FedEx says delivered but no package (why this happens + more)
FedEx has one of the most advanced tracking systems in the world. In fact, the system allows customers to get near-instant information about the location of their packages and expected delivery times.
However, despite all its advantages, this system is not perfect. Sometimes there are glitches, delays or miscommunication. In this article, we’ll take a look at what happens when FedEx’s system says a package has been delivered but you don’t have one, read on!
What does FedEx mean when it says “delivered but no package”?
FedEx may mark a package as delivered for a number of reasons, and a customer does not receive it in 2022. For example, they may have mistakenly delivered the package to a similar address, handed it over to a neighbor making it difficult to find the location, or may have handed it over to USPS for last-mile delivery.
To learn more details about FedEx’s delivery practices, including what to do if your tracking information shows delivery but you still haven’t received your package, keep reading!
Why does FedEx say “delivered” but no package?
There are a number of reasons a FedEx package might be marked as delivered, even if the customer doesn’t have it on hand.
Let’s look at some possible explanations:
- FedEx could have delivered packages to similar addresses
FedEx may have some of the most advanced logistics systems in the world, but unfortunately, human error can still happen.
For example, a driver might deliver a package to 100 Main Street instead of 100 Main Avenue.
From the driver’s perspective, the package has been delivered and will be marked accordingly.
However, from the customer’s point of view, the package is in the wrong location and they are still waiting for delivery.
- Your package has been delivered to a neighbor
If your neighbor happens to be nearby when FedEx passes by, there’s a good chance the driver will leave the package with them for safekeeping.
It’s also possible that one of your neighbors picked up a package from a common area by mistake.
- FedEx driver left package in unexpected place
Believe it or not, there are many times when FedEx drivers leave packages in bushes, behind planters, or under doormats in an attempt to keep them away from porch pirates.
While this can be a good strategy for keeping packages safe, they can be hidden so well that not even the intended recipient can find them.
- Package may be with USPS
If you’re not familiar with Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost), it’s a partnership between FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
FedEx handles most of the delivery and then forwards the package to USPS for “last mile” delivery (that is, delivering the package from the local facility to the customer’s home).
Packages sent through this service may be marked as delivered when FedEx delivers them to USPS, even though actual delivery has not yet occurred.
What if my package says delivered but I never received it from FedEx?
There are several things you can do about lost packages marked as delivered.
If you live in an apartment building or condo, it’s worth checking with your neighbors to see if they’ve taken your package by mistake.
You can also take some time to look around your property to see if your package has been left in an odd location.
It’s also worth verifying that your package is sent via Ground Economy.
Many customers can recover “lost” packages by using these methods and with a little patience.
However, if you suspect that your package was misaddressed or lost somewhere, you can report the missing package to FedEx.
If your package’s tracking status says it’s delivered but you can’t find it, please go to our tracking page and follow these steps:
- Visit the FedEx website and enter your tracking or reference number
- choose Manage deliveryThen report a lost package (If you are not logged into your FedEx account, you will be asked to enter a shipping address. Enter this information, then click continue).
- Confirm by clicking that you have checked all the places your package may have been left Yes.
- Enter your contact information, including your name, phone number and email address.
- Select your preferred method of contact (text or email) and confirm that FedEx can contact you.
- click submit. You will receive a case number assigned to your report.
- click complete. FedEx will contact you as soon as possible to help you locate your lost package.
Alternatively, you can file a lost package claim using FedEx’s online tool.
How can I prevent FedEx from marking a package as delivered when I don’t have it?
One of the best ways to avoid marking a package as delivered when you are not handling it yourself is to be explicit when ordering or shipping.
This means using the FedEx Delivery Manager tool to provide delivery instructions.
With this tool, you can tell drivers exactly where to drop your packages so they aren’t hidden or left to neighbors.
Again, you can use this tool to select signature delivery options. When you select this option, the package will not be released unless someone signs for it.
Finally, you can use this tool to request a package hold.
This means that FedEx will ship your package to a FedEx office or a third-party retailer (such as Walgreens or Dollar General) rather than to your home.
After that, you can pick up your package at your convenience with no worries about delivery.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on FedEx packages going the wrong way, how many times FedEx tries to deliver, and what happens when FedEx packages are stolen.
in conclusion
Although this may seem odd or unlikely, there are many times when FedEx will deliver a package and mark it as delivered without the package in the customer’s hands.
Sometimes, this happens because the driver hides the package too well. Other times, it’s because a neighbor is holding a package. Whatever the reason, don’t panic, as your package may arrive soon.
