Frederick Smith realized the tremendous need for one to two day package and air-freight delivery that was better than the current distribution system.
1973 - Federal Express relocates operations to Memphis, Tenn.
On the first night of continuous operation, 389 Federal Express employees and 14 aircrafts deliver 186 packages overnight to 25 U.S. cities - and the modern air/ground express industry is born.
1975 - Federal Express installs the first Federal Express Drop Box.
1975 - UPS forges "Golden Link," becomes first package delivery company to serve every address in the 48 contiguous United States. .
1977 - After two years of lobbying led by Federal Express, Congress passes Public Law 95-163 enabling FedEx and other cargo airlines to use larger aircraft with no geographic restrictions on routes.
1977 - UPS provides air service to all 50 U.S. States.
1978 - Federal Express Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange; ticker symbol is FDX.
1981 - Federal Express introduces the Overnight Letter.
Federal Express begins international delivery with service to Canada.
Federal Express opens its Super Hub adjacent to Memphis International Airport.
1981 – UPS purchased first aircraft for use in air delivery service. .
1983 - Federal Express becomes the first U.S. company to reach revenues of $1 billion without merger or acquisition.
1984 - Federal Express acquires Gelco Express International and launches operations in Asia Pacific. The first PC-based automated shipping system, later named FedEx PowerShip®, is introduced.
1985 - RPS Inc. (now FedEx Ground) is founded in Pittsburgh, Pa., and introduces bar code labeling to the ground transportation industry.
1985 – UPS started international air service between U.S. and six European countries. .
1986 - Federal Express introduces the SuperTracker®, a hand-held bar code scanner system that captures detailed package information.
