William Harnden
William Harnden was an American businessman who in 1839 started the first express service in the United States, personally carrying packages between Boston and New York by rail and steamboat.
What they did and why it matters
Harnden created the express business, the commercial parcel service from which today's private carriers descend. Under a contract with the Boston and Providence Railroad, he carried valuables and small packages in a satchel four times a week, and demand soon required messengers, offices, and dedicated space on trains. Competitors and successors, including Adams Express and later American Express and Wells Fargo, built national networks. The core promise he sold, secure and fast delivery of a package for a fee, is what UPS, FedEx, and regional carriers sell brands today.
Related people
Events
Sources
- William F. Harnden (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.org