FedEx

FedEx Corporation, formerly known as Federal Express Corporation and later FDX Corporation, is a multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The company has built its reputation on providing reliable transportation, e-commerce, and business services to customers worldwide. The company's name, "FedEx," is derived from its original air division, Federal Express, which was established in 1973 and used until 2000.

FedEx's primary service is its air delivery service, FedEx Express, which was among the first shipping companies to offer overnight delivery as a core service. Over the years, FedEx has diversified its offerings, launching subsidiaries such as FedEx Ground, FedEx Office (previously known as Kinko's), FedEx Supply Chain, FedEx Freight, and others to compete with major rival UPS. The company is also a top contractor for the US government and assists in the transportation of some packages for the United States Postal Service through its Air Cargo Network contract.

FedEx's prominence in the US and globally has made it a popular subject in popular culture, featured in movies such as Cast Away and known for its marketing slogans, such as "when it absolutely positively has to be there overnight." Additionally, FedEx has purchased naming rights for various sports facilities such as FedExField of the NFL's Washington Commanders and FedExForum of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.

The company's air shipping services have made its hub at Memphis International Airport, also known as the "Superhub," the busiest cargo airport in the world as of 2020. With 547,000 employees globally, FedEx is the fifth-largest US-based employer. The company's dedication to innovation and excellence has contributed to its growth and success in the transportation and business services industry.

FedEx Corporation, a multinational delivery services company, has been operating for over five decades, providing reliable and efficient shipping services to customers worldwide. Here is a detailed history of FedEx Corporation from 1971 to 2022.

In 1971, Frederick W. Smith founded Federal Express Corporation, a delivery company specializing in overnight air shipping. Smith, a Yale University graduate and former Marine Corps officer, developed the concept while he was an undergraduate at Yale, where he wrote a term paper on the need for reliable overnight delivery in a computerized information age.

Smith raised $91 million in venture capital and launched Federal Express on April 17, 1973, with a fleet of 14 small aircraft and a staff of 389 people. The company's first night of operations saw 186 packages delivered to 25 U.S. cities.

In 1974, Federal Express expanded its service to the Pacific Rim, serving 22 Asian cities, including Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The company also opened its first international hub in Guam, providing a strategic location for routing shipments between Asia and the United States.

In 1975, Federal Express introduced its "SuperTracker" system, a computerized tracking system that allowed customers to track their packages in real-time. The system was a significant innovation, providing unprecedented visibility into the shipping process and helping to build customer trust in the company's services.

In 1981, Federal Express became the first company to offer a money-back guarantee for on-time delivery. This move further solidified the company's reputation for reliability and helped to drive customer loyalty.

In 1983, Federal Express acquired Gelco Express International, a Minneapolis-based ground transportation company, expanding the company's capabilities beyond air shipping. The acquisition allowed Federal Express to offer a wider range of delivery options and further strengthened the company's position in the market.

In 1984, Federal Express launched the first version of its "Customer Automation System," which allowed customers to place orders, track shipments, and manage their accounts online. This move was a significant step towards the digitalization of the shipping industry and helped to streamline the shipping process for customers.

In 1989, Federal Express officially changed its name to FedEx Corporation, reflecting its expanding range of services beyond just air shipping. The company also adopted a new logo, featuring a bold purple and orange design that has become iconic in the shipping industry.

In 1994, FedEx acquired Caliber System Inc., the parent company of RPS, a ground delivery service. The acquisition made FedEx the largest provider of ground delivery services in North America, and the company began to offer a broader range of shipping options to customers.

In 1998, FedEx launched FedEx Trade Networks, a subsidiary dedicated to providing customs brokerage, global trade management, and freight forwarding services. The move further expanded FedEx's capabilities and helped the company to better serve customers with complex shipping needs.

In 2000, FedEx introduced FedEx Express Saver, a new shipping option that provided customers with a more affordable alternative to overnight shipping. The service offered a three-day delivery guarantee and was aimed at small businesses and individuals who did not need the fastest shipping options.

In 2004, FedEx acquired Kinko's, a chain of retail stores specializing in printing, shipping, and business services. The acquisition allowed FedEx to expand its retail presence and offer a wider range of services to customers, including document printing and finishing, computer rentals, and shipping.

In 2010, FedEx launched SenseAware, a sensor-based logistics solution that provided real-time visibility into the shipping process. The system was designed for customers with high-value or sensitive shipments and allowed them to track the location, temperature, and other critical data about their packages in real-time.

In 2011, FedEx acquired the Indian express distribution company, AFL Pvt. Ltd., in a bid to expand its presence in the rapidly growing Indian market. The same year, the company launched SenseAware, a service that provides customers with real-time tracking and monitoring of high-value shipments.

In 2012, FedEx announced that it would be investing $1.7 billion to expand its hub in Memphis, Tennessee, in order to meet growing demand for e-commerce shipments. The company also announced that it would be acquiring Brazilian transportation company Rapidão Cometa, expanding its presence in South America.

In 2013, FedEx Express and the U.S. Postal Service entered into a new agreement that would allow FedEx to use the Postal Service's last-mile delivery network to deliver FedEx SmartPost packages to residences. The same year, the company announced a new initiative called "Delivering for Good," which aimed to use the company's logistics expertise to support disaster relief efforts and other humanitarian causes.

In 2014, FedEx announced that it would be acquiring the Dutch package delivery company, TNT Express, for $4.8 billion, in order to expand its presence in Europe. The acquisition was completed in 2016, after receiving approval from regulatory authorities.

In 2015, FedEx announced that it would be investing $1.2 billion to modernize and expand its Memphis hub, in order to handle increasing volumes of e-commerce shipments. The company also announced that it would be expanding its FedEx Ground network to six days a week, in response to growing demand for package deliveries.

In 2016, FedEx completed its acquisition of TNT Express, creating a combined company with a strong presence in Europe and a broader portfolio of services. That same year, the company launched FedEx CrossBorder, a service that helps merchants navigate the complexities of cross-border e-commerce.

In 2017, FedEx announced that it would be investing $1.5 billion to expand its FedEx Express hub in Indianapolis, Indiana, in order to accommodate increasing volumes of e-commerce shipments. The company also launched FedEx Supply Chain, a new subsidiary focused on providing supply chain solutions to businesses.

In 2018, FedEx announced that it would be acquiring Manton Air-Sea Pty Ltd, an Australian freight forwarder, in order to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The company also announced a new initiative called "Fuel Sense 2.0," which aimed to reduce the company's aircraft emissions by 30% by 2020.

In 2019, FedEx announced that it would be ending its contract to provide ground delivery services for Amazon, as the e-commerce giant had been building up its own delivery network. The company also announced a new partnership with Walmart, to provide delivery services for the retailer's online orders.

In 2020, FedEx played a critical role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as e-commerce surged and demand for shipping and logistics services skyrocketed. The company also announced a new sustainability goal, to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

In 2021, FedEx announced that it would be investing $2 billion to achieve its new sustainability goal, including a pledge to replace all of its vehicles with electric models by 2040. The company also announced that it would be expanding its FedEx Ground network to seven days a week, in response to ongoing growth in e-commerce shipments.

FedEx is committed to ensuring that their shareholders receive the greatest possible returns on their investments by providing top-notch logistics, transport, and associated business services through the strategic deployment of their operations. With this mission in mind, the company strives to create high value-added services that will make a significant impact on their financial returns.

The vision of FedEx is to foster mutually beneficial relationships between its staff, associates, and vendors. Safety always comes first in all their activities, and they are committed to conducting their business with the highest levels of ethical conduct and professionalism.

FedEx Express: This is a fast, reliable, and time-definite delivery service that delivers packages and documents to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

FedEx Ground: This is a cost-effective, small-package delivery service that provides reliable, day-definite delivery to every business and residential address in the United States.

FedEx Freight: This is a less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping service that specializes in the transportation of large, heavy, and bulky items.

FedEx Custom Critical: This is a time-critical shipping service that offers customized shipping solutions for sensitive and high-value shipments, including temperature-controlled shipments, hazardous materials, and oversized shipments.

FedEx Trade Networks: This is a suite of international freight forwarding services that help businesses navigate the complexities of global trade, including customs brokerage, global ocean and air cargo distribution, and trade consulting.

FedEx Office: This is a retail chain of print and shipping centers that offers a range of services, including printing, shipping, and packing.

FedEx SameDay: This is a same-day shipping service that offers delivery within hours, with real-time tracking and delivery confirmation.

FedEx Supply Chain: This is a suite of supply chain management services that help businesses optimize their logistics and supply chain operations, including warehousing and distribution, transportation management, and inventory management.

FedEx Cross Border: This is a suite of e-commerce shipping services that help businesses expand their global reach and sell to customers around the world, including international shipping, customs clearance, and international returns.

FedEx SmartPost: This is a last-mile shipping service that leverages the U.S. Postal Service's infrastructure to deliver small parcels and packages to residential addresses across the United States.