Does FedEx Ship to Puerto Rico in 2024? The Complete Guide
Wondering how FedEx handles shipping to Puerto Rico these days? As a US territory, you might expect Puerto Rico to follow domestic shipping rules. However, FedEx designates the island as an international destination which changes the process somewhat.
This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know to successfully ship FedEx packages to Puerto Rico in 2024 and beyond.
Key Highlights
- FedEx Ground suspended service to Puerto Rico in 2009 – Express network handles all shipments
- Two main options: FedEx International Economy and Priority
- Estimate 2-4 business days for delivery with Economy (starts at $45)
- Expect overnight delivery with Priority (starts at $75)
- Customs paperwork required for all shipments
- Use FedEx‘s calculator to estimate costs
Table: Transit Times for FedEx Puerto Rico Services
| Service | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| FedEx Intl Economy | 2-4 business days |
| FedEx Intl Priority | Overnight by 10:30AM |
No FedEx Ground Shipping to Puerto Rico
First, let‘s clear up a common misconception – FedEx Ground does NOT ship to Puerto Rico.
In 2009, FedEx suspended their Ground delivery service to Puerto Rico. All packages now route through FedEx‘s Express air transportation network.
Without the Ground option, FedEx can better handle the additional customs clearance and regulatory steps required for Puerto Rico. This enables them to still provide fast, reliable delivery.
Which FedEx Shipping Services Are Available?
With FedEx Ground out of the picture, two main FedEx Express services can ship packages to Puerto Rico:
FedEx International Economy
- Lowest cost option
- Estimated delivery in 2-4 business days from pickup
- 2023 rates start around $45 for a 2 lb package
- Best for less urgent deliveries
- Includes online tracking
This deferred option travels through FedEx‘s Express air network but isn‘t always rushed on the next outbound flight like Priority packages. Still a great option for cost-conscious shipments.
FedEx International Priority
- Fast overnight scheduled delivery by 10:30AM
- 2023 rates start around $75 for 2 lbs
- Best for time-sensitive package
- Gives online tracking and delivery notifications
As the name implies, Priority shipping prioritizes your package for the earliest outbound flight. Use Priority when you need to ship something urgently to Puerto Rico.
See Also: Full List of FedEx Shipping Services
Puerto Rico – An International Destination
When shipping with FedEx to Puerto Rico, it‘s essential to keep one fact in mind:
FedEx considers Puerto Rico an international destination.
What exactly does this mean? Here are the key effects:
- Longer overall transit times – Priority still delivers overnight, but Economy needs 2+ days
- Required customs paperwork – You‘ll need to fill out some extra docs for Puerto Rico
- International shipping rates apply – Costs more than domestic U.S. base rates
- Potential duties & taxes – Though uncommon, some items incur added fees
- Brokerage fees charged on delivery – Typically around $20 per shipment
So while Puerto Rico is a US territory, FedEx handles it more like an international shipment in many regards. The process mirrors shipping to Europe or Canada.
Data Source: 2022 FedEx Service Guide
Customs Documentation Required
When shipping to Puerto Rico with FedEx, formal customs paperwork is required by law. Documents you may need include:
- Commercial Invoice – Detailed descriptions of all package contents
- Shipper‘s Export Declaration – Submitted electronically through FedEx‘s system
- Export Licenses – Required for some types of exports
Specific requirements depend whether you are shipping a gift parcel or commercial goods. Get full customs details in FedEx‘s International Shipping Checklist.
Pro Tip: Fill out paperwork accurately upfront to prevent customs delays!
What‘s the Cost to Ship FedEx Packages to Puerto Rico?
As touched on above, FedEx shipping rates to Puerto Rico vary based on:
- Selected service level (Economy, Priority, etc)
- Distance from pickup location
- Package dimensions and weight
- Fuel surcharges + seasonal rate adjustments
To give you a general idea, here‘s what average shipping costs look like today:
Table: FedEx Puerto Rico Sample Rates
| Package Weight | Economy Shipping | Priority Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | $50 | $85 |
| 3 lbs | $60 | $95 |
| 5 lbs | $75 | $120 |
| 10 lbs | $115 | $180 |
Rates are rounded estimates from Boston, MA to metro San Juan area. Use them only as a baseline guide.
For exact FedEx pricing tailored to your specifics:
- Get Quote Instantly with FedEx‘s calculate time and cost tool
- Call 1-800-GoFedEx and speak with a shipping agent
Related Post: Does FedEx Ship Large, Oversize Items?
5 Tips for Smooth Shipping with FedEx to Puerto Rico
Follow these best practices when sending your next package to Puerto Rico via FedEx:
- Know transit times – Economy takes 2-4 days, Priority delivers next-day by 10:30 AM
- Prepare customs docs – Inaccurate paperwork causes major delays
- Verify addresses – Include Urbanization Codes where required
- Get rate quotes – Prices vary based on weights and dimensions
- Use FedEx Delivery Manager – Provides free visibility into your shipments
With the right information and planning, you can ship seamlessly using FedEx‘s Puerto Rico services. Just keep the territory‘s international designation in mind.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
