and rely on logistics partners with their own network and experience in customs advice.