How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Send a FedEx Package

Sending a FedEx package is easy and convenient. First, you’ll need to package and label the item. Then, you can select and pay for the delivery service that best suits your needs. Finally, you can send the package off and track it online. No matter what you’re shipping or to whom, you can send it through FedEx for a quick and easy delivery.

EditSteps

EditPackaging and Labeling the Item

Ensure the item can be shipped. Packages containing hazardous or dangerous goods and materials, like chemicals and medicine, may not be able to be shipped. Some items, like lithium ion batteries, need to be specially labeled for shipment. For a full list of items considered to be hazardous or dangerous as well as guidelines for shipping these items, visit http://images.fedex.com/us/services/pdf/HazmatShippingTable.pdf.^[1]
Package the item. You can visit a nearby FedEx store or order the appropriate packing supplies online. Generally, you should use a mailing envelope, standard corrugated cardboard box, or shipping tube, all of which are available in a variety of sizes. Use bubble wrap to pad the package, if necessary. Be sure to securely close the packaging, either with the built-in glue strip (for envelopes), by applying packing tape across all the seams (for boxes), or reinforcing the sealed ends with packing tape (for tubes).^[2]
- It’s a good idea to put a copy of the completed shipping label inside the package, if possible.
Fill out the shipping label and any other required documents. For a domestic shipping label, you’ll need to provide both the sender’s and recipient’s name, address, and phone number. You’ll also need to add a description and value of the item you’re sending along with the weight of the package. You can fill out the forms by hand in any FedEx store, or fill them out on the FedEx website and and print them out home.^[3]
- If you’re filling out the forms online, be sure you have an accurate scale to weigh the package with.
- For international packages, you’ll need to fill out customs forms that include the export control classification number and the harmonized system code, which can be found using the tool available at https://www.fedex.com/GTM?cntry_code=us.
Place the label on the largest flat side of the container. Slip the completed label into a clear, plastic pouch and peel off the adhesive backing. Firmly attach the label to the largest flat side of the shipping container, and make sure you don’t tape over the label or cover it up in any way. If the package is too small to fit the entire label on 1 side, make sure the recipient’s address is on 1 side of the seam and the barcode is on the other.^[4]
- Secure a tie-on tag label to luggage and other containers with handles using a zip-tie.

EditSelecting and Paying for the Delivery Service

Determine how quickly you’d like the package to arrive. You have many options for domestic packages, including same-day delivery, next-business-day delivery, 2- or 3-business-day delivery, or ground delivery (1-5 business days). For international packages, you can choose fastest-possible delivery (1 business day), international priority (1-3 business days), or international economy (2-5 days).^[5]
- If you want to require a signature upon delivery for the package, you can select that option when choosing the delivery service.
Purchase insurance in case of loss or damage. For items valued at less than $100, you need only declare the value on the shipping label and FedEx will pay you up to $100 to replace the item, if necessary. For more expensive items, you must declare the value and pay $0.90 per $100 of the value for insurance. If you end up needing to file a claim, you must provide proof-of-value for the lost item.^[6]
- If FedEx damages or loses a package you sent, provide the purchase receipt and fill out a claim form online at http://www.fedex.com/us/fcl/pckgenvlp/online-claims/index.html.
Pay the shipping costs. The shipping cost depends on the weight and size of the package as well as the delivery service you choose. In the store, you can use cash, check, or a debit/credit card. If you choose to print the label online, you’ll need to pay with a debit/credit card or do an electronic funds transfer before you can print out the label. To determine the rate of a particular package, go to https://www.fedex.com/ratefinder/home?cc=US&language=en&locId=express.

EditShipping the Package

Drop off the package if you have time. If you live or work near a FedEx store or dropbox, you can simply drop off packages that you’ve labeled and paid for online. Or, you can go to a FedEx store to fill out the forms and pay for shipping there. To find a list of FedEx stores, go to http://www.fedex.com/locate/. For a list of FedEx drop box locations, visit http://www.fedex.com/us/dropbox/.^[7]
Arrange to have the package picked up if it’s more convenient. For your convenience, you can arrange to have a package picked up from your home or office. Call 1-800-GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339) and say, “Schedule a pickup.” Alternatively, you can schedule a pickup online at https://www.fedex.com/us/fcl/pckgenvlp/pickup/index.html. Keep in mind that you’ll need to create a customer account with FedEx if you don’t already have one to schedule a pickup online.^[8]
Track the package using the tracking ID number on the receipt. The shipping receipt contains a tracking ID, or reference, number at the top. To track your package, simply input the number at https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html. This tool will provide the status of the shipment as well as current and past locations for your package.^[9]