The Parcel and Express Delivery Industry
Mary Wright
MBA5160-Managerial Economics-XA
Virginia College

Abstract
This paper explores two of the leading parcel delivery oligopolies in the United States, as well as abroad. The content discussed is a result of research that was conducted both online (Internet) and offline (non-Internet). The parcel giants UPS and FedEx have dominated the delivery industry for several years dating as far back as 1907 research states. This paper will also detail how these types of services have made such a huge impact on the way consumers shipped and received goods. The timeline offered through both companies online websites detail the evolution of each company’s growth and development into the powerhouses that they are today.

The Parcel and Express Delivery Industry The American Messenger Service was founded in Seattle Washington in 1907 by James E. Casey. 19-year-old Jim, as his friends referred to him started the small messenger service from a loan of $100 that he borrowed from a friend. Jim who was no stranger to the delivery business decided to strike out on his own. He and his partner Claude Ryan and their team which included Jim’s brother George took up shop in their basement headquarters taking on several odd jobs delivering packages, baggage, notes, ran errands and at times delivered trays of food from local restaurants. Automobiles were sparse at the time so most of the company’s deliveries were made on foot and by bicycle if the distance was longer. Horse and buggy was the method used by the department stores for larger parcel shipments. Despite there being several other messenger services at the time the company did quite well, this due in part to Jim’s firm policies which included low cost, reliability , customer courtesy and 24-hour availability. Jim’s slogan was “Best Service and Lowest Rates” (UPS.com). From