With supply chain disruptions and a surge in online shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes are coming to the FedEx operation in Kalispell.

The Ship Center on U.S. 2 in Evergreen that handles the FedEx Express operation apparently will close at the end of the summer as FedEx merges its Express and Ground forces at its location in South Kalispell.

“Effective August 31 in Kalispell, FedEx Express operations will begin leasing facility space from FedEx Ground,” FedEx Media Relations representative Jonathan Lyons wrote in an email. “Both Express and Ground operations will remain independent of one another, but will be conducted in the same building.

“FedEx Express will also contract with FedEx Ground in Kalispell for the delivery of select deferred shipments,” Lyons said.

Lyons explained this adjustment to local shipping operations was prompted by recent trends, particularly in online shopping. He wrote, “FedEx is constantly evaluating how best to optimize our operations to meet growing customer demand for our services. As e-commerce continues to grow, we are flexing our networks and building solutions to serve residential areas most efficiently while leveraging the individual strengths of our operating companies.”

Lyons said he couldn’t provide any numbers specific to layoffs or more limited work hours for Ship Center employees.

“We are helping our team members understand these operational changes and any shifts in their day-to-day responsibilities,” he explained. “What I can tell you is that the Express team is working to minimize the impact of these operational decisions on its team members in Kalispell.

“We will manage these changes as we would any shift in package volumes,” Lyons said. “FedEx networks are built for flexibility and we are always adjusting to accommodate different customer needs.”

The consolidation will potentially bring about an expansion of the FedEx Ground facility south of Kalispell. The city of Kalispell Site Development Review Committee’s July 9 meeting agenda included an item related to the FedEx Ground location on Schoolhouse Loop, including an “office trailer and mobile distribution ramp” that could be added to the South Kalispell facility.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.