Does FedEx reuse tracking numbers? (all you must know)
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FedEx provides tracking information for the more than 12 million packages it delivers every day. The system allows customers to keep an eye on packages as they move from one fulfillment center to the next.
But as far as this system goes, it’s not perfect. For example, sometimes FedEx tracking numbers are reused. When this happens, customers have no idea where their packages are. In this article, we’ll share what you need to know about reused tracking numbers!
Will FedEx reuse tracking numbers in 2022?
Some tracking numbers in the FedEx system are recycled after months or years. When this happens, the tracking page may show information for another shipment in 2022. If you suspect your tracking number has been recycled, your best bet is to wait for the shipping information to update. Otherwise, please contact FedEx to resolve the issue.
We have more to tell you about reused tracking numbers, so be sure to check out our entire guide for more helpful facts and tips!
What is a FedEx Tracking Number?
Before we start talking about FedEx’s reused tracking numbers, it’s important to understand what these numbers are and what they look like.
In short, every time a package is sent via FedEx, it is assigned a unique tracking number and barcode.
Each time an item arrives or leaves a FedEx facility, the barcode is scanned and the item’s location is updated.
FedEx’s tracking number allows customers to access this location information.
In most cases, FedEx uses 12-digit tracking numbers written in the following format (eg 9999 9999 9999). The company also uses a 15-digit tracking number in the same format.
How long does FedEx keep tracking numbers?
FedEx Express, FedEx Express Freight, FedEx Ground, FedEx SmartPost and FedEx Custom Critical shipments provide tracking information within 90 days of delivery.
In other words, customers can view the package’s journey within three months of receiving it.
How long does FedEx wait before reusing a tracking number?
Although FedEx tracking numbers are only valid for 90 days, the company doesn’t immediately reuse them.
In fact, it can take months or even years for FedEx to get tracking numbers back into use.
Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing how long FedEx will wait before reusing the tracking number, as this information is not publicly available.
How do I know if I have a duplicate FedEx tracking number?
There are several ways to know if you have a duplicate FedEx tracking number.
First, if you enter your tracking number and see a destination unrelated to your delivery location, there’s a good chance that the tracking number has been reused.
Likewise, you may notice that the estimated delivery date has passed.
If you notice any of these details, you can be sure that your tracking number has been reused.
What if you have a recycled FedEx tracking number?
If you’re sure you have a recycled FedEx tracking number, you may be wondering what to do next.
After all, old information won’t help you follow the current package.
Luckily, it’s not too difficult or complicated to fix a reused tracking number. In fact, our first tip was to wait for FedEx’s system update.
While you may have received a tracking number from the merchant, it is very likely that the item was not scanned into the FedEx system.
When this happens, you have a tracking number, but FedEx hasn’t registered it or started moving it.
Typically, the item will be scanned within a day or two and the tracking number will be updated to provide the correct information.
If your tracking information has not been updated within a few days, please contact FedEx Customer Service at 1 (800) 463-3339. A representative should be able to resolve the issue.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on Does FedEx Deliver to Your Door, Does FedEx Deliver to Canada, and Does FedEx Ground Have Tracking.
in conclusion
FedEx reuses tracking numbers from time to time, but it’s unclear how often this happens. Sometimes it can be months, sometimes it can be years.
This can be very confusing to customers, but in most cases the problem resolves itself within a few days. However, if the problem persists, feel free to contact customer service and have them track your package for you.
