What is FedEx’s indirect signature? (full guide)
FedEx is busier than ever, with porch pirates roaming around, and securing your shipments is a smart idea. One way is to add a signature requirement.
When you add this option to your package, FedEx will only deliver the item if someone signs for it. For more information on indirect signing options, read the rest of this article!
What is Indirect Signature for FedEx in 2022?
FedEx Indirect Signature is an add-on delivery service that requires someone to sign for the package in 2022. This can be the recipient, the person at the delivery location, or someone nearby (such as a neighbor). Also, requesting release on the Delivery Manager tool, leaving a signed note, or signing a house number is acceptable.
I bet you still have a lot of questions about FedEx’s indirect signing option, so keep looking for answers!
What is FedEx Signature Release?
Adding a signature requirement is a good option if you want added security for your next FedEx package delivery.
When you add this option, someone must sign for the package to be released by the FedEx driver. This ensures that the package is received safely and not left outside.
If there is no one to sign, the driver will leave the package in their hands and leave a house number indicating that the delivery has taken place.
FedEx offers three types of signature requirements: Indirect Signature Required, Adult Signature Required, and Direct Signature Required.
Packages with the indirect signature option require FedEx to obtain a signature from someone at the delivery location or from someone nearby (such as a neighbor or building administrator).
Additionally, packages that require an adult signature require the driver to obtain the signature of a person of the age of majority in the destination country at the delivery address.
In the US, this means getting a signature from someone who is at least 21 years old. Additionally, government-issued photo ID is required.
However, if no one at the delivery address is eligible to sign for it, FedEx may retry delivery on another day or hold the package for pickup.
When it comes to packages that require a direct signature, someone at the recipient’s address (not necessarily the recipient) must sign for it.
If no one can sign for it, FedEx will retry delivery or hold the package for pickup.
What is FedEx Indirect Signature?
Indirect Signature is an additional service provided by FedEx to make deliveries more secure.
When you select this option, FedEx will obtain a signature from someone at the shipping address or from someone nearby, such as a neighbor or building keeper.
Alternatively, the recipient can authorize the release of the shipment without anyone present.
This can be done by publishing on the FedEx Delivery Manager or by signing the FedEx house plate (after delivery is attempted).
Is FedEx Indirect Signature required?
In most cases, adding any signature option to your FedEx delivery is optional. FedEx will only provide this option when requested by the sender.
That said, certain dangerous or high-value items require some kind of signature in order to be released. Examples include the following:
- firearms
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Authorized permitted transport of alcohol
- drug
If you are shipping these types of items, it is best to check with FedEx for any necessary handling instructions.
How much does FedEx Indirect Signature cost?
Adding an indirect signature to your FedEx package costs $5.90 at launch.
However, keep in mind that this is only the price for the signature option and additional shipping will apply.
Can you leave a note for FedEx Indirect Signature?
Unlike deliveries that require a direct signature and which require an adult signature, a signed note can act as a signature for deliveries that require an indirect signature.
There are several ways to do this.
For example, you can write a brief note that you want the driver to leave the package, even if no one is home.
If you choose this option, be sure to include the recipient’s name and address, as well as the tracking number.
Additionally, you can leave a phone number in case a FedEx driver needs to contact you.
While this option will work in most cases, please note that the decision to leave the package is at the driver’s discretion.
If they can’t find a safe location for your item, they may retry the delivery at a later time or hold your package for pickup.
Another option to “sign” for deliveries that require indirect signatures is to request package release through the FedEx Delivery Manager tool.
Finally, if FedEx has attempted to deliver and left a house number, you can sign the label indicating that you want the package to be released, even if no one is present to sign for it.
What is the difference between FedEx Direct and Indirect Signatures?
Packages requiring a direct FedEx signature indicate that someone at the recipient’s address must sign for delivery.
It doesn’t have to be the recipient, but it has to be the person who was on site when it was delivered.
Conversely, anyone in or near the delivery location can sign up for an indirect signature-required delivery.
For packages that require an indirect signature, you can also write a note, sign a house number, or request a package release through the Delivery Manager tool.
Note that these options are not available for deliveries that require direct signature.
Can FedEx Indirect Signature be used for international shipments?
FedEx’s signature option is currently available in more than 60 destination countries.
When you purchase shipping online or at the FedEx store, you can find out which delivery options are available to your destination country.
To learn more, you can also check out our posts on FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Home Delivery, and FedEx Signature Release Forms.
in conclusion
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of security to your next FedEx delivery, choosing the indirect signature option can provide the extra layer of protection you’re looking for.
At the same time, this option is more flexible than FedEx’s other products that require signatures. In fact, you can release your package by leaving a note, signing a house number, or requesting a package release through the Delivery Manager tool.
