Key Stats
Annual revenue of $87.93 billion in fiscal year 2025
Market capitalization of approximately $61.84 billion as of November 2025
Operates 660 freighter aircraft delivering to over 220 countries and territories
Employs approximately 500,000 team members worldwide
Founded on June 18, 1971 by Frederick Wallace Smith in Memphis, Tennessee
FedEx Corporation started operations in 1973 with 14 small aircraft delivering 186 packages to 25 cities. The company pioneered the overnight express delivery industry through its hub-and-spoke model that revolutionized package distribution.
Today, FedEx provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services through four main segments. These include express delivery, ground transportation, freight services, and supporting operations that compete with United Parcel Service and other carriers.
The company revolutionized package tracking and delivery standards. Its innovations changed how businesses ship products and documents around the world, influencing industries from technology companies like Texas Instruments that rely on semiconductor component delivery to retailers requiring efficient logistics networks.
FedEx History
Frederick Wallace Smith founded Federal Express on June 18 with $4 million inheritance and $91 million in venture capital. The company established operations in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Operations launched on April 17 from Memphis International Airport. Fourteen Dassault Falcon aircraft delivered 186 packages to 25 US cities on the first night.
Federal Express went public on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol FDX. The company raised capital for expansion and fleet upgrades with Boeing aircraft purchases.
Started intercontinental operations with service to Europe and Asia. The company expanded beyond domestic markets to become a global carrier.
Acquired Flying Tiger Line for $880 million. This made Federal Express the largest all-cargo airline in the world and strengthened Asian market presence.
Launched fedex.com website and became one of the first companies to provide online package tracking. The company shortened its name to FedEx for marketing purposes.
Acquired Caliber System Inc. and its subsidiaries including RPS ground delivery service. The acquisition diversified services beyond express air shipping.
Purchased Kinko’s copy and business services chain for $2.4 billion. The acquisition expanded retail presence and document services across North America.
Acquired TNT Express for €4.4 billion. The purchase dramatically expanded European operations and created a stronger transatlantic shipping network.
Frederick W. Smith stepped down as CEO after 51 years and transitioned to executive chairman. Raj Subramaniam became president and CEO on June 1.
Frederick W. Smith passed away from natural causes on June 21 at age 80. His legacy transformed global logistics and supply chain management.
FedEx Co-founders
Founded Federal Express on June 18, 1971 as the sole founder. Smith developed the concept for an integrated air-ground express delivery system while studying economics at Yale University.
FedEx Marketcap
FedEx maintains a market capitalization of approximately $61.84 billion as of November 2025. The company ranks as the 362nd most valuable publicly traded company globally.
FedEx Revenue
FedEx generated $87.93 billion in annual revenue for fiscal year 2025. The company experienced modest growth after previous years of decline tied to economic conditions and pandemic normalization.
FedEx Competitors
FedEx faces competition from major logistics companies across express delivery and freight services. Primary competitors include domestic and international carriers with overlapping service areas.
| Competitor | Headquarters | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|
| United Parcel Service | Atlanta, Georgia | Ground shipping, highest daily volume |
| DHL Express | Bonn, Germany | International shipping, European presence |
| United States Postal Service | Washington, DC | Universal delivery, rural access |
| Amazon Logistics | Seattle, Washington | E-commerce integration, same-day delivery |
| XPO Logistics | Greenwich, Connecticut | LTL freight, supply chain solutions |
| Old Dominion Freight | Thomasville, North Carolina | Less-than-truckload services |
| J.B. Hunt Transport | Lowell, Arkansas | Intermodal freight, trucking |
| C.H. Robinson | Eden Prairie, Minnesota | Freight brokerage, third-party logistics |
| Expeditors International | Seattle, Washington | Air and ocean freight forwarding |
| DB Schenker | Essen, Germany | Contract logistics, land transport |
FedEx Acquisitions
FedEx pursued strategic acquisitions to expand capabilities and geographic reach. The company’s acquisition strategy focused on entering new markets and adding complementary services.
In 1988, FedEx acquired Flying Tiger Line, an air cargo company with roots in World War II. This $880 million purchase created the world’s largest cargo airline and provided crucial operational scale for international expansion.
The 1998 acquisition of Caliber System represented a major diversification move. Caliber owned several transportation companies including RPS ground service, Roberts Express expedited shipping, and Viking Freight regional carrier. This transaction enabled FedEx to offer ground delivery services competing with United Parcel Service.
FedEx purchased Kinko’s in February 2004 for $2.4 billion to expand retail access. The deal brought 1,200 copy and business service locations under the FedEx brand. These stores were rebranded as FedEx Office in 2008 to better align with the parent company identity.
Tower Group International was acquired in 2000 to form FedEx Trade Networks. The purchase strengthened customs brokerage and international freight forwarding capabilities for import-export services across global trade routes.
In 2015, FedEx completed its largest acquisition by purchasing TNT Express for €4.4 billion. The Deutsche Post DHL rival operated extensive networks across Europe serving over 200 countries. This blockbuster deal reinforced FedEx’s position as a global logistics leader with robust European infrastructure to better compete in international markets.
Additional acquisitions included Parcel Direct in 2004, GENCO Distribution System in 2015 for $1.4 billion, and ShopRunner e-commerce platform in 2020. Each transaction expanded service offerings or strengthened specific market segments for the growing demands of online retail similar to Amazon fulfillment networks.
FAQs
Who founded FedEx Corporation?
Frederick Wallace Smith founded FedEx on June 18, 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee. He developed the concept while studying at Yale University and launched operations in 1973.
What services does FedEx provide?
FedEx offers express delivery, ground shipping, freight transportation, customs brokerage, supply chain solutions, and business services through its integrated operating companies worldwide.
How many countries does FedEx serve?
FedEx delivers to more than 220 countries and territories globally. The company operates an extensive air and ground network spanning six continents.
When did FedEx acquire TNT Express?
FedEx completed the TNT Express acquisition on May 25, 2016 for €4.4 billion. This represented FedEx’s largest purchase and significantly expanded European operations.
What is FedEx’s annual revenue?
FedEx generated $87.93 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025. The company serves hundreds of thousands of businesses and millions of consumers daily across global markets.