Printable Version FedEx 35^th Anniversary

This month marks our 35^th anniversary – 35 years during which FedEx has enjoyed a rich heritage of innovation and leadership.  We began operations on 17 April 1973, with 389 employees and the launch of 14 Dassault Falcons from the Memphis Hub, and the modern express transportation industry was born.

Today, FedEx handles more than 7.5 million shipments every day for express, ground, freight and expedite delivery, including time-definite delivery to more that 220 countries and territories.  FedEx has continually expanded its global network, connecting markets that represent more than 90% of the world's GDP in 1-3 business days.

This is about making new opportunities possible by simplifying the ability to reach new markets and accelerating global connections physically, economically and informationally.

 

Since its foundation, FedEx has had an unrelenting commitment to a ‘people-first’ culture.  Our dedicated employees are empowered to deliver the highest standards of service to our customers and this relationship, ultimately, is responsible for our success.

 

Over these 35 years FedEx has provided the industry with leadership and vision.

FedEx pioneered the idea of the hub and spoke network for time-sensitive air shipments and this effective model remains central to our worldwide distribution network today.  The Global Operations Centre acts as the nerve centre for FedEx, making sure that the network runs smoothly, service commitments are met and minimum disruption occurs.

 

We have always strived to make it easier for customers to do business with FedEx.  That has included the development of many sophisticated shipping automation tools that make it quicker, easier, and more reliable to ship with FedEx.

 

FedEx has passed many milestones over the past 35 years.  Here are just a few of them: 

 

1973	On its first night of operations, FedEx delivered 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities
1979	FedEx launches COSMOS computer system to track shipments in real time
1984	FedEx introduces PC-based shipping
1986	FedEx introduces the hand-held scanner, Super Tracker
1989	FedEx enters the Asian market by purchasing Flying Tigers business
1989	FedEx starts Middle East operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
1991	FedEx starts Kuwait and Bahrain operations
1994	FedEx hits the web with the launch of FedEx.com
1995	FedEx opens its Subic Bay hub to begin the growth of the AsiaOne network
1999	The Paris hub opens, as FedEx takes a major step forward in Europe
2003	The first FedEx hybrid diesel-electric vehicles hit the road
2006	The FedEx Innovation lab is founded in Memphis to generate the ideas and technologies of the future.

 

  

To see more details and more FedEx milestones you can visit the FedEx Newsroom and click on the link ’35 Years Connecting the World’.