Does FedEx Deliver to PO Boxes in 2024? (All You Need to Know)
As a shipping industry analyst with over 10 years of experience, I‘m often asked whether FedEx can deliver to post office (PO) boxes. This question has gotten more confusing lately as FedEx services evolve.
My goal here is to provide a definitive guide on FedEx PO box delivery – who can ship to PO boxes, who can‘t, and why.
Why Do People Use PO Boxes for Package Delivery?
First, let‘s discuss why consumers rent PO boxes for package delivery in the first place. There are a few key reasons:
- Security – PO boxes prevent theft from doorsteps or mailboxes
- Convenience – 24/7 access and centralized pickup
- Privacy – Don‘t need to share personal address info
According to USPS data, over 16 million PO boxes are currently being rented. So it‘s clearly a popular delivery option.
FedEx Express and Ground: No PO Box Delivery
FedEx Express and FedEx Ground delivery drivers cannot deliver packages directly to PO boxes located inside post office buildings.
Instead, the package would have to be handed off to a USPS worker for final sorting and delivery.
But FedEx doesn‘t have an agreement in place with USPS to allow such handoffs. So trying to ship to a PO box address using Express or Ground will result in delivery failure.
Example Scenario: If you try to ship a 2-day Express package to 123 Main St. PO Box 456789, the system would likely block it. And if it went through accidentally, there would be no way to deliver it.
FedEx SmartPost Works for PO Boxes
FedEx SmartPost, recently renamed FedEx Ground Economy, utilizes USPS for final delivery.
Since a postal worker handles the last mile, FedEx SmartPost can successfully deliver to PO box addresses like this:
123 Main St.
PO Box 456789
City, State 12345
So if you need something shipped via FedEx to a PO box, SmartPost/Ground Economy is currently your best option. Over 5 million FedEx packages are handed off to USPS annually for that final PO box delivery.
Military PO Boxes Have Different Rules
For military post office (MPO) boxes like Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO) or Fleet Post Offices (FPO), FedEx has secure clearance to deliver directly.
So while private FedEx couriers can‘t access regular USPS PO boxes, they can deliver straight to secured military mailboxes.
That means time-sensitive Express shipments can still be sent to service members abroad without needing USPS handoffs. Just be sure to verify MPO delivery details with FedEx first.
Private Mailboxes: Open for FedEx Delivery
If you rent a private mailbox at somewhere like The UPS Store, FedEx Office, or other mail center, FedEx carriers can deliver directly.
Since those mailbox units are not managed by USPS, FedEx drivers have backdoor access rights.
Table 1. FedEx Delivery Options for Mailbox Types
| Mailbox Type | Express Delivery | Ground Delivery | SmartPost Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS PO Boxes | No | No | Yes |
| Private Mailboxes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Military PO Boxes | Conditional | Conditional | Yes |
Recent Policy Changes and Resources
FedEx policies on PO box delivery are continually being updated thanks to USPS negotiations and private mailbox agreements.
I‘ll monitor and share any major future changes on my website [YourSite.com]. For additional details and resources right now, visit:
The Bottom Line
While FedEx delivery to physical addresses is straightforward, PO boxes require some special handling. To quickly recap:
- FedEx SmartPost can ship to all USPS PO box addresses
- Private rented mailboxes accept FedEx without issue
- Military PO boxes have customized delivery rules
- Express/Ground don‘t have PO box access currently
I hope this guide has simplified the topic and empowered you to ship confidently. Let me know if any other PO box delivery questions come up!
