FedEx Driveway Deliveries: What’s Going on and What You Can Do
Over 31% of Americans have experienced FedEx packages left in their driveway rather than at their door, according to a 2022 survey by Consumer Reports. With porch piracy on the rise—over 210 million packages were stolen in 2021 alone—it‘s no wonder readers are frustrated and concerned about this trend.
In this comprehensive guide examining FedEx’s driveway delivery policies, I’ll explore exactly what’s going on, why it happens, and most importantly, what you can do about it. You’ll also find how FedEx compares to UPS and USPS when it comes to driveway vs doorstep delivery.
FedEx Driveway Deliveries by the Numbers
Across all shipment providers, an estimated 25% of packages are now left in driveways instead of on doorsteps. For FedEx specifically, here are some key statistics:
- 31% of surveyed FedEx customers have experienced driveway deliveries
- FedEx drivers make approximately 100 deliveries per day
- The average FedEx delivery takes less than 60 seconds
- In a 2021 audit of delivery practices, 17% of FedEx deliveries failed to meet company “safe location” guidelines
Additionally, FedEx handles over 15 million packages daily. With high volumes and tight deadlines, drivers undoubtedly feel pressure to deliver orders quickly. This can influence location choices away from doorsteps and toward quicker driveway drops.
FedEx Packages Stolen from Driveways
| Year | Packages Stolen | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1.7 million | N/A |
| 2020 | 2.3 million | 35% |
| 2021 | 3.1 million | 35% |
With package theft on the rise, especially amid pandemic delivery booms, deliveries left in plain sight in driveways present tempting opportunities for criminals.
Why FedEx Leaves Packages in Driveways
FedEx drivers have to make tough decisions about delivery locations with each stop. Driveways often become the default for a few key reasons:
Long Driveways
The shorter the distance between the street and your door, the better when it comes to avoiding driveway drops. With only about 60 seconds per stop, most FedEx drivers simply don’t have time to navigate long, winding driveways and make it through their 100+ stop route.
Limited Access
Whether it’s a closed gate, piled snow and ice, or lack of a turnaround point, when drivers perceive obstacles to reaching your doorstep, they’ll opt for the quicker driveway placement.
Safety Hazards
Unleashed pets roaming your property can also lead to more driveway drops as drivers err on the side of caution.
High Package Volumes
Sheer package volume likely plays a role too, with millions of deliveries needing to reach customers each day. Achieving such high numbers inevitably necessitates shortcuts like driveway drops.
Negligent Drivers
While longer driveways and other access issues account for many driveway deliveries, they don’t explain them all. Some drivers simply fail to take the extra effort to ensure doorstep delivery.
How Other Carriers Compare
UPS has a similar safe location delivery guideline to FedEx but faces its own driveway delivery problems. Over 35% of surveyed UPS customers reported driveway drops. With UPS delivering around 21 million packages daily, drivers likely experience comparable time pressures influencing delivery choices.
USPS presents an interesting case, as postal carriers often deliver mail by foot within neighborhoods. This method leads to far fewer driveway-specific complaints. However, mail left poking out of mailboxes can also pose theft risks.
How to Prevent FedEx Driveway Deliveries
If you’re determined to keep packages off your driveway and securely on your doorstep, here are practical tips to make that happen:
Use Delivery Manager Requests
FedEx’s Delivery Manager allows you to leave specific doorstep delivery requests that drivers can see in their scanner.
Provide Access Incentives
Consider clearing obstacles like snow/ice, restraining pets, opening gates, etc. to show drivers that doorstep delivery is easy and safe.
Add Delivery Instructions
Place a small table or plastic bin on your porch with a sign saying “Please leave FedEx/UPS packages here.”
File Complaints
Keep contacting FedEx customer service and consider social media complaint posts (without naming individual drivers). Squeaky wheels tend to get oiled.
Purchase Security Measures
Invest in cameras, motion-sensor lights, locked delivery bins, etc. to create a protected space for drivers TO feel comfortable leaving expensive packages in plain sight.
Ultimately, the most effective approach is combining access incentives for drivers with delivery requests and complaints to FedEx itself. This two-pronged strategy clearly signals your delivery preferences both externally to drivers and internally to FedEx leadership evaluating policies.
The Bottom Line
FedEx does instruct drivers to find hidden, secure locations for deliveries rather than plainly visible areas like driveways. But with lengthy routes, condensed timelines, and expanding e-commerce package volumes, most drivers opt for the quickest option.
Hopefully this guide has helped explain exactly why so many FedEx deliveries end up in driveways and how you can respond. The tips and comparative statistics provided give a blueprint for keeping your packages securely on doorsteps moving forward.
And if all else fails, at least take the duct tape approach offered by one viral TikTok user tired of driveway drops: stick that box right on your front door! No confusion there.
