The line graph compares the number of parcels delivered by two major mail service companies, Federal Express (FedEx) and TNT, between 1920 and 2000.
Overall, FedEx handled more parcels than TNT for most of the period. However, while FedEx experienced considerable fluctuations, TNT showed a generally upward trend and eventually overtook its competitor, finishing the period with the highest figure.
In 1920, FedEx delivered approximately 15,000 parcels, almost three times as many as TNT, which stood at just over 5,000. Over the next two decades, FedEx’s figure rose steadily to a peak of around 24,000 parcels in 1940. By contrast, TNT increased more gradually, reaching roughly 7,500 parcels during the same year.
Following this peak, FedEx witnessed a dramatic decline, with the number of deliveries falling to about 12,500 in 1950 and remaining close to 12,000 in 1960. TNT, on the other hand, continued to grow and almost caught up with FedEx by 1960, at approximately 11,500 parcels. In 1970 and 1980, FedEx recovered to around 17,000 and 18,500 deliveries respectively, whereas TNT remained relatively stable at just above 10,000.
The most notable change occurred after 1980. TNT’s parcel deliveries surged sharply to roughly 22,000 in 1990 and climbed further to nearly 24,500 by 2000. Meanwhile, FedEx experienced only modest growth before ending the period slightly lower, at around 18,000 parcels.