FedEx late delivery (what it means + other related FAQs)
FedEx has an excellent reputation for fast, on-time deliveries. In fact, reliable, fast delivery is one of the main reasons consumers choose FedEx over other delivery services.
While that reputation is certainly well deserved, it would be disingenuous to say that FedEx is flawless. Like other companies, FedEx has its share of late deliveries. In this article, you’ll learn why these delays occur, how to deal with them, and how to prevent them!
FedEx delays deliveries in 2022
As of 2022, approximately 15% of FedEx packages are delayed and late. Common explanations for delays include seasonal weather, power outages or staff shortages. Packages covered by the FedEx Money Back Guarantee are eligible for a refund if delivery is delayed. Customers can prevent delays by checking shipping and return addresses and avoiding holiday shipments.
We have more information to share with you about FedEx late deliveries, so please complete this entire article!
What does my FedEx package delay mean?
If you see a message on your tracking that says “Scheduled Delivery Pending” or something similar, it means something unexpected has happened.
As a result, your FedEx package will be delayed beyond the original delivery date and time estimate.
In some cases, FedEx may be able to make up the time and deliver on time. In other cases, your package may be delayed by a day or more.
Why are FedEx deliveries delayed?
It’s annoying to admit, but FedEx deliveries are delayed for a number of reasons.
For example, some common explanations for delays include seasonal weather events (such as winter storms or wildfires), power outages, national emergencies, and high package volumes.
What is the percentage of FedEx delivery delays?
According to the 2021 year-end study, FedEx has an on-time delivery rate of 84.8%, meaning that more than 15% of the company’s deliveries are delayed.
What happens if my FedEx package is delayed?
What happens if your FedEx package is delayed depends on which service your item was sent through.
For example, if your package was sent via a courier service such as Overnight or International Priority, you are entitled to a refund if it arrives late.
On the other hand, if your package is sent via a service like 2Day, Ground or Home Delivery, there’s not much you can do in the event of a delay.
This is because these services do not include FedEx’s money-back guarantee.
If they are delayed, all you can do is pay close attention to your tracking information and be patient while waiting for delivery.
How long can a FedEx package be delayed?
In most cases, FedEx packages are only delayed by a day or two. That being said, many customers have experienced delays lasting a week or more.
Will FedEx compensate for late deliveries?
Depending on the service you sent your package from, you may be asked for a refund or adjusted invoice if your package arrives late.
In fact, under FedEx’s money-back guarantee program, customers are eligible for a shipping refund if their package arrives after the specified delivery time, even by just a minute.
With this, services with a money-back guarantee include:
- FedEx overnight (First, Priority, Standard, Extra Hours)
- FedEx International (First, Priority, Priority Express, Priority Freight)
Additionally, if your package is sent via other FedEx services such as ground, home or freight, you will not be compensated for late delivery.
Also, it’s worth noting that even included services may not be included in all cases.
For example, packages with address issues, deemed undeliverable, or shipped during the holiday season are not covered by the money-back guarantee.
In addition, FedEx may suspend, modify or withdraw the guarantee at any time without notice.
How do I get a refund for late FedEx deliveries?
If you determine that your package is eligible for a refund under the FedEx Money Back Guarantee Program, you will need to request a refund. Of course, online is the fastest way to file.
That said, here are the steps to apply for a refund online:
- Go to the FedEx Claims webpage.
- Click “Start Claim”.
- Enter your tracking number and claim type. For late deliveries, select Shipment Not Received.
- Click “Continue”.
- Provide pictures and other details relevant to your case.
- Submit your claim and write down the case number for reference.
Once submitted, you can check the status of your claim by logging into your FedEx account and entering your case number.
How can I prevent my FedEx package from being delayed?
Unfortunately, many reasons for FedEx package delays (such as inclement weather, staff shortages, or national emergencies) are unavoidable.
However, as a FedEx customer, there are a few things you can do to prevent your package from being delayed.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to double-check your shipping information before sending your package.
In fact, one of the main reasons for package delays is incomplete or incorrect addresses.
Also, another way to avoid delays is to invest in faster shipping services.
Express services, especially those with a money-back guarantee, take precedence and generally don’t suffer from delays like other FedEx services.
Finally, if you can avoid sending packages during the busy holiday season (between Thanksgiving and New Years), you can avoid a lot of delays.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on FedEx delivery to the wrong address, FedEx Australia delivery times, and FedEx delivery instructions.
in conclusion
Unfortunately, late deliveries are part of FedEx’s day-to-day operations.
While the company does its best to adhere to its delivery schedule, factors such as severe weather, staff shortages and national emergencies could interfere.
As a customer, you can avoid the worst delays by planning your shipments in advance, shipping via courier services, and double-checking your shipping address.
