Smith, who launched the global shipping giant in 1973 with just 14 planes and 389 employees, went on to revolutionize the way the world moves packages. Under his leadership, FedEx grew into a delivery powerhouse, now boasting more than 500,000 employees, a fleet of 705 aircraft, and 200,000 vehicles operating worldwide.

“Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx,”
said CEO Raj Subramaniam in a message to staff.

A Legacy That Changed the World

Smith didn’t just create a company—he invented a model. While studying at Yale University, he developed the business concept that would later become FedEx’s defining feature: the hub-and-spoke delivery system. That model, with Memphis, Tennessee as its central hub, remains the backbone of FedEx operations today.

From Battlefield to Boardroom

Before changing the face of global shipping, Smith served in the U.S. Marine Corps, joining after graduating from Yale. He completed two combat tours in Vietnam, earning multiple commendations for bravery and service, and eventually left the military as a captain in 1969.

A Quiet Giant with a Lasting Impact

Despite his remarkable achievements, Smith largely avoided the spotlight. He remained closely tied to his Memphis roots and kept a low profile—though he did make a brief cameo in the 2000 film Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks as a stranded FedEx employee.

“He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all,” Subramaniam said.
“He was also a proud father, grandfather, husband, Marine, and friend.”

Fred Smith stepped down as FedEx’s CEO in 2022, leaving behind not only a thriving company, but also an enduring influence on global commerce and American entrepreneurship.

Source: BBC – FedEx founder and former boss Fred Smith dies aged 80

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United Parcel Service (UPS) announced Tuesday it will eliminate around 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities as part of a sweeping cost-cutting plan tied to its decreasing reliance on Amazon.

The move comes as the package delivery giant prepares to significantly scale back its business with Amazon, its biggest — but less profitable — customer. The cuts are expected to take place throughout 2025, with facility closures targeted for completion by the end of June. UPS is still reviewing its network, meaning more closures could follow.

“The actions we are taking to reconfigure our network and reduce cost across our business could not be timelier,” said CEO Carol Tomé. “The macro environment may be uncertain, but with our actions, we will emerge as an even stronger, more nimble UPS.”

In January, UPS revealed it had reached a deal with Amazon to reduce package volume by more than 50% by the second half of 2026. Tomé emphasized that while Amazon has been a key partner for nearly 30 years, its deliveries weren’t boosting the bottom line.

“Amazon is our largest customer, but it’s not our most profitable one,” she explained. “Its margin is very dilutive to the U.S. domestic business.”

UPS evaluated several strategic options before settling on cutting volume — a move the company believes will ultimately lead to better operational efficiency and profitability.

The announcement came alongside UPS’s first-quarter earnings report. The Atlanta-based company posted a net income of $1.19 billion ($1.40 per share) for the quarter ending March 31. Excluding certain items, earnings hit $1.49 per share, topping analysts’ expectations of $1.44.

Revenue also beat Wall Street forecasts, coming in at $21.55 billion, compared to an estimated $21.06 billion.

Despite the financial beat, UPS is holding off on updating its full-year forecast due to ongoing economic uncertainty. Previously, the company projected $89 billion in revenue for 2025.

UPS, which employs around 490,000 people, saw its stock rise slightly in early trading following the news.

Source: AP News – UPS to cut 20,000 jobs, close some facilities as it reduces amount of Amazon shipments it handles

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Holiday Shipping Stress Sparks Unusual Incident

In the midst of the holiday shipping rush, an Amazon driver in Lakeville, Massachusetts, abandoned 80 packages in a wooded area, citing stress as the reason for their actions. The discovery, made mere days before Christmas, drew attention but resulted in no criminal charges.

Discovery of Abandoned Packages

During a routine patrol around 2 a.m. on Sunday, a Lakeville police sergeant spotted unattended items in a wooded area near 63 Bedford Street. Upon closer inspection, the officer found three large totes filled with Amazon packages, some of which were scattered several feet into the woods.

The abandoned packages, totaling 80 in number, were collected and brought to the Lakeville Police Department. At the time, no reports of stolen or missing packages had been filed.

Collaboration with Amazon

Police promptly contacted a nearby Amazon distribution center in Middleborough to report the incident. The recovered packages were returned to Amazon for redelivery.

Driver Comes Forward

On Monday, the Amazon driver responsible for the incident visited the Lakeville Police Department. The driver admitted to leaving the packages on the roadside around 7 p.m. on Saturday, explaining that they felt overwhelmed by stress during the busy holiday season.

The driver also stated they intended to report the situation to their manager. Police did not disclose the driver’s identity.

Police Response

Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins commended his team for their professional handling of the situation, emphasizing a focus on resolving the matter as a human resources issue rather than pursuing criminal charges.

“I am proud of the way our Lakeville Police officers handled and investigated this matter. At this time, we are not seeking criminal charges and are considering this a human resources matter for Amazon,” Chief Perkins stated.

A Reminder of Holiday Season Pressures

The incident highlights the immense pressures delivery drivers face during the holiday rush, where tight schedules and heavy workloads can take a toll on mental well-being.

As Amazon works to ensure the packages are delivered to their intended recipients, this case serves as a reminder of the human challenges behind holiday logistics.

Source

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