Why Your FedEx Package Gets Handed Off to USPS

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Wondering why your FedEx package made an unexpected pitstop at the post office? You‘re not alone. Many customers feel confused when their delivery gets transferred from private courier FedEx to USPS for final delivery.

But this handoff is actually by design — the result of an intentional partnership between the two companies that‘s been around for nearly 20 years. Once you understand the reasoning behind it, you can track packages with confidence knowing it’s still on the way.

FedEx and USPS: Fierce Competitors and Surprising Collaborators

FedEx and USPS compete for delivery business across the United States. FedEx ships over 15 million packages daily via air and ground, while USPS handles over 425 million mail pieces each day.

You’d think these shipping giants would avoid working together at all costs. Yet they’ve managed to strike an unlikely alliance through a service called FedEx SmartPost.

||FedEx|USPS|
|:-|:-|:-|
|Delivery Reach|Serves 220+ countries|Delivers to every US address|
|Speed|Express air and ground options|Slower delivery times|
|Rates |Higher costs for priority shipping|Lower cost due to bulk discounts|

This table highlights the key differences between the two carriers. FedEx offers faster, customizable delivery solutions at a premium cost. Meanwhile, USPS delivers standard mail and packages affordably using economies of scale.

FedEx relies on USPS’s unparalleled local reach and cost advantages to handle final delivery for SmartPost packages. In return, USPS earns revenue it wouldn’t receive otherwise for delivering FedEx parcels.

Why Your Package Got Handed Off

So why did your particular FedEx package get transferred to USPS? There are a few possible reasons:

1. You selected a lightweight Ground Economy or SmartPost shipping option

To access USPS’s expansive delivery network at a low rate, FedEx offers special residential shipping options called FedEx Ground Economy and SmartPost.

When you choose one of these methods at checkout, FedEx will transport your lightweight parcel quickly across the country before handing it to USPS to complete last-mile delivery. The average SmartPost package is 5 pounds or under.

Nearly 30% of all FedEx Ground shipments leverage USPS for final delivery through SmartPost.

2. Your package needed to reach a remote location

FedEx transfers certain packages to USPS to tap into their unrivaled local reach. Even the most expansive private couriers struggle to service remote regions like rural routes, PO boxes, and US territories cost-effectively.

But USPS has carriers trailing over 231,000 routes covering every address. So FedEx hands off parcels destined for tricky endpoints to them for affordable delivery.

3. Home delivery wasn’t available/convenient

Sometimes recipients aren’t available to sign for residential FedEx deliveries during weekdays. Senior citizens, students, military families, and remote workers often miss these daytime drop-offs.

By transferring a package to USPS, the recipient can retrieve it from their neighborhood post office at their convenience. No more missed delivery notices!

How to Track a FedEx Package Handed to USPS

Mystified about how to track a package once USPS takes custody from FedEx? Here are the best methods to track status:

  1. Reference the transfer notice and delivery timeframe from FedEx
  2. Prepend “92” to your FedEx tracking number and check it on USPS.com
  3. Chat with a USPS agent by texting USPS to 28777 and providing your FedEx tracking number

USPS should be able to look up the status manually since the FedEx number is tied internally to the postal system barcode. Expect to see updates like “Picked Up by Shipping Partner” or “Delivered, PO Box” once in USPS possession.

Don’t Stress if USPS Has Your Package!

While seeing your package get transferred between companies may feel uneasy, rest assured you will still receive your items on schedule. In fact, SmartPost boasts a 99% on-time delivery rate thanks to USPS completing the handoff.

So next time your FedEx tracking shows the package heading to a post office facility, don’t despair! USPS’s incredible local reach is ensuring you ultimately get your package affordably and reliably.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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