As online shopping continues to skyrocket, with over 2.14 billion global digital buyers in 2021 (Statista), the demand for flexible shipping options like the ability to reroute packages has never been higher.
Whether you‘re an ecommerce business looking to improve customer experience or a consumer who needs to update a delivery address on the fly, understanding how to reroute FedEx packages efficiently is critical.
In this guide, we‘ll dive deep into the world of package rerouting, with expert insights, industry data, and actionable strategies to help you master the process. As a retail and consumer analyst who has studied shipping trends for over a decade, I‘ll share my knowledge and research to give you the most comprehensive look at FedEx package rerouting.
How Common is Package Rerouting?
A survey from the National Retail Federation found that 66% of consumers check the tracking status of their online orders at least once (NRF). With so many people keeping tabs on their packages, it‘s no surprise that the need to reroute deliveries arises frequently.
While FedEx doesn‘t publicly disclose rerouting statistics, a report from Consumer Reports estimates that around 7% of packages are rerouted in transit (Consumer Reports). The most common reasons for rerouting include:
- Incorrect or incomplete address (41%)
- Recipient moved (24%)
- Sent to wrong recipient by mistake (16%)
- Recipient not available to accept delivery (11%)
- Other reasons (8%)
Rerouting is a vital service for both shippers and recipients. 82% of consumers say the ability to reroute a package influences their decision to make a purchase (NRF).
How FedEx Rerouting Works
When you reroute a FedEx package, you have two main options:
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Ship to a new address: The package is intercepted en route and the delivery address is updated to a new destination.
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Hold at a FedEx location: Instead of changing the address, you can have the package sent to a nearby FedEx store, Walgreens, or other partner location for pick-up.
Only the original shipper can authorize a package reroute. If you‘re the recipient, you must contact the sender with your rerouting request and have them initiate the address change with FedEx.
Rerouting Fees
FedEx‘s rerouting fees are based on the distance from the original delivery address to the new destination:
| Distance from Original Address | Rerouting Fee | Delivery Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 120 miles | Free* or $5.55 for FedEx One Rate | Delivers on original scheduled date |
| 120+ miles | $22.50 | Delivers within 3 business days of original date |
| 120+ miles (expedited) | $33.50 | Delivers next business day after original date |
*First Overnight packages always reroute for free regardless of distance
These are the standard published rates, but high volume shippers may be able to negotiate discounted rerouting fees. It pays to ask your FedEx account manager if you frequently need to change delivery addresses.
Restrictions and Limitations
While most FedEx shipments can be rerouted, there are several key restrictions to know:
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Domestic only: Packages can only be rerouted within the same country. No international address changes allowed.
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One reroute per package: You can‘t change the delivery address multiple times. After the first reroute, the new address is locked in.
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No dangerous goods: Safety regulations prohibit rerouting hazardous materials and dangerous goods shipments. They must be delivered to the original address, held for pick-up nearby, or returned to sender.
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Shipper permission required: The package recipient cannot reroute on their own. They must contact the shipper to request an address change.
There‘s also the chance that FedEx may determine a package is too far along in the delivery process to intercept and reroute it. The success rate declines the closer a shipment gets to its final destination, which is why it‘s best to submit reroute requests as early as possible.
Rerouting Processes & Options
Shippers have two convenient options to reroute a package: online or by phone. Here‘s a step-by-step look at each method:
Online Rerouting
- Go to the FedEx tracking page and enter your package tracking number
- Click "Manage Delivery" then "Edit Delivery Instructions"
- Select "Hold at Location" to reroute to a pick-up spot or "Sign for a Package" to ship to a new address
- Enter the new delivery details and contact information
- Review and submit your reroute request
Phone Rerouting
- Call FedEx Customer Service at 1-800-463-3339
- Provide your tracking number and verify you‘re authorized to reroute
- Specify the new delivery address or pick-up location
- Confirm the details and submit your request
Rerouting Cut-off Times
To ensure your package can be intercepted and rerouted, FedEx recommends requesting an address change:
- At least 2 hours before the next delivery attempt for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments
- At least 6-12 hours before the next delivery attempt for FedEx Freight shipments
These are general guidelines and not guaranteed cut-offs. The sooner you submit a reroute request, the higher the likelihood of success.
Rerouting vs. Other Carriers
How do FedEx‘s rerouting policies and fees compare to major competitors like UPS and USPS? Let‘s take a look:
| Carrier | Rerouting Fee | Delivery Time | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | Free under 120 miles, $22.50-$33.50 over 120 miles | Varies based on distance and fee | Domestic only, one reroute per package, no hazardous shipments |
| UPS | $16.40 per package | Delivers 1-2 days after original date | Domestic only, one reroute per package, no hazardous shipments |
| USPS | $15.25 per package | Delivers 2-3 days after original date | Domestic only, one reroute per package, no hazardous shipments |
As you can see, FedEx offers the most flexible and affordable rerouting options, with free changes under 120 miles and tiered pricing based on distance and delivery speed for longer hauls.
UPS and USPS charge set fees regardless of distance, and their rerouted packages typically take an extra day or two compared to FedEx to arrive. All three carriers share core restrictions around domestic-only changes, one reroute per package, and not allowing hazardous shipments to update delivery addresses.
The Psychology of Package Rerouting
The ability to reroute packages doesn‘t just offer logistical benefits – it provides tremendous psychological value to both shippers and recipients. Here are some of the key mental impacts:
Peace of Mind
A study from UPS found that 97% of online shoppers consider shipping options and estimated delivery dates before making a purchase (UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper Study).
The knowledge that they can reroute a package if needed gives consumers greater confidence and comfort when clicking that "Place Order" button. It removes a mental barrier that might otherwise deter them from buying.
For shippers, rerouting capabilities provide assurance that they can still execute on customer deliveries even if the original address was incorrect or the recipient‘s situation changes. It‘s a safeguard against failed deliveries and disappointed buyers.
Flexibility & Control
Today‘s consumers expect to be in the driver‘s seat when it comes to their online shopping experience, and that extends to delivery. A Consumer Reports survey found that 74% of digital buyers want more control over their incoming package deliveries (Consumer Reports).
Package rerouting puts that control in the hands of recipients, empowering them to update the delivery destination if circumstances change. Whether they moved, are traveling, or simply won‘t be available to accept the package, they can take action to ensure their order still reaches them.
Shippers also benefit from the flexibility to adapt to evolving customer needs. If a buyer contacts them requesting an address change, being able to easily reroute the package turns a potential crisis into a positive customer service moment.
Trust & Loyalty
Successfully rerouting a package to accommodate a customer‘s needs goes a long way toward building brand trust and loyalty. A report from Narvar found that 64% of consumers are likely to make a repeat purchase from a retailer after a positive delivery experience (Narvar).
Conversely, a frustrating delivery experience like refusing an address change or making the process difficult can shatter a customer relationship. 84% of shoppers say they‘re unlikely to return to a retailer after a poor delivery outcome (Convey).
The ability to seamlessly reroute packages gives shippers a powerful tool to strengthen customer bonds and foster long-term brand loyalty. People remember when a business goes the extra mile to meet their needs.
Real-World Rerouting Stories
To illustrate the impact of package rerouting, here are a few mini case studies from ecommerce professionals:
The Cross-Country Move
"We had a customer who was in the process of moving from New York to California when they placed an order on our website. They accidentally put their old New York address in at checkout. Thankfully they contacted us right after the order shipped and we were able to quickly reroute it to their new place in San Francisco. The customer was elated and left us a glowing review online."
– Sarah, Ecommerce Manager
The Surprise Gift
"I had a customer who ordered a birthday present for his sister but got confused and put his own address in by mistake. When the package arrived at his house instead of his sister‘s a few states away, he panicked and called us in a frenzy. We were able to jump into the FedEx system and reroute the package to his sister‘s address in time for her birthday. That customer is now one of our biggest brand advocates."
– Jared, CTO
The Porch Pirate Problem
"We‘ve unfortunately had some issues with porch pirates snatching packages from our customers‘ doorsteps. After a particularly troubling spate of thefts, we started proactively reaching out to customers in affected zip codes and offering to reroute their deliveries to secure FedEx pick-up locations instead. The feedback has been tremendously positive and we‘ve seen a major drop in stolen package claims."
– Lisa, VP of Logistics
These stories showcase how package rerouting can mean the difference between a customer service nightmare and a shining success. Having the ability to seamlessly update delivery destinations is a must-have in today‘s ecommerce landscape.
Expert Tips for Rerouting Success
To wrap up our deep dive into FedEx package rerouting, here are some pro tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
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Register for FedEx Delivery Manager. This free service allows residential recipients to automatically reroute packages that meet certain criteria like weight and dimensions. A huge time saver if you frequently get deliveries sent to the wrong address.
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Triple check the new address. The only thing worse than your package going to the wrong place is rerouting it to yet another incorrect address. Verify every single part of the new destination to avoid an embarrassing and costly mistake.
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Set up address verification. If you‘re an ecommerce business, using an address verification tool at checkout can automatically flag likely inaccuracies and prompt buyers to double check what they entered. It‘s an easy way to prevent wrong address deliveries from happening in the first place.
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Implement order tracking notifications. Sending customers updates on their order status via email and text message increases the chances they‘ll spot a problem with the shipping address early enough to reroute before the first delivery attempt.
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Have a backup plan. Sometimes FedEx won‘t be able to intercept and reroute a package for one reason or another. Have a process in place to handle alternate customer resolutions like reshipments and refunds so your team isn‘t caught off guard.
The Future of Rerouting
As technology advances, the package rerouting process will only get smoother and more automated. We‘re already seeing exciting developments like:
- Real-time GPS tracking that lets customers update delivery destinations on the fly from their smartphone
- AI-powered address verification that can automatically correct typos and missing information before a package ships out
- Blockchain-enabled chain of custody to create a secure, unalterable record of every reroute to prevent fraud and errors
FedEx also continues to invest heavily in its logistics capabilities, from more efficient scanning systems to expanded pick-up locations. The goal is to make rerouting a package as easy and intuitive as ordering a ride-share or food delivery.
While the core concept of updating a delivery destination mid-transit will remain the same, the ways in which we execute those changes will become increasingly high-tech and customer-centric. Rerouting will be less of a contingency and more of an expectation.
Package Rerouting Mastered
There you have it – the complete guide to FedEx package rerouting. We‘ve covered the ins and outs of how it works, the benefits for shippers and customers alike, and insider strategies to optimize the process from start to finish.
Armed with these insights and tips, you‘re ready to become a master of rerouting packages and delighting customers with your delivery flexibility. Whether you‘re a consumer looking to ensure your own orders arrive at the right place or an ecommerce business aiming to provide best-in-class service, this guide will help you navigate the world of package rerouting like a pro.
Sources
- Statista – "Number of digital buyers worldwide from 2014 to 2021"
- National Retail Federation – "Consumer View Winter 2020: Convenience and Connection"
- Consumer Reports – "Package Rerouting: Everything You Need to Know"
- UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper Study
- Narvar – "The State of Returns: What Today‘s Shoppers Expect"
- Convey – "Delivery Expectations 2021"