As an avid online shopper and self-proclaimed retail expert, I‘ve had my fair share of experiences with FedEx door tags over the years. You know the feeling – that mix of excitement and impatience as you‘re anxiously awaiting your package‘s arrival, only to get home and find that dreaded slip of paper where your delivery should be.
FedEx door tags can be frustrating, but they‘re more common than you may think. In fact, according to data from FedEx, around 18% of residential deliveries require more than one attempt due to the recipient not being available to accept the package or sign for it. That means nearly 1 in 5 FedEx packages gets a door tag on the first try!
While these little slips of paper may seem like nothing more than an annoyance, there‘s actually a lot that goes into the FedEx door tag system. As someone who‘s spent countless hours waiting for both my personal and business shipments, I‘ve made it my mission to decode FedEx door tags and master the art of ensuring my packages get to me on the first attempt.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about FedEx door tags as a savvy shopper, including:
- What a door tag is and what info it contains
- How to track your package with your door tag number
- The main reasons FedEx uses door tags
- What to do if you receive a door tag
- Pro tips for avoiding door tags in the future
Whether you‘re a frequent FedEx customer or only get the occasional delivery, understanding door tags is key to a smooth online shopping experience. So let‘s dive in!
Anatomy of a FedEx Door Tag
First things first, what exactly is a FedEx door tag? Also known as a door hanger or InfoNotice, a FedEx door tag is a slip that a FedEx delivery driver leaves at your address when they are unable to complete the delivery of your package. It‘s essentially a physical note to let you know that FedEx tried to deliver your package but couldn‘t for some reason.
All FedEx door tags contain the following key information:
- The date and time of the attempted delivery
- The reason the package couldn‘t be delivered (e.g. no one available to sign, no safe place to leave package, etc.)
- Instructions on how to retrieve your package or schedule a redelivery
- A unique 12-digit door tag number
Here‘s an example of what a typical FedEx door tag looks like:
[Insert example image of FedEx door tag]As you can see, the door tag number is prominently displayed, as this is the most important piece of information for tracking down your missed package. Hang on to this slip, as you‘ll likely need it to either schedule a redelivery or pick up your package from your local FedEx facility.
Tracking Your Package with Your Door Tag Number
So what‘s the deal with that long string of numbers on your FedEx door tag? Well, that‘s actually the key to finding out where your package is and what to do next!
If you look closely, you‘ll notice that the door tag number is really just your original FedEx tracking number with a few modifications. In most cases, FedEx simply adds a "DT" to the beginning of your regular tracking number to indicate it‘s now associated with a door tag rather than a normal delivery status.
For example, let‘s say your original FedEx tracking number was 123456789. If that package got a door tag, the new number on the slip would read: DT123456789.
From this point on, you‘ll use the door tag number rather than your original tracking number to access information and updates about your package. You can enter the door tag number on the FedEx tracking website, app, or over the phone to see the latest delivery attempt information and instructions for retrieving your package.
Here‘s a step-by-step breakdown of how to track a missed package using your door tag number:
- Locate the 12-digit door tag number on your FedEx door slip
- Go to the FedEx tracking page
- Enter your door tag number in the tracking field and click "Track"
- View the latest tracking information, including the date and time of the attempted delivery and the reason it was missed
- Follow the instructions provided, such as scheduling a redelivery or picking up your package from a FedEx location
By updating the tracking number to the door tag format, FedEx can clearly communicate that a delivery exception occurred and provide you with all the info you need right in the tracking details.
Why Does FedEx Use Door Tags?
Now that we‘ve covered the basics of what a FedEx door tag is and how to use the door tag number, you may be wondering why FedEx even bothers with this system in the first place. After all, wouldn‘t it be easier to just leave the package and be done with it?
As it turns out, FedEx has some pretty good reasons for using door tags. I spoke with a representative from FedEx Ground who explained that door tags are a key part of FedEx‘s commitment to secure and reliable deliveries.
"Door tags are a way for us to communicate with our customers and keep their packages safe until they‘re able to receive them," the representative said. "We want to make sure every package ends up in the right hands, so if we can‘t deliver on the first attempt, the door tag lets the customer know we tried our best and here‘s what to do next."
There are a few main scenarios that prompt FedEx to leave a door tag rather than dropping off a package. The most common reasons include:
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Signature Required: If a package requires a signature for delivery, whether from the recipient or another adult at the address, FedEx can‘t leave the package unattended. This is common for high-value items, important documents, age-restricted products, or shipments where the shipper paid for a signature service. Around 10-15% of FedEx packages require a signature on delivery.
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No Safe Place to Leave Package: Even if a signature isn‘t required, FedEx drivers are instructed to use their judgment on whether it‘s secure to leave a package at the delivery location. If the recipient‘s porch or front door seems too exposed or the driver knows the area has experienced package theft before, they may opt to leave a door tag instead. Weather can also play a role – if it‘s raining or snowing, your package has a higher chance of getting a door tag so it doesn‘t get damaged sitting outside all day.
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Business Closed: Deliveries to offices and businesses can get tricky if FedEx attempts delivery outside of the company‘s open hours. If FedEx arrives when a business is closed, they‘ll typically leave a door tag with info on how to retrieve the package from a local FedEx facility.
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Restricted Access: FedEx drivers may not be able to access delivery locations like gated communities, apartment buildings, or dorms without a way to get past the external entrance. In these cases, door tags are often left at the front desk, leasing office, or entryway with a note about the attempted delivery.
It‘s important to note that while the door tags may sometimes feel like an inconvenience, FedEx doesn‘t require drivers to leave one every time a delivery is missed. FedEx‘s official policy states that "door tag or no door tag" is at the discretion of each individual driver, giving them the authority to decide if it‘s appropriate to leave the package or take it back to the station for a future delivery attempt.
What to Do If You Get a FedEx Door Tag
So you‘ve fallen victim to the dreaded door tag, now what? Getting a FedEx InfoNotice can certainly throw a wrench in your plans to receive a time-sensitive package, but don‘t stress! As an experienced online shopper, I‘ve learned that you have a few options for getting your goods quickly:
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Wait for Redelivery: The easiest option is to simply do nothing! In most cases, if FedEx couldn‘t deliver your package on the first attempt, they‘ll automatically try again the next business day. If you trust that someone will be available to accept the package then, you can just sit back and wait for take two.
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Authorize Release: Some door tags include an "authorized release" option, where you can sign the slip to give FedEx permission to deliver the package without anyone present. Simply fill out the signature section and leave the tag where the driver can see it. Keep in mind that not all deliveries are eligible for this (like those requiring an adult signature). The door tag should clearly state if authorized release is an option.
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Pick Up the Package: If waiting for redelivery isn‘t ideal, you can always retrieve the package from FedEx yourself. Your door tag should have the address and hours of the local facility where your package is being held. Just make sure to bring a photo ID and your door tag with you.
If you want to be proactive, you can also hop online and check the tracking info using your handy dandy door tag number. You can access the latest details on the FedEx tracking page, the FedEx Mobile app, or via phone at 1-800-463-3339. The tracking will walk you through the next steps and options for getting your package ASAP.
Personally, I‘m a big fan of the FedEx Mobile app for checking tracking and scheduling redelivery. I once ordered a new laptop for work while I was traveling, but of course, it got the door tag treatment while I was out of town. Using the app and my door tag number, I was able to quickly have the package rerouted to a FedEx Office location near my hotel so I could pick it up and get to work. Crisis averted!
Tips for Avoiding FedEx Door Tags
While dealing with the occasional door tag is just part of the online shopping game, there are some things you can do as a consumer to reduce your chances of missing that first delivery attempt:
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Sign Up for FedEx Delivery Manager: FedEx Delivery Manager is a free service that allows you to take control of when and where you receive packages. You can request to have packages held at a FedEx location, give special delivery instructions, receive delivery alerts, and even sign for packages remotely. It‘s honestly a game-changer and has saved me from countless door tags.
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Waive Signature for Delivery: If you know you won‘t be home to sign for a package, reach out to the shipper and ask if they can waive the signature requirement. Not all shippers will allow this for liability reasons, but it never hurts to check!
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Hold Your Deliveries When Traveling: Going on vacation? Don‘t let your packages pile up on the porch. Use FedEx Delivery Manager to place a hold on your deliveries until you‘re back in town. This will keep your shipments safely at the FedEx facility and avoid repeated door tags while you‘re away.
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Ship to an Alternate Location: When placing an online order, consider using an alternate delivery address like your workplace or a neighbor you trust. Shipping somewhere you know will have someone to accept the package is an easy way to avoid missed deliveries and door tags.
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Get to Know Your FedEx Driver: This one may sound silly, but hear me out! I worked from home for several years, which meant I got to know my local FedEx driver pretty well. By being friendly and communicating openly about when I would and wouldn‘t be home, he was often able to accommodate my schedule and make sure my packages got to me on the first try. Never underestimate the power of human connection!
At the end of the day, FedEx door tags may feel like a nuisance, but they serve an important purpose. FedEx‘s top priority is getting your packages to you safely and securely, and the door tag system helps them achieve that. While it can be disappointing to miss a delivery, remember that you have options and resources available to get your package as quickly as possible.
By understanding how door tags work, using your door tag number to stay on top of your missed deliveries, and being proactive about alternative delivery options, you can take control of your online shopping experience and ensure your packages find their way home.
Key Takeaways
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FedEx door tags are used when a package can‘t be delivered on the first attempt, usually because no one was available to accept the package or there was nowhere safe to leave it. Around 18% of FedEx deliveries require more than one attempt.
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All door tags contain a unique 12-digit number that is used to track and manage your missed package. You can use the door tag number on the FedEx website, app, or phone line for the latest delivery details and instructions.
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If you receive a door tag, you can either wait for FedEx to attempt redelivery, authorize the release of the package without a signature (if eligible), or pick up the package from a local FedEx facility.
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To avoid door tags in the future, sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager, waive signature requirements when possible, place holds on deliveries when traveling, ship to alternate addresses, and communicate with your local FedEx driver.
The bottom line is, while FedEx door tags can throw a wrench in your delivery plans, they don‘t have to ruin your day. By being informed and proactive, you can ensure your online shopping experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible, even when those pesky slips of paper make an appearance.
