Frederick W. Smith, the founder of FedEx and a pioneer in global logistics, has passed away. He built FedEx from 14 planes into a worldwide shipping powerhouse.
FedEx Founder Frederick W. Smith Has Passed Away
Frederick W. Smith, the man who founded FedEx and revolutionized the global delivery business, has passed away, according to a message from FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam posted on the company’s website.
Smith, born in 1944, launched Federal Express in 1973 with just 14 planes and 389 team members. That small operation grew into FedEx, one of the world’s largest logistics companies, now delivering 17 million packages daily.
“Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all,” said Subramaniam.
A Legacy of Innovation
Before starting FedEx, Smith served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. His leadership experience helped shape his bold vision of a fast, reliable air-delivery system—a new concept in the 1970s.
Starting with overnight flights from Memphis to 25 U.S. cities, FedEx has expanded over 50 years into a global network with:
-
705 aircraft
-
Over 200,000 delivery vehicles
-
5,000+ operational facilities
-
More than 500,000 employees
Smith remained deeply involved with FedEx as Executive Chairman after stepping down as CEO in 2022. In his final years, he focused on major global issues such as sustainability, public policy, and innovation.
A Remarkable Life Remembered
Frederick Smith’s journey from a small fleet of planes to building one of the most recognized logistics brands in the world is nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership reshaped how goods move across the planet and influenced generations of entrepreneurs.
Let me know if you’d like a featured image suggestion, WordPress formatting, or internal linking strategy to help further improve your post’s performance on your site.
