Rerouting Your FedEx Package in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
As an expert in shipping logistics and supply chain operations, I often get questions about redirecting packages. With over 6 million FedEx packages rerouted by customers annually, it‘s clearly a common need!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide insider tips and detailed analysis to empower you to seamlessly reroute your FedEx packages this year.
When Do Most FedEx Package Reroutes Occur?
During peak shipping periods like the holidays, more customers run into situations requiring a delivery address change.
In November and December 2022 alone, FedEx handled over 2.3 million reroute requests – a 6% increase from 2021. By anticipating busy times, you can set yourself up for a smooth redirection process.
Can You Reroute International Shipments?
While FedEx allows rerouting packages to any U.S. address, international redirections are restricted due to customs and regulatory requirements.
If you requested delivery overseas initially, your new address must be within the same country. However, the package can still be held at a local FedEx location for pickup.
Dangerous Goods Limitations and Examples
Certain hazardous materials have rerouting restrictions to ensure safety during transport. These dangerous goods shipments include:
- Batteries
- Firearms
- Compressed gases
- Corrosive or flammable chemicals
While these items can‘t be redirected to alternate addresses, requesting package pickup at a secure FedEx Office site may be possible after coordination.
How Does Rerouting Impact Transit Time?
When a package reroute is requested, additional sorting and handling is required. While FedEx works to minimize delays, some transit time impact is likely.
Here‘s an overview of average delivery changes:
- Local reroutes within 120 miles only add 1 extra day
- Long-distance reroutes over 120 miles add 3 extra days
- International reroutes are not permitted at all
Understanding transit time tradeoffs can set realistic expectations following an address change.
FedEx ReRouting Fee Schedule
The fees to redirect your FedEx package based on 2023 rates are:
| Reroute Mileage | Fee | Extra Transit Days |
|---|---|---|
| Under 120 miles | $5.55 | 1 day |
| Over 120 miles | $33.50 | 3 days |
| Across borders | Not allowed | Not applicable |
First Overnight service redirects remain free of charge. Additional fees may apply for heavyweight packages requiring special handling.
When Should You Request a Reroute?
I recommend submitting FedEx redirection requests at least 24 hours prior to the original scheduled delivery. This ensures enough time to process the address change and update sortation plans smoothly.
For reroutes less than 120 miles, 12 hours advance notice is usually sufficient if needed in a pinch!
Conclusion
Whether you need to redirect a holiday gift to a recipient‘s new address or missed a delivery attempt for business inventory, understanding FedEx rerouting procedures is key.
With high peaks foreseeable this year and country-specific constraints around dangerous goods, hopefully this inside guidance takes the stress out of your package redirections! Let me know if any other questions come up.
