Which company used employees to protect express freight delivery?

Wells Fargo is the correct choice because it is historically known for using a combination of express freight delivery services and protective measures to safeguard its shipments. Founded during the California Gold Rush, Wells Fargo expanded rapidly, offering not only banking services but also reliable transport of goods and wealth across the western United States.

To ensure the safety of its deliveries, Wells Fargo employed a network of agents and messengers, some of whom were quite literally risk-takers, as they often operated under dangerous conditions, including threats from bandits and natural challenges of the American frontier. This practice of using employees as protectors for their freight was integral to building customer trust and ensuring the success of their express services.

Other options do not align with the context of express freight delivery protection to the same extent. The Pony Express, while famous for its fast mail delivery service, operated for a limited time and did not represent a comprehensive commercial enterprise in the way Wells Fargo did. Western Union focused more on telegraph and communication services rather than physical freight transport. Union Pacific primarily represents a rail transport company and did not operate in the same space of freight protection using employees for express deliveries.