UPS Overtakes FedEx with World’s Largest Express Air Cargo Hub

A major shift in global logistics infrastructure has taken place as UPS’s Worldport facility in Louisville has surpassed FedEx’s long-dominant Memphis hub to become the world’s largest express air cargo hub.

The Louisville-based operation serves as the centerpiece of UPS’s global overnight delivery network, connecting shipments between North America, Europe, and Asia through a highly automated sorting system. The facility processes millions of packages daily and supports hundreds of flights linking global markets.

For decades, FedEx’s Memphis SuperHub was widely recognized as the largest and most influential express cargo operation in the world. The Memphis hub remains a critical node in FedEx’s distribution network, connecting more than 220 countries and territories through an integrated air and ground system.

Scale and Automation Drive UPS Growth

UPS has significantly expanded its Worldport operation over the years through major infrastructure investments and automation upgrades. The hub now spans millions of square feet and features advanced sorting systems capable of processing hundreds of thousands of packages per hour.

This level of automation allows UPS to move shipments faster while maintaining high reliability for time-sensitive deliveries such as e-commerce orders and medical supplies.

The facility also supports a dense network of daily cargo flights, enabling overnight delivery across large geographic regions and reinforcing UPS’s competitive position in global express logistics.

Intensifying Competition in Air Express Logistics

The emergence of UPS as operator of the largest express air cargo hub reflects the intensifying competition among major integrators such as UPS and FedEx.

Both companies continue to invest heavily in aircraft fleets, automation, and hub infrastructure to meet growing demand for fast delivery driven by e-commerce and global trade.

While FedEx remains one of the world’s largest air cargo operators with an extensive fleet and global reach, UPS’s expansion demonstrates how infrastructure investment can shift leadership positions in the express logistics sector.

Strategic Importance for Global Trade

Large-scale express hubs play a critical role in modern supply chains by enabling rapid cross-border delivery and synchronized logistics operations.

As global trade increasingly relies on time-definite shipping, the development of mega-hubs like UPS Worldport highlights the importance of integrated air cargo networks in supporting international commerce.

The rise of the Louisville facility as the largest express air cargo hub signals continued evolution in the competitive landscape of global freight and logistics.