Emery Worldwide
| File:Emery worldwide logo.svg | |
| Formerly | Emery Air Freight Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Founded | 1946 in New York, NY |
| Founder | John C Emery, Sr., Leonard G. Hunt |
| Fate | Acquired |
| Successor | United Parcel Service (UPS) |
| Services |
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Emery Worldwide was a prominent American air cargo transporter and freight forwarder established in 1946. As an innovator in the air freight industry, Emery initially leased capacity on existing airline routes before assembling its own aircraft fleet. For close to four decades, it held the position of the largest global freight carrier. In 1989, Consolidated Freightways acquired Emery, and later in 2004, it became part of United Parcel Service under the name Menlo Worldwide Forwarding.
Emery Air Freight (1946–1979)
The company was founded in 1946 by John C. Emery Sr. and Leonard G. Hunt in New York City as Emery Air Freight Corporation. It distinguished itself as the first air freight forwarder to secure a common carrier license (No. 1) from the Civil Aeronautics Board, enabling it to compete directly with scheduled airlines under regulatory oversight.
By 1966, Emery had expanded to operate 60 offices domestically within the United States and 30 international branches, employing over 1,400 staff members. It commanded a 40% share of the U.S. air freight forwarding market and generated approximately two-thirds of its revenue from this segment. In 1969, the company invested $3 million in IBM technology to introduce EmCon, a pioneering computerized tracking system designed to improve operational efficiency. That same year marked the passing of both founders.
During the early 1970s, faced with a decline in available air carrier routes, Emery adapted its business model by entering aircraft leasing, initiating its own fleet known as Emery Air Force in 1976. The leased cargo fleet expanded from 16 aircraft in 1977 to a total of 66 by the close of 1979, significantly enhancing its market share and operational capabilities.
Emery Worldwide (1981–2001)
In 1981, Emery Air Freight underwent rebranding to become Emery Worldwide, simultaneously acquiring ownership of its aircraft and launching Emery Worldwide Airlines. The company established a major freight sorting facility known as the "Superhub" located in Dayton, Ohio, which served as a critical hub within its North American distribution network. By 1983, Emery operated a fleet of 64 planes and was recognized as the largest international forwarder specializing in documents and packages, offering one of the most comprehensive service portfolios in air freight.
In April 1987, Emery expanded into the small package delivery sector by purchasing Purolator Courier for $306 million; however, difficulties integrating this acquisition resulted in substantial financial losses through late 1988 and early 1989. Subsequently, in April 1989, Consolidated Freightways (CF) acquired Emery for $230 million and combined it with CF’s existing air freight operations to create Emery Worldwide, A CF Company.
Efforts by CF to resolve Emery’s financial challenges proved difficult, leading to CF’s first annual loss since 1961 and prompting the resignation of CF’s president in 1990. Leadership transitioned briefly to Arthur C. Bass before W. Roger Curry assumed control and succeeded in returning the company to profitability by 1995. In 1996, CF rebranded itself as CNF Transportation Inc., with Emery becoming known as Emery Worldwide, A CNF Company.
After safety infractions surfaced along with the February 2000 crash of Flight 17, the FAA suspended operations of Emery’s fleet on August 13, 2001. To maintain uninterrupted cargo services, CNF subcontracted flights to alternative carriers while recording a $200 million charge associated with retiring the grounded aircraft fleet.
Menlo Worldwide Forwarding (2001–2004)
In late 2001, Emery Worldwide was rebranded as Emery Forwarding, and on January 1, 2004, it transitioned to Menlo Worldwide Forwarding. Subsequently, in October 2004, United Parcel Service (UPS) purchased Menlo Worldwide Forwarding for $150 million in cash, along with taking on approximately $110 million in long-term liabilities.
Noteworthy shipments
- In 1969, a crate containing Pablo Picasso’s artwork titled Portrait of a Woman and a Musketeer, valued at $75,000 and transported from Paris to Milwaukee, was removed from Emery’s Boston facility by an employee following instructions from a supervisor to clear space on the dock. After an FBI investigation into the theft, the painting was anonymously returned to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; the individuals responsible remained unidentified until 2023.
- In 1983, after the Pine Tar Incident in baseball, Emery handled the shipment of George Brett’s bat back to the league once President Lee MacPhail confirmed Brett’s home run despite the bat having excessive pine tar.
- In 1988, a shipment sent by University of Kentucky basketball assistant coach Dwane Casey intended for Chris Mills’ father reportedly arrived unsealed containing $1,000 in cash, leading to an NCAA inquiry. Casey denied any involvement, and in 1990 Emery resolved a $6.9 million defamation suit filed by Casey.