FedEx Founder Frederick Smith Dies at 80, Leaves Legacy of Global Logistics Empire

Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx Corp and a pioneer in global logistics, has passed away, according to a memo posted by FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam on the company’s website. Smith, who launched the company in 1973 with just 14 aircraft and 389 employees, transformed FedEx into one of the world’s largest delivery networks.

Born in 1944, Smith served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in Vietnam before establishing Federal Express. On its first night, the company delivered 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities from its Memphis hub. Today, FedEx operates a fleet of 705 aircraft and over 200,000 vehicles across 5,000 facilities, handling approximately 17 million shipments daily and employing over 500,000 people globally.

Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022, handing the reins to then-COO Raj Subramaniam, but continued serving as executive chairman. In that role, he focused on board governance and global issues such as sustainability, innovation, and public policy. His leadership not only revolutionized overnight shipping but also helped define modern supply chain logistics.

"Fred was more than just the founder of FedEx—he was a mentor, a leader, and a true inspiration," Subramaniam wrote in the tribute. Smith’s entrepreneurial vision, strategic foresight, and relentless drive to innovate reshaped how the world moves goods and information.

Smith’s passing marks the end of an era in transportation and logistics. His legacy lives on through the global infrastructure he built, connecting businesses and people around the world with speed and reliability. FedEx’s success remains a testament to his groundbreaking idea: that the world needed fast, reliable overnight delivery.