FedEx Current situations affecting shipments
Heavy package volume
The COVID-19 pandemic has created record-breaking shipment volumes. As more people shop online to avoid crowds in stores, those numbers have grown even more. This has created shipping volumes that are taxing logistics networks nationwide, which may cause delays.
COVID-19 business closures
The pandemic continues to cause businesses around the country to close. If you need to send a shipment to an area that’s experiencing closures, contact your recipient before you ship to ensure they’re open and able to receive your package.
Weather and other service disruptions
Air cargo capacity remains limited, and we are adjusting our networks to better enable us to continue delivering much-needed goods and services during these ongoing market constraints. FedEx money-back guarantee (MBG) is suspended for FedEx Express® services for which MBG was previously reinstated November 1, 2021 through January 16, 2022.
Ways to manage your shipments
Whether you’re a shipper or a recipient, there are actions you can take to have more control over your shipments.
For shipments already in progress
If you're a shipper
Redirect your shipment
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Have your package sent to a FedEx location to be held for the recipient at no additional charge
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To redirect a package on fedex.com:
- Click the Tracking dropdown
- Enter the tracking number
- Select “Manage Delivery”
- Select “Hold at Location”
- Or call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339
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To redirect a package on fedex.com:
Reroute your shipment
- Send your package to another address by calling 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339
- Reroute requests are subject to restrictions; packages delivered to addresses other than the original destination may be subject to additional transportation fees and surcharges as outlined in the FedEx Service Guide
- Have the shipment returned to you by calling 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339
- Returns to the shipper are billed to the original shipper or the appropriate payor; the shipper or the appropriate payor must agree to pay for the return charges which include freight charges, and any applicable duties and taxes as outlined in the FedEx Service Guide
Have your shipment held at the destination service center for the recipient
To request a hold:
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Visit the FedEx Freight Locations page
- Enter the ZIP code to find the service center nearest the recipient
- Call the service center and request the hold
Or call Freight Customer Service at 1.866.393.4585
If you're a recipient
- Start by tracking your shipment
- Redirect it to a retail location or reroute it with FedEx Delivery Manager®
- Or call the shipper and request that they redirect or reroute the shipment
- Start by tracking your shipment
- Contact the shipper to have your shipment redirected to a nearby service center for you to pick up
Before shipping
- Check the active service alerts to see if any of them apply to your package’s origin or destination area
- Contact your recipient to ensure they’re able to receive your package
- For FedEx Express or FedEx Ground shipments, you can choose FedEx Hold at Location when you’re creating your shipping label; your recipient will be able to pick up their package at a FedEx retail network location
For FedEx Express or FedEx Ground shipments
- Have your shipper send your package to an alternate address that hasn’t been affected by a service disruption
- Allow for extra shipping time to compensate for delays
Weather and other service disruptions
Operational Impacts
January 11, 2022
The explosive surge of the COVID-19 Omicron variant has caused a temporary shortage of available crew members and operational staff in the FedEx Express air network. Additionally, severe winter weather across the country has placed a strain on operations. The health and safety of our team members is our top priority.
We are implementing contingency plans and adjusting operations to minimize delays while continuing to provide the best possible service to our customers during these difficult times. Volume currently moving through the network will be prioritized for processing. Previously paused pick-up for International Priority Freight is now available. Deferred and Premium Domestic FedEx Express Freight and International Economy Freight pick-ups are planned to resume on Thursday, January 13th.
If you have FedEx Express Freight that must move before January 13th, consider the alternative options:
- Transition domestic FedEx Express freight volume to FedEx Freight or your preferred LTL carrier
- Upgrade critical domestic FedEx Express freight to First Overnight Freight
- Choose International FedEx Express parcel services in lieu of International FedEx Express freight services where possible
Please continue to check FedEx Service Alerts for more information. Up to date information on weather advisories can be found at the National Weather Service.
Download additional details on cities, states and ZIP Codes affected by winter storms.
Shipping to affected areas?
To help avoid delays, we encourage you to contact your recipients to verify whether their location is open or able to receive deliveries. Note that potential service disruptions may not affect FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, etc. the same. This may result in different levels of impact as well as cities, states and ZIP Codes serviced. Continue to check fedex.com for service updates. For specific shipment status information, please track your shipment at fedex.com. The FedEx money back guarantee is currently suspended.
You can also go HERE and scroll to the middle almost the bottom and read Regulatory news and updates for your specific region.