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FedEx

Global courier delivery services company

FedEx, formerly Federal Express Corporation, is known for its air delivery service, FedEx Express, offering overnight delivery. It also operates FedEx Ground, FedEx Office, FedEx Supply Chain, and FedEx Freight. With 547,000 employees, FedEx is a major US employer and contractor for the US government. Its 'Superhub' at Memphis International Airport is the world's busiest cargo airport.

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Timeline

1965
Frederick W. Smith's Term Paper at Yale University
In 1965, Frederick W. Smith wrote a term paper at Yale University suggesting a new method for handling time-sensitive shipments, which later became the foundation for FedEx. Despite receiving an average grade, this paper laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking business idea.
1971-01-01
Founding of Federal Express Corp
On January 1, 1971, Federal Express Corp was founded in Little Rock, Arkansas.
1971-06-18
FedEx Founded by Frederick Wallace Smith
Frederick Wallace Smith founded FedEx on June 18, 1971, in Memphis, TN. After completing his military service, Smith purchased Arkansas Aviation Sales and established Federal Express Corporation, which later became FedEx.
1973-01-01
Relocation of FedEx Operations
On January 1, 1973, FedEx relocated its operations to Memphis, Tennessee.
1973-04-17
FedEx Begins Operations
On April 17, 1973, FedEx officially began its operations, revolutionizing the express transportation industry.
1975-01-01
Birth of Modern Air/Ground Express Industry
On the first night of continuous operation in 1975, 389 Federal Express team members and 14 Dassault Falcon jets deliver 186 packages overnight to 25 U.S. cities, marking the birth of the modern air/ground express industry.
1977
Federal Express Purchases Boeing 727 Aircraft
Shortly after the deregulation of the airline industry in 1977, Federal Express bought seven Boeing 727 aircraft to enhance its package transportation capabilities.
1978
Federal Express goes public
In 1978, Federal Express became a public company, raising capital for future expansion.
1981-01-01
Launch of COSMOS
COSMOS (Customers, Operations, and Services Master Online System) was introduced as a centralized computer system to manage people, packages, vehicles, and weather scenarios in real time.
1983
Federal Express Revenue Reaches US$1 Billion
By 1983, Federal Express became the first U.S. business to achieve a revenue of US$1 billion without the need for mergers or acquisitions, showcasing its rapid growth and success.
1984-01-01
Introduction of FedEx PowerShip®
The first PC-based automated shipping system, later named FedEx PowerShip®, was introduced by Federal Express.
1985
FedEx Opens European Hub in Brussels
In 1985, FedEx expanded its international presence and services to Europe by establishing a European hub at the Brussels airport.
1986-01-01
Introduction of SuperTracker®
On January 1, 1986, FedEx introduced the SuperTracker®, a hand-held bar code scanner system that could capture detailed package information.
1987
Federal Express acquires Tiger International
In 1987, Federal Express acquired Tiger International for $883 million, gaining access to its heavy-cargo airline, Flying Tiger Line, and expanding its international delivery services.
1988
Acquisition of Flying Tiger Line
In 1988, FedEx acquired one of its major competitors, Flying Tiger Line, establishing itself as the largest full-service cargo airline in the world.
1989
Integration of the Flying Tiger Line
FedEx becomes the world's largest full-service, all-cargo airline after integrating the Flying Tiger Line. The acquisition brings routes to 21 countries, a fleet of cargo aircraft including Boeing 747s, and expertise in international airfreight.
1994-01-01
Launch of fedex.com
On January 1, 1994, FedEx launched fedex.com as the first transportation website to provide online package status tracking, revolutionizing customer service and business transactions over the internet.
1996
Obtained rights to serve China as all-cargo carrier
In 1996, the company became the only U.S.-based, all-cargo carrier with the rights to serve China, marking a significant milestone in its global operations.
1997-10-02
FedEx Reorganization as FDX Corporation
On October 2, 1997, FedEx reorganized as a holding company, FDX Corporation, acquiring Caliber System Inc. This marked the beginning of offering various services beyond express shipping.
1998
FedEx acquires Caliber Systems and creates FDX Corporation
In 1998, FedEx acquired Caliber Systems and formed the FDX Corporation. This acquisition included various subsidiaries such as RPS (now FedEx Ground), Viking Freight (now FedEx Freight West), Caliber Logistics, Caliber Technology, and Roberts Express (now FedEx Custom Critical).
2001
Tower Group International rebranded as FedEx Trade Networks and then FedEx Logistics
In 2001, Tower Group International underwent a rebranding process and became known as FedEx Trade Networks, which later evolved into FedEx Logistics.
2002
FedEx Corp. acquires American Freightways Corp.
FedEx Corp. acquires American Freightways Corp., a less-than-truckload carrier serving the central and eastern U.S., to complement Viking Freight. The companies combine to form FedEx Freight, becoming a leader in the regional less-than-truckload shipping industry.
2003-01-01
Introduction of FedEx Express hybrid-electric truck
On January 1, 2003, FedEx Express added its first hybrid-electric truck to its delivery fleet. This move marked a significant step towards incorporating eco-friendly practices in the company's operations.
2004-02
Acquisition of Kinko's, Inc.
In February 2004, FedEx Corp. acquired Kinko's, Inc. and re-branded it as FedEx Kinko's to expand its retail access to the general public.
2004-09
Acquisition of Parcel Direct and re-branding to FedEx SmartPost
In September 2004, FedEx acquired Parcel Direct and transformed it into FedEx SmartPost to enhance their parcel consolidator services.
2005
Around-the-World Flights and Solar-Power Installation
In 2005, FedEx started around-the-world flights and unveiled California’s largest corporate solar-power installation at their Oakland hub.
2006
Operational Changes at FedEx
In 2006, FedEx announced three significant operational changes, including year-round, seven-day residential delivery; the integration of FedEx Ground Economy volume into standard operations; and the addition of large-package capabilities.
2008-06
Re-branding of FedEx Kinko's to FedEx Office
In June 2008, FedEx announced the decision to drop the Kinko's name from their ship centers, renaming FedEx Kinko's to FedEx Office.
2010-01
Merger of FedEx Freight Subsidiaries
In January 2010, FedEx Freight merged its subsidiaries, including FedEx Freight East, FedEx Freight West, and FedEx National LTL, to form a single entity, FedEx Freight Inc.
2012
FedEx Acquires Supaswift Businesses in South Africa and Six Other Countries
In 2012, FedEx acquired the Supaswift businesses in South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zambia. This acquisition was part of FedEx's strategy to expand its African network and services.
2013
Incorporation of fuel-efficient Boeing 767-300F planes
In 2013, FedEx expanded their fleet by including more fuel-efficient Boeing 767-300F planes. Additionally, they initiated over 30 projects aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and decreasing fuel emissions.
2014-07-17
FedEx indicted for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
On July 17, 2014, FedEx was indicted for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in cooperation with the Chhabra-Smoley Organization and Superior Drugs. The U.S. Department of Justice alleged that FedEx knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute controlled substances and prescription drugs to customers with no legitimate medical need.
2015-04
Acquisition of TNT Express
In April 2015, FedEx acquired TNT Express for €4.4 billion to expand their operations in Europe and strengthen their market presence.
2017
FedEx Corp. acquires P2P Mailing Limited
In 2017, FedEx Corp. purchased P2P Mailing Limited, a prominent company specializing in global e-commerce transportation solutions, for £92 million. This acquisition was aimed at enhancing FedEx's range of services in response to the increasing demands of the global e-commerce market.
2018-03
Acquisition of P2P Mailing Limited
In March 2018, FedEx acquired P2P Mailing Limited, a last-mile delivery service, for £92 million to expand their delivery portfolio.
2019-06-01
China files case against FedEx for diverting Huawei packages
In June 2019, China filed a case against FedEx for diverting Huawei packages destined for Asia to FedEx's headquarters in the United States without authorization. This action was taken after Huawei was added to the US Entity List, leading to an investigation into FedEx's alleged undermining of Chinese clients' rights.
2020-07
ALPA Calls for Suspension of FedEx's Hong Kong Operations
In July 2020, the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) representing FedEx Corp pilots urged a suspension of the company's Hong Kong operations due to challenging conditions faced by members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020-12
Acquisition of ShopRunner
In December 2020, FedEx acquired ShopRunner, an e-commerce platform, to enhance their online retail capabilities.
2021-04-15
Mass shooting at FedEx facility in Indianapolis
On April 15, 2021, a tragic mass shooting occurred at a FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis, resulting in nine deaths, including the perpetrator, and multiple injuries. FedEx expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their team members in a statement released shortly after the incident.
2022-03-29
Founder Frederick W. Smith's retirement announcement
On March 29, 2022, founder Frederick W. Smith announced his retirement as CEO of FedEx, with Raj Subramaniam named as his successor.
2023-04-17
FedEx 50th Anniversary Celebration
On April 17, 2023, FedEx commemorates 50 years of innovation and progress in the delivery industry.
End of the Timeline
FedEx

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