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ackage carriers based in the United States said they were ready for the European Union’s expansion this month to 25 nations and predicted it would add to profits over the next several years.

Both UPS Inc. and FedEx Corp., the two biggest American package carriers, said they had adapted their technology and trained their workforce in preparation for addition of 10 eastern European countries.

On May 1, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia formally became members of the EU.

Membership removes customs barriers among member states. Shipments from the United States will have to clear customs at their entry point, but once in Europe the freight can travel freely.

Both carriers said they had to modify billing procedures to include the new countries and train employees to handle new business.

For the full story, see the May 3 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.