If you've ever used FedEx or another shipping service, you know it can be tricky to track your package and figure out when it will arrive.
Yet, more and more people are choosing to send their packages with FedEx.
FedEx handles about 16.5 million packages daily, and in the twelve months ending on February 29, 2024, FedEx reported a revenue of $87.514 billion.
You probably recognize their trucks, vans, and planes with the blue and orange logo.
Tracking a FedEx package is simpler than you think. Here's my easy guide to ensure you always know where your package is and when it will arrive.
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FedEx handles 600 million package tracking requests every day.
So, if you’ve sent one of those 16 million daily packages with FedEx, you’ll want to know where it is and when it will arrive at your or your friend’s or family member’s place.
There are different ways to track your package based on how you shipped it.
The easiest way to check your package is by going to the FedEx website and entering your tracking number.
You can enter up to 30 tracking numbers, door tags, or FedEx Office order numbers to see the status.
This method allows you to stay updated on the events surrounding a shipment as it goes through various delivery stages before being delivered to the recipient or customer.
It’s a unique code given to your package when it’s shipped. These codes look different depending on the shipping service.
FedEx tracking numbers can be 12 or 20 digits, but they can also be 10 or 15 digits.
This number is like an ID for your package, letting it be tracked individually. It’s usually printed on the package, often next to a bar code.
Your tracking number is scanned at every step of the journey: when the package is sent, while it’s on the way, and when it’s delivered.
That’s how you can see where your package is at any time.
Your tracking number is the best way to keep tabs on a FedEx package or any other shipment.
When tracking a FedEx shipment, you'll encounter several statuses that indicate your package's journey. Here's a breakdown of the common tracking statuses and what each one means:
Picked Up
Your package has been collected from the sender and is now in the FedEx system.
In Transit
The shipment is currently on its way to a FedEx hub or facility. It's effectively moving through the FedEx network, making its way to your location.
At Local Facility
The package has reached a nearby FedEx facility and has been scanned into their system. This usually means it's quite close to being delivered.
Out for Delivery
The item has left the local facility and is on a FedEx vehicle headed to your address. It's in the final stage of its journey.
At Delivery
The package has either arrived at the delivery location or is very close by, possibly at a nearby facility.
Arrived at Customer Location for Delivery
The delivery person is at your location and about to hand the package over to you.
Delivered
The package has been successfully handed over to the recipient. This is the final status indicating that the delivery process is complete.
Understanding these statuses can help you better anticipate when your package will arrive and plan accordingly.
If you’re sending individual packages, you can use FedEx Ground tracking or FedEx Express tracking. Both are simpler with a Delivery Manager account (details below). Tracking a FedEx package as it journeys along the delivery process is important to alleviating customer anxiety post-purchase, staying updated on delivery exceptions, and planning when to be available to pick it up.
FedEx Ground specializes in cost-effective, ground shipping within North America, offering reliable service for both businesses and individuals. With a focus on small-package deliveries, FedEx Ground aims to provide a balance between speed and affordability. All FedEx packages can be tracked via the FedEx website or mobile app.
To make tracking even easier, consider signing up for a FedEx Delivery Manager account. This tool allows you to customize delivery times, hold packages at a FedEx location, and receive alerts about your package status.
You can also use FedEx Express Saver for three-day shipping to get your package delivered faster.
Does your business ship goods often? FedEx has tools to help you track important information, like imports and exports:
FedEx pioneered the current package tracking system that many logistics companies implement in their operations. As a front runner in this space, FedEx allows senders and recipients to track their parcels in various ways depending on the delivery service they opt for when shipping.
To use these FedEx tools, you need an account number or your company name and address.
FedEx also offers several international services for businesses, including:
Tracking a package through each step of the delivery process is crucial for a number of reasons.
Alleviating Customer Anxiety
After making a purchase, customers often feel anxious about their items arriving safely. Package tracking provides real-time updates, helping to ease these concerns by letting customers know exactly where their package is and its expected delivery date.
Staying Updated on Delivery Exceptions
Sometimes, unexpected issues like weather delays or logistical challenges can affect delivery times. Tracking allows customers to stay informed about any deviations from the expected schedule, enabling them to adjust their plans accordingly.
Planning Availability
Knowing the precise delivery time helps recipients plan their day better. They can arrange to be home to receive the package, reducing the risk of missed deliveries and the inconvenience of having to reschedule.
Leading the Way in Tracking Innovations
Many logistics companies have adopted advanced tracking systems, but FedEx remains a leader in this area. Their pioneering efforts mean that customers can track parcels through various methods, depending on the service chosen, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
All in all, tracking a FedEx package offers peace of mind, timely updates, and better planning capabilities, making it an essential feature of modern logistics.
Enhance your Shopify store's logistics with a comprehensive FedEx tracking tool designed to optimize shipping efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here’s what you can expect:
Elevate your shipping strategy with these features, making your Shopify store’s logistics smoother and more efficient than ever.
The FedEx Tracking API is a versatile tool crafted for developers who aim to seamlessly incorporate FedEx tracking capabilities into their applications or websites. This API provides a robust solution for monitoring packages in real-time, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
Key Features of the FedEx Tracking API
Incorporating the FedEx Tracking API into your business operations is a strategic move towards optimizing logistics and improving user satisfaction. By leveraging its powerful features, you can stay ahead in the competitive market and meet the growing expectations of your customers.
With FedEx Freight, your large shipments can travel domestically or internationally via land, air, or sea. Here's what both services offer:
Domestic Express Services
International Express Services
Conveniently, FedEx Freight provides "less-than-truckload" (LTL) shipping services for freight, ideal for small businesses.
This allows you to generate freight labels easily for domestic or express shipments. FedEx even permits you to use a paper Bill of Lading for this. Additionally, you can arrange a one-time freight pickup at zero cost to you.
Enhanced Tracking Dashboard
With FedEx Freight, you can access the advanced tracking dashboard. This free tool allows you to customize, manage, and track all your active shipments in one spot. Just sign in to your FedEx account.
You can view up to 20,000 active FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, and FedEx Freight shipments there.
This includes tracking details for shipments linked to your account and login.
FedEx One Rate is a shipping solution designed to simplify the process of sending domestic packages. It offers a fixed, flat rate based solely on the package size and the selected delivery speed. This approach eliminates the need to calculate shipping costs based on the package's weight or the distance it needs to travel.
Key Features:
How It Works:
By using FedEx One Rate, you gain a transparent and hassle-free shipping experience that ensures you know exactly what you're paying upfront.
When managing shipments, the right tracking API can make a significant difference in your business operations and customer satisfaction. Here are compelling reasons to consider opting for a third-party tracking API over a proprietary service like FedEx's:
A third-party tracking API typically supports hundreds of carriers globally, surpassing the single-carrier limitation of FedEx's API. This is particularly advantageous if your business utilizes multiple shipping services, allowing for seamless integration and centralized tracking across all shipments. For instance, many of these platforms include a carrier auto-detection feature, helping you quickly identify which carrier is handling your package without requiring manual input.
Third-party tracking solutions offer extensive customization options. They often allow you to track a higher number of packages simultaneously—many more than FedEx's limit of 30. You can also tailor the tracking interface to align with your brand's aesthetics and create a personalized customer experience. This customization can contribute to higher customer engagement and increased brand loyalty.
These APIs often allow the setup of SMS and email notifications, keeping your customers well-informed about their shipments regardless of the carrier. This feature ensures that your customers receive timely updates, enhancing their overall experience and reducing the number of support inquiries.
Third-party tracking APIs are designed to be user-friendly and easily integrable, even for businesses without dedicated IT teams. Their straightforward documentation and often available customer support ensure that you can get your tracking system up and running with minimal effort.
Unlike some carrier-specific APIs, third-party solutions frequently offer round-the-clock support. This ensures that any issues you encounter are promptly addressed, minimizing downtime and maintaining the efficiency of your shipment tracking system.
Time Savings and Efficiency
By consolidating multiple carriers into a single platform, third-party tracking systems save you time and effort. Instead of navigating through different carrier websites, you can monitor all your shipments in one place. This centralization boosts efficiency and makes the tracking process much more manageable.
Many third-party tracking services provide the opportunity to book demos or trial periods. This allows you to assess the functionalities and benefits for your specific business needs before committing to a long-term contract.
Missing a delivery because you're not home can be annoying.
But with FedEx, you get a tracking number for all your deliveries, so you can relax and reschedule for a better time.
Here's how to track a FedEx package with a FedEx door tag:
And if you want more control, you can sign up for a Delivery Manager account for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground.
FedEx provides a handy service that lets you track your delivery's whereabouts, its journey, and receive updates as it progresses. This service is known as FedEx Delivery Manager.
FedEx Delivery Manager is a recommended way to track up to 20,000 shipments from a unified dashboard without having to enter each tracking number individually. Sign up for the service by downloading the FedEx mobile app via Google Play Store or Apple Store. You can also access your FedEx Delivery Manager account online.
Using the FedEx Delivery Manager is easy whether you're online or on your cell phone, with an app available for both iOS and Android.
Here's how to track a FedEx package with your account number and an overview of other handy features:
With FedEx Delivery Manager premium services, you get extra options to simplify your delivery experience. These include scheduling a convenient delivery time or providing the driver with specific instructions for arrival.
Prices vary depending on location. Here are two examples from the US:
For $5.55 per package, you can have it delivered between 5 pm and 8 pm on your chosen delivery day. For $11.50 per package, you can select a specific two-hour window up to seven calendar days after the original delivery date. You also have the option to make a payment to redirect your package to a neighbor, family member, or friend.The fee increases with the distance to reroute:
For example, to reroute a package more than 120 miles from the original destination, fees range from $14.50 to $33.50 per package.
Here are simple steps on how to track a FedEx package you sent.
Begin by finding your tracking number, reference number, transportation control number (TCN), FedEx Office order number, or the number displayed on your door tag.
Then, choose one of these options:
Here are the options for FedEx accounts that help you track shipments:
Tracking your package gives you info on its location and status.
For example, you should see a scheduled delivery date with an almost real-time status.
Some FedEx packages will show an estimated delivery time window. If you don't see it, your package might not have this option.
It varies. You'll see different status updates. "In transit" means your package is still on its way, while "delivered" means it has reached its destination.
You might also see "delivery pending," which means the delivery date or time has changed due to a delay.
Packages get scanned at different points between drop-off and final delivery.
Scan frequency can vary, and it's normal for there to be no update for over 24 hours.
Even if it looks like your package hasn't moved, it’s still on its way. It's just between scans, heading to the next scan or delivery location.
Curious about how to monitor a FedEx package without possessing a tracking number?
Get a FedEx Delivery Manager account.
This lets you track packages without a tracking number. Just log in to check shipments, get notifications, and control delivery times.
You can even track your package using an address or name.
For businesses, use the reference number associated with your shipment, a purchase order number, customer reference, invoice, bill of lading (BOL), part number, or Transportation Control Number (TCN).
Another option is using FedEx InSight.
If you’re a business managing the supply chain and customer expectations, FedEx InSight is perfect for you.
It lets you track all inbound, outbound, and third-party shipments billed to your account—no tracking number is needed.
You can also get automatic notifications with the status of your shipments, which is great if you’re short on time like most dispatchers!
Tracking your FedEx package via email is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure you get accurate updates on your shipment:
Compose a New Email: Open your email client and create a new email. Leave the subject line blank.
Enter Tracking Number(s): In the body of the email, input your tracking number. You can include up to 30 different tracking numbers, either separated by commas or each on a new line.
Send to the Tracking Address: Send your email to [track@fedex.com].
Wait for the Response: After sending your email, you will receive a reply from the FedEx team with the latest details of your shipment.
Using these methods ensures you can easily stay updated on the status of your deliveries.
Sometimes, FedEx hands your package over to the United States Postal Service (USPS), like with the FedEx Ground Economy service.
This service uses the USPS mail network to provide cheaper shipping. But you'll need to know how to track a FedEx package that has been transferred to USPS.
Thankfully, it's simple.
Your FedEx tracking number is still the key to tracking your package through USPS.
Simply prepend "92" to the start of your FedEx tracking number. This converts the 20-digit number into one that works with the 22-digit USPS tracking system.
Tracking a FedEx package through a third-party platform is a straightforward process that can make your life easier, whether you're a customer or a business. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you track your package efficiently.
Steps to Track Your FedEx Package:
1. Visit a Reliable Tracking Website
Look for a trustworthy third-party parcel tracking platform online. These platforms aggregate tracking information from various carriers.
2. Navigate to the Carrier Section
Once on the website, find the section dedicated to tracking carriers. This is usually located in a prominent menu or top ribbon on the homepage.
3. Select FedEx from the Carrier List
In the list of carriers, search for 'FedEx' and click on it. This will take you to a dedicated page for FedEx tracking.
4. Enter Your Tracking Number
On the FedEx tracking page, you'll see a search field. Enter your FedEx tracking number here and click on the 'Track' button.
5. View Your Tracking Information
You will be redirected to a new page displaying detailed tracking information for your package, including its current location and expected delivery date.
By following these steps, you can easily track your FedEx package using a third-party platform. This method is particularly useful if you want a centralized way to monitor multiple shipments from various carriers.
Even if you have all the info you need, you might still have questions.
FedEx can help you in three ways. Here’s how:
If you can’t find what you need on your own, you might need to call FedEx customer service.
Here's how to talk to a real person:
Dial 1.800.GoFedEx (or 1.800.463.3339). For US TDD services (telecommunications devices for the deaf), billing, or international support, check the list of other contact numbers.
To track a FedEx package via phone call, follow these simple steps:
How Late Does FedEx Deliver?
FedEx generally completes deliveries to residential addresses between 8 a.m. And 8 p.m., seven days a week. However, this timeframe applies to standard deliveries and excludes express shipments, which have varying schedules depending on the specific service chosen.
For express deliveries, the cut-off time might differ, often ensuring earlier arrival times compared to standard deliveries. If you've been notified that your package will arrive by the "end of day," expect it on your doorstep by 8 p.m., coinciding with the end of typical delivery routes.
In summary:
Knowing these timeframes can help you better anticipate when to expect your package.
Different FedEx services offer varying delivery times for your international packages.
FedEx International Next Flight, International First, International Priority, International Economy, and International Ground to Canada all come with different delivery windows.
Businesses often opt for FedEx International MailService to send low-value, lightweight items.
If you ship overseas frequently, you might find FedEx International Shipping Assist helpful. It's a tool designed to simplify the international shipping process.
Here’s what the Assist Tool offers:
Tracking international shipments is simple with FedEx's global tracking software.
To track, simply input your tracking number on the FedEx website.
A delivery exception in FedEx refers to an unforeseen event that temporarily delays your package's journey. This can happen for various reasons, including:
Essentially, a delivery exception indicates that something unexpected has occurred, affecting the timely delivery of your package. However, rest assured that FedEx works diligently to resolve such issues and get your package back on track as quickly as possible.
Looking to enhance your customer experience with eLogii's Customer Dashboard? Here's how to get started!
Firstly, make sure the Customers tab is activated and that you've already set up a customer entity. For detailed instructions on these steps, check out our handy article [link to the article].
Now, let's dive into creating a customer dashboard account. Head over to Customers ⇒ Customer Profile ⇒ Dashboard. Here, you can input their name, email, and password for logging in.
But wait, there's more! You have the flexibility to tailor each customer's account to suit their needs. This means you can customize the actions they can take, overriding any default settings.
For instance, let's say you typically don't allow customers to upload tasks via CSV. Yet, if there's a specific customer you want to grant this capability to, simply enable the "Enable task CSV import" option in their Customer profile.
This customization applies only to that particular customer, ensuring they have a personalized experience without affecting other customers' dashboard settings. So go ahead, empower your customers with eLogii's customizable Customer Dashboard!
FedEx, also known as Federal Express, is a US-based company offering shipping services to over 220 countries globally, with operations at more than 650 airports.
This extensive network makes FedEx a reliable choice for sending packages to friends and family or for your business shipping requirements. Yet, it's crucial to understand how to track a FedEx package to ensure smooth delivery.