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Reference.org
Railway Express Agency
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<p>Railway Express Agency (aka REA Express) (REA), founded as the American Railway Express Agency and later renamed the American Railway Express Inc., was a national <a href="/facts/Package_delivery/gIIxYdgM">package delivery</a> service that operated in the United States from 1918 to 1975. REA arranged transport and delivery via existing railroad infrastructure, much as today's <a href="/facts/United_Parcel_Service/CJw9VyGS">UPS</a> or <a href="/facts/DHL/UoHyydxd">DHL</a> companies use roads and air transport. It was created through the forced consolidation of existing services into a national near-monopoly to ensure the rapid and safe movement of parcels, money, and goods during <a href="/facts/World_War_I/vITTUanQ">World War I</a>. </p><p>REA ceased operations in 1975, unable to adapt to changes in the rail industry, and increased competition from other modes of package delivery. </p>