Not getting a FedEx package that is coming to you can be very annoying, but it’s definitely not the end of the world. FedEx has a system that is quite straightforward to ensure that your package is going to be delivered to you, either by a new delivery attempt or a pick-up alternative.
Knowing in detail what goes on after your delivery has been missed will make it possible for you to take action swiftly and thus, be able to avoid the return of your package or the typical waiting time.
We will tell you here everything that you need to know starting with how to reschedule your delivery, how to get information about a package that you have missed and how you can pick up the package in a FedEx store.
How FedEx Handles Missed Deliveries
FedEx has a straightforward way of handling situations when you fail to receive a delivery from them. In case the delivery person comes to your home or office and no one is there to accept the package, it is a common practice that a door tag will be left at your location. This tag stands for a delivery attempt notification and contains the vital information of the date, time as well as whether another delivery will be attempted.
Most of the time, three delivery attempts is the number FedEx tries to make for your packages. In case a signature is necessary but no one is available, for security reasons, the driver will not leave the package.
They will definitely make another attempt during the next business day or leave the package at a local FedEx station. At times, mainly for some shipping services, you will be required to collect the package by yourself if no more attempts can be done.
Can FedEx Attempt Delivery Again?
Yes, FedEx will usually try to deliver your package again if you were not available for the first attempt. In general, for most residential and business deliveries, FedEx performs delivery attempts on up to three different days.
If a package requiring a signature is left at a place where no one can open it, the driver will not leave the package. The driver will try the delivery again the next day or on another scheduled delivery attempt.
After each unsuccessful delivery, FedEx will provide you with a door tag indicating the next delivery date and other options that you may use. If you are certain that you will not be at home at the time of the next delivery, you may arrange for the delivery to be rescheduled or request to collect the package at a nearby FedEx location. This is a way of preventing the package from being returned to the sender after the last delivery attempt.
How to Reschedule a Missed FedEx Delivery
Missing a delivery FedEx is no big deal, meaning that you can quickly reschedule your delivery. Initially, you should examine the door tag left by the driver because it has a tracking number and provides the directions. You can go to the FedEx website or use the FedEx mobile app to insert the tracking number, and see the delivery options you have.
After that, you are allowed to select a new delivery date that would be suitable for you. Also, FedEx enables you to redirect the package to a different address or a local FedEx location where it can be picked up. If so, definitely, you will have to log in or verify your identity to make the changes.
Moreover, you can call FedEx customer service if that is your preference and reschedule the delivery. Acting fast is the only way your package will not be returned to the sender after the last delivery attempt.
How Long FedEx Holds Packages After a Missed Delivery
Once a delivery is missed, FedEx is not quick in returning your package to you. What they do is, they hold it for a limited time to let you have the opportunity to either get it yourself or plan another delivery. Normally, FedEx will hold packages at a local FedEx facility for up to 7 days from the time of the first attempt of delivery that was not made.
In case the package is on hold at a FedEx OnSite location (for example, a partner store), the time for holding is generally shorter—about 5 days. You can certainly come and collect your package at any time during the day or night as long as you have the door tag or the tracking number together with an official ID.
It may be that your package is returned to the sender if you do not pick it up or reschedule within the local holding period. Therefore, it is very necessary that you take your missed delivery notice seriously and act accordingly.
How to Track a Missed FedEx Delivery Online
If you want to know about a FedEx delivery that was missed, then it is going to be very simple. Just locate the door tag which was left at your home and it will have a special door tag number. This number can be input in the [FedEx tracking page](https://www.fedex.com) or one can use the FedEx mobile app to get updates in real time.
After inputting the number, you will get the information of delivery attempt time, the next scheduled attempt or if the package is carried at a FedEx location. Besides, you can also view the possibilities of rescheduling, redirecting or picking up your parcel straight from the tracking page.
An account with FedEx Delivery Manager will provide you more freedom as well as convenience in that you will be able to receive the notice, change the delivery time or even select the pickup point in a very easy way. It is the quickest way to ensure that you do not miss any future deliveries.
Picking Up Your Package at a FedEx Location
In case you do not manage to catch a delivery at home and you also do not want to wait for another delivery attempt, then don’t think twice and go to a FedEx location near you and pick up your package. The door tag left by the driver will have the information about the place where the parcel is waiting for you and whether you can pick it up or not.
Before you take off it is wise to first check the status of the delivery on the website or through the FedEx application. Carry a valid government-issued ID and the door tag or tracking number to confirm your identity.
FedEx is on the safe side if they keep your package for up to 7 days at their facilities. Picking up the package on your own can be sometimes much quicker than waiting for another delivery attempt, especially if your time is limited.
What Happens if You Miss Multiple Delivery Attempts
When you ignore more than one FedEx delivery attempt, the company will still try to deliver within their set limit, which is usually up to three attempts. With each failed attempt, there will be a door tag indicating the delivery date or providing instructions for the pickup of the package.
Upon the final delivery attempt stage, FedEx usually leaves a package in a local facility for a limited time to be picked up by the customer. If the holding period passes without any action, the package may be returned to the sender.
Failing delivery attempts multiple times can also have an impact on the available delivery methods, particularly in the case of packages that need a signature. In such situations, the best thing to do is to track the package online and decide to reschedule or redirect it to a FedEx outlet before the last attempt. Thus, you make sure the package remains in your possession.
Can Someone Else Receive Your FedEx Package?
In many cases, “someone else can receive your FedEx package” if you are not available. Usually, for most residential deliveries that do not require a signature, the driver may leave the package at your door or with someone present at the address.
If the package “requires a signature” only, another adult FedEx may allow one at the same address to sign for it. This is known as “indirect signature”. However, if the shipment is “direct signature” only, then strictly the person whose name is on the package can sign and get it.
Furthermore, you are allowed to “authorize someone else to pick up your package” at a FedEx location along with a valid government-issued ID and occasionally a written authorization, depending on the service type. This choice is great if you are sure that you will not be at home for the following delivery attempts.