FedEx is an American multinational courier delivery service company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. “FedEx” is a portmanteau of the words Federal Express, which was the name of the company’s original air division. FedEx Corporation has grown to include eleven subsidiaries and divisions, including FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, etc. The wide range of services makes them significant in international shipping and logistics.
Because they are based in Memphis and have been for years, many people believe that all packages handled by FedEx are shipped through Memphis. This is not the case! While they have their world headquarters in Tennessee, they also have locations across the country—and the world! They deliver to more than 220 countries internationally, and their ground-based shipping service delivers to residences and businesses throughout the United States—including Alaska and Hawaii. So, if you need to ship something somewhere fast, or if you need it to get there as soon as possible, don’t hesitate to use FedEx!
Do all FedEx shipments go through Memphis?
No, not all FedEx shipments go through Memphis. While FedEx has a hub in Memphis (the largest globally), others are located in Anchorage, Alaska, Fort Worth, Texas, and Oakland, California.
The myth that all FedEx shipments go through Memphis is just a myth.
Only 20% of FedEx Ground and Express packages are processed through Memphis. The remaining 80% of shipments are handled by our processing facility in Indianapolis and other facilities throughout the US and Canada.
The FedEx hub at Memphis International Airport is the largest air cargo operation in the world. It’s so big that it has earned the nickname “SuperHub.” But did you know that your package will travel through other hubs before reaching its final destination?
It’s true! And they’re all part of the SuperHub network: Indianapolis, Newark, Oakland, Fort Worth, and Anchorage.
If you use FedEx to ship a package from one of these hubs to another—for example, from Indianapolis to Newark—it will take a short hop on a FedEx plane to Memphis before resuming its journey.
Every FedEx shipment travels through Memphis, no matter where it starts or ends.
Where is the central FedEx hub?
According to the FedEx website, the company’s central hub is in Memphis, Tennessee. This is where the company began and is still considered the primary location.
Memphis, Tennessee, is a beautiful, vibrant city. The second-largest city in the state, Memphis is known for its rich musical heritage, including blues and rock and roll. Elvis Presley, one of the most famous musicians, lived and recorded many of his songs in Memphis.
The city is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River. It has a humid subtropical climate. During the summer, the temperature can be hot and humid. Winters are brief and pleasant.
Some of Memphis’s most famous businesses, in addition to FedEx, include AutoZone, International Paper Company, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Fred’s Discount Department Store.
Frederick Smith, the founder of FedEx, had a vision for an overnight delivery service to revolutionize the shipping industry. He wanted to create a marketplace model that brought together customers and vendors in a new way.
He set up his headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, where the city’s airport was very active. FedEx has been using Memphis International Airport as its primary domestic and international shipping hub for years.
FedEx can reach 90% of the US population from its headquarters in Memphis within two days and ship to 220 countries worldwide. It has also had a significant impact on other businesses in the area—in 2017, it was estimated that 15% of all Memphis jobs were somehow related to FedEx operations.
Where do FedEx packages go after Memphis?
Most people don’t know that after the FedEx facility in Memphis processes their package, it’s shipped to one of four distribution hubs in Newark, NJ; Indianapolis, IN; Oakland, CA; and Fort Worth, TX. From there, it’s sorted and sent to its final destination.
Memphis, Tennessee, is home to one of the most extensive FedEx distribution and sorting centers globally. And that’s no surprise—it’s located at the crossroads of major interstates and near many popular destinations.
But what happens after all those packages arrive at the Memphis hub?
FedEx’s transportation and logistics company has a significant international presence, with hubs in France, China, India, Brazil, and Canada. These hubs are connected by a vast network of services, including cargo jets and a fleet of truck trailers. FedEx boasts of delivering packages to over 220 countries in just 24 hours.
If you see your package leaving Memphis on a truck trailer, it will be driven to its destination. If it’s going on a plane… well, that’s where it gets interesting.
List of FedEx ground hubs
Ground hubs are where FedEx ground trucks drop off their packages and pick up new ones to deliver. This helps reduce the distance a car travels with its load, which means faster service and lower fuel costs.
Here’s a list of FedEx ground hubs:
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in ALBANY, NY
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in ALLENTOWN, PA
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in ATLANTA, GA
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in BETHEL PARK, PA
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in BRIDGEPORT, NJ
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in CHATTANOOGA, TN
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in CLAYTON, OH
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in COLUMBUS, OH
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in CORONA, CA
- FedEx Ground Distribution Center in DENVER, CO
Conclusion
Using FedEx’s services throughout your shipping process will help ensure you receive quality service from a reliable provider. By using FedEx’s software and services, you can alleviate the burden of extra work by getting all your shipping needs met by one company.
In addition to being a reliable brand, FedEx works hard to keep up with modern shipping trends. They know how important it is for your business to see what happens to packages once they leave your warehouse, and they have the technology to provide you with that data.
FedEx offers multiple options for selecting a carrier and shipping plan. They also provide additional services and programs designed to meet your needs as closely as possible. If you are looking for a new carrier or need more information about the role that shipping plays in your supply chain, consider creating an account with FedEx!
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
At Nimblefreelancer.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification.
Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page.
Contact Daniel: daniel@nimblefreelancer.com