What does return to sender mean? (+ other FAQs)
While a company may want to deliver every package that enters its mail stream, sometimes FedEx can’t do that and has to return the package to the sender.
There are many reasons why this happens, and I will review a few of them in this article. So if you’re confused about what’s going on with FedEx packages, be sure to read on!
What does return to sender mean in 2022?
Return to sender is a term FedEx uses to describe packages that cannot be delivered in 2022 and are returned to the shipper. Packages may be returned due to incorrect addresses, refusal to ship, or damaged boxes. FedEx will also return packages that are not picked up within 7 days of receipt.
For more information on why packages are returned to sender, read the entire article!
What does it mean when it says “package returned to sender”?
In order to understand why FedEx returns a package to the sender and what to do if this happens, it’s important to understand what the term means.
That said, returning to sender is a standard policy adopted by postal companies when a package cannot be delivered.
Also, there are many reasons why a package is considered undeliverable. Some examples include:
- The address is incorrect or does not exist
- Insufficient postage
- The recipient moved without providing a forwarding address
- Recipient refuses to ship
Also, if the item cannot be delivered for any of these reasons, it will usually be returned to the person whose name appears on the return address.
Why does FedEx return the package to the sender?
FedEx returns a package to the sender for a variety of reasons. So, let’s take a closer look at some of them here.
1. The recipient is not at the address provided
FedEx returns the package to the sender when the recipient cannot be found at the given address.
That said, it could be due to the sender providing the wrong apartment number, the wrong spelling of the street name, or the wrong zip code.
In some cases, FedEx’s software can correct these errors and get the package where it needs to go. However, this is not always the case.
Sometimes FedEx cannot correct addresses. Other times, the recipient has moved and FedEx cannot find the forwarding address.
If any of the above happens, the package will most likely be returned to the sender.
2. The item is not claimed by the recipient
If the package requires a signature for delivery and the recipient is not present, FedEx will retry the delivery or redirect the package to the pickup location.
Typically, the recipient will be ready for the next delivery attempt or head to the pickup.
However, in many cases, the recipient never attempts to pick up the package, which results in the item being returned to the sender.
3. Items rejected by the recipient
It may sound strange, but sometimes recipients refuse to accept package delivery.
That said, it could be because they changed their mind about the purchase because they thought the package was delivered in the wrong way, or because the package was damaged.
For whatever reason, if the recipient rejects the package, it is returned to the sender.
4. The recipient cannot provide valid proof of age
Packages containing certain items, especially alcohol, require the signature of a person 21 or older for delivery.
Typically, this takes the form of a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Therefore, if the recipient cannot provide this information (whether because they are a minor or have no ID), FedEx will return the package to the sender.
How do I return a FedEx package to the sender?
If you’re the sender and need to cancel Express Mail, FedEx makes it easy to return your package to you.
That said, to do so, log into your FedEx account, go to the tracking page, and follow these steps:
- Enter your tracking number
- Select “Manage Shipping” and then “Return to Shipper”
- Use the “Return Reason” drop-down menu to select the reason for returning the package (e.g. undeliverable address, suspected fraud, wrong item, change of mind of recipient)
- Click “Continue”
- Enter your contact information (if FedEx needs to contact you)
- Click “Submit”
- Write down your case number and click “Done”
Additionally, if you need a FedEx Ground package sent back to you, please contact customer support online.
How long does FedEx hold a package before returning it to the sender?
If FedEx attempts to deliver the package but cannot deliver it (for example, a signature is required), the package is usually deposited at a FedEx office or a third-party retailer.
Luckily, recipients can find out where they’re stuck through house numbers and FedEx’s online tracking platform.
Once they have this information, they will pick up the package within a reasonable amount of time.
Also, for packages sent via FedEx Ground and FedEx Express, this time is approximately 7 days.
Then, if the recipient doesn’t pick up their package within that time, FedEx will return the item to the sender.
What happens if my FedEx package is returned to the sender?
If a FedEx package is returned to the sender, the return fee will be borne by the sender.
Additionally, these charges will be in addition to the original charges unless the shipment is undeliverable due to FedEx’s fault.
Additionally, the sender may be required to pay other FedEx charges, such as duties, taxes, and storage fees, when returning the package.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on what FedEx undeliverable means, whether FedEx accepts USPS, and what FedEx warehouse scanning means.
in conclusion
There are many reasons why a package is returned to the sender. For example, this could be due to an incomplete address, a refusal to deliver, or a damaged package.
While it’s not always possible to avoid a package being returned, you can minimize the risk by double-checking addresses, informing recipients about deliveries, and staying informed about package pickups.
