FedEx

Started in 1965 and based on a structure created in a student’s term paper (upon which he received an average grade) outlining a system to accommodate urgent, time-sensitive shipments such as medicine, computer parts and electronics. Using planes to send these shipments quickly was a revolutionary idea, and one that started to set a standard in “express” shipping.

Here at Western, we work with FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. Two entities, one company, which sometimes confuses people. The name “FedEx” is actually a parent company for a handful of services:

• FedEx Express
• FedEx Ground
• FedEx Global Logistics
• FedEx Custom Critical
• FedEx Services

Above all else, FedEx is fast and has superior tracking (highly detailed). I tend to trust them with high value items, shipments where timely delivery is the most important factor, and for International Express shipping. 

Interesting factoids about FedEx

• In 2001 FedEx Express and the U.S. Postal Service forged a public-private alliance and now FedEx works as a subcontractor for the Post Office on International Express shipments including USPS Priority Express and USPS Global Express Guaranteed.
• FedEx Drivers compete in state truck driving championships and place consistently high in the rankings; so far this year 45 drivers have been awarded top honors (usually in the top three places).  
• Unique things that FedEx has shipped:
  • The 13 foot tiger shark from Jaws
  • 60 Labrador rescue puppies
  • 3 5-week old orphaned cougar kittens
  • 17 classic Ferraris (from Brussels to the U.S.)
  • The Spirit of Liberty Bell
  • 70,000 sea turtle eggs (they were removed from the oil-threatened Gulf Coast to Cape Canaveral)
  • 2 giant Pandas from China to the Memphis Zoo
• Since 2005, FedEx Freight has delivered over 120,000 live Christmas trees to military troops and their families across the U.S.