FedEx has outlined plans to expand its European freight footprint following its recent acquisition of TNT Express.

Speaking to Wall Street analysts during an earnings call, the company's founder Frederick Smith said the acquisition will bring more pallets as well as parcels to FedEx's global expedited cargo network, reports JOC.com.

He confirmed the importance of the freight transportation business to FedEx's European operations, with TNT's proven capabilities in ferrying freight cargo at high speed throughout western Europe highlighted as a key advantage.

The main difference between TNT Express and FedEx Express - which are now being integrated - is that TNT's fleet includes vehicles with the capability to handle larger palletised freight deliveries.

TNT Express has already added $1.8 billion (£1.37 billion) to FedEx's $14.7 billion top­-line revenue figure during the fiscal quarter ending August 31st 2016, with further financial benefits from the deal expected in the years to come.

Michael Glenn, president and CEO of FedEx Services, said: "The additional density within the European network TNT will bring will allow us to compete on a more effective basis."