As an expert in retail and consumer shipping, I know that one of the most common pain points for both individuals and small business owners is dealing with shipping label snafus. Whether it‘s a printer malfunction or simply not having the right label paper on hand, label issues can cause major headaches and lead to delayed shipments and unhappy customers.
That‘s where FedEx‘s label printing services come in to save the day. With over 2,100 FedEx Office locations and even more partner stores like Walgreens offering label printing, it‘s easier than ever to ensure your packages have the proper labels and get out the door on time.
How to Get Your Label Printed at FedEx
FedEx offers two main options for getting your shipping label printed in-store:
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Email your label ahead of time. If you already have your shipping label ready to go, you can email the file to your local FedEx location and then pick up the printed version when you drop off your package. The store email address can typically be found on their local web page or by calling to inquire. Be aware that FedEx does charge a small fee, usually between $1-2, for this email printing service.
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Use a QR code for free in-store printing. For a fee-free label printing option, you‘ll want to generate a QR code for your label. You can do this via the FedEx mobile app or a variety of online tools. Then, simply bring up the code on your phone once you‘re at the store and any team member can quickly scan and print your label at no cost to you.
If you don‘t have a shipping label at all, FedEx has you covered there too. Staff can generate a label for you on the spot based on your package specifications like dimensions, weight, and shipping speed. Creating a brand new label may add a few extra minutes to your dropoff time, but it ensures you‘ll have the proper documentation without any added printing fees.
Comparing the FedEx Printing Experience
So how does printing with FedEx stack up against other major carrier options? The two main competitors are UPS and USPS.
UPS Label Printing
The UPS Store offers very similar label printing services to FedEx Office. You can email your label to the store for a small fee or bring a QR code for complimentary in-store printing. The main difference is store locations – while there are over 2,100 FedEx Office spots, The UPS Store clocks in with just over 5,000 locations globally. So you may have an easier time finding a UPS location for printing if you‘re in a more rural area.
Printing Labels with USPS
For USPS labels, you unfortunately won‘t find the same streamlined, in-store printing options. Most post offices do not allow customers to email labels for printing and there isn‘t currently a QR code option for printing at USPS locations. While some larger post office sites do have customer-facing label printers you can use if you have a shipping account, for the most part, users will need to print USPS labels themselves before arriving to ship their package.
The Case for Professional Label Printing
Printing your labels at a shipping store offers a number of advantages over printing at home:
- Guaranteed quality. Home printers can be finicky and unreliable, especially when it comes to the adhesive shipping labels. Professionally printed labels come out crisp and clean with superior sticking power every time.
- Correct formatting. If you‘re shipping a particularly large or oddly shaped package, you may have trouble getting your home printer to handle the right label size. FedEx and UPS locations will have the proper label paper for any package type.
- Troubleshooting assistance. We‘ve all experienced those frustrating technical problems like paper jams, low toner warnings, and unresponsive printers. With in-store printing, you‘ll have an expert on hand to quickly resolve any issues and get your labels printed promptly.
- Convenience when you‘re away from home. Whether you‘re on a business trip or visiting family across the country, it‘s not always possible to print your labels before heading out to ship. Having reliable in-store options ensures you can ship from anywhere without hassle.
FedEx by the Numbers
FedEx is a global shipping powerhouse and its extensive retail locations make it a reliable option for shipping and label printing almost anywhere you go. Here‘s a look at some fascinating FedEx statistics:
- FedEx Office has over 2,100 locations across the US and abroad
- 34% of American consumers have a FedEx drop box within 5 minutes of their home
- The company averages over 16 million package deliveries per day
- Over 600,000 FedEx team members work to ensure packages arrive on time
- 50% of FedEx Express packages are delivered within 2 days
These impressive numbers demonstrate just how robust and far-reaching FedEx‘s shipping operations are, which is great news for anyone in need of fast, reliable label printing.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Shipping
The pandemic dramatically impacted consumer shipping trends over the past few years. With more people shopping online out of necessity, shipping volumes soared across all major carriers. Many locations extended hours to accommodate the demand while implementing new safety and sanitization policies. Contactless label printing options like QR codes surged in popularity to reduce interaction.
While shipping numbers have stabilized somewhat in more recent months, the desire for online ordering and quick delivery turnaround shows no signs of slowing. That means that accessible and efficient label printing options will continue to be essential.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience
To wrap up our deep dive into FedEx label printing, I wanted to share some expert tips I‘ve learned over my years in the consumer shipping industry:
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Always have a digital backup. Technology can be unpredictable, so if you‘re relying on emailing or scanning a QR code for your label, it‘s wise to have the label file accessible in another way as backup just in case.
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Don‘t create your labels too far in advance. This is especially key if you‘re shipping perishables or other goods with a specific delivery window. Make sure your label generation and shipping dates align.
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Consider signing up for a business account. If you‘re a frequent shipper, having a FedEx account can get you perks like discounted rates and access to more tools for generating labels. It‘s free and easy to sign up online.
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Be aware of any special requirements. If you‘re shipping a unique item like a lithium battery or dry ice, you may need special labels to comply with federal regulations. FedEx team members can help ensure you have the right stickers for your particular package.
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Take advantage of package tracking. FedEx offers robust tracking features for peace of mind. You can get notifications when your label is printed, your package is in transit, and your shipment is delivered to know your goods arrived safely.
The Future of Shipping Labels
As technology evolves, so too do the options for creating and printing shipping labels. FedEx has been at the forefront of many recent innovations in this space, such as introducing reusable bluetooth sensor labels to help with supply chain monitoring and reduce waste.
The company has also invested heavily in automating the shipping experience, allowing for more self-service package dropoff options and reducing the need for as much face-to-face interaction, something that‘s proven especially useful in recent times.
As a consumer, you can expect to see even more progressive changes in the coming years to make printing and affixing labels as seamless as possible. But one thing is certain – FedEx will undoubtedly continue to be a reliable source for all your labeling needs with plenty of options for getting the job done efficiently and correctly.
