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                                                                   Exhibit 10.44


Corporate Express Delivery Systems                        (Corporate Express(R))

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 250
Houston, TX 77046-1102
713 867-5070
713 867-5004 Fax


October 19, 1998

Victor A. Serri
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX

Dear Victor,

Thank you for visiting with us at Corporate Express Delivery Systems. We are
very impressed with your background and qualifications. I am pleased to offer
you the following position of employment.

POSITION:                  Sr. Vice President Operations

REPORTS TO:                Clarence "Gabe" Gabriel

LOCATION:                  Corporate Office, Houston, TX

SALARY:                    Base salary of $7,500.00 will be payable bi-weekly,
                           over 26 periods, which if annualized equals
                           $195,000.00.

MANAGEMENT
INCENTIVE PLAN:            30% Bonus eligible plan based on (1) CEDS exceeding
                           earnings plan, (2) achieving revenue growth as
                           designated by management, and (3) meeting other
                           discretionary goals. This bonus is subject to
                           amendment or cancellation at any time at the sole
                           discretion of management.

STOCK OPTIONS:             You will be eligible to receive 70,000 stock options
                           subject to approval by the Board of Directors and
                           execution of a non-complete agreement. The option
                           price will be the fair market value of the Company's
                           common stock on the date of the Board of Directors
                           approval of the grant.

SIGN-ON BONUS:             As an incentive to join Corporate Express, you will
                           receive $25,000 minus applicable taxes, payable
                           within the first 30 days of employment and $50,000
                           minus applicable taxes, payable in February 1999.
                           This bonus will be reimbursed to Corporate Express,
                           on a pro-rated basis, if you voluntarily terminate
                           employment with Corporate Express Delivery Systems,
                           within one year of your date of hire.

BENEFITS:                  Please see the attached benefits summary.

SALARY
CONTINUATIONS:             If you are terminated without cause, you will be
                           eligible for twelve months salary continuance.
                           Termination without cause is defined as any
                           termination other than for: a) willful and continued
                           failure by the employee to substantially perform or
                           gross negligence in the performance of their duties,
                           b) the commission by the employee of a willful act of
                           dishonesty or misconduct which is demonstrably
                           injurious to the company, c) a conviction or a plea
                           of guilty or nolo contendere in connection with fraud
                           or any crime that constitutes a felony, d) the
                           commission by the employee of repeated acts of

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                           alcohol abuse which are demonstrably injurious to the
                           company or knowing use of any illegal substance.

I am confident you will be a valuable addition to Corporate Express Delivery
Systems and that you will be a great fit with the outstanding team we are
building. Please call me at 713-867-2990 or Lonnie Bane at 713-867-5033, to
discuss the offer. Additionally, if you are in agreement with the terms of this
offer, please return one signed original in the envelope provided. I look
forward to the opportunity of working with you.

Sincerely,



Clarence "Gabe" Gabriel

Cc:  Lonnie D. Bane

I accept the terms and conditions set forth in this letter dated October 19,
1998.


/s/ Victor A. Serri                                       October 24, 1998
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Victor A. Serri                                           Date