Railway Express Agency became the dominant name in express parcel shipping across the United States. While its roots stretched back to the earliest days of railroading, the consolidated REA organization as most people knew it did not officially take shape until the late 1920s. From there, it grew quickly, establishing thousands of local offices nationwide, all managed from its headquarters in New York City.
For decades, individuals and businesses alike relied on REA to move packages efficiently. Its distinctive red diamond logo, fleet of green delivery trucks, baggage carts, and rail-based equipment became familiar fixtures in towns and cities of every size, making the company a visible and trusted presence in everyday American life.



