Express Messenger Systems Inc., a Phoenix-based freight-delivery and courier service, has opened a hub in Spokane.


The company, which specializes in same-day delivery, is leasing about 4,900 square feet of office and warehouse space at 6207 W. Thorpe, says Crystal Bowman, Spokane operations manager. The building, which also is occupied by Lima, Pa.-based Pilot Air Freight Inc., is east of Spokane International Airport.


The hub has three employees and works with about 22 independent-contractor drivers, Bowman says.


Express Messenger Systems provides services similar to other parcel-delivery services, such as Memphis, Tenn.-based FedEx Corp., and also has carved a niche by contracting with certain suppliers to deliver medical and office products.


Bowman says the Spokane hub handles 3,000 to 4,000 items a day.


Were expanding quickly, she says.


The Spokane hub serves the Inland Northwest. Prior to establishing the hub here, Express Messenger Systems served this area from its Seattle branch, Bowman says.


Express Messenger Systems was established in 1954 and now is in 14 cities in Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Minnesota.


Tracy Lucas and Mark Lucas, both of Kiemle & Hagood Co., and Carlos Herrera, of Tomlinson Black Commercial Inc., handled the lease.