FedEx is one of the most popular express couriers, with exceptional shipping services. This 101 Guide will provide a detailed explanation that includes all you need to know about how to ship with FedEx.
FedEx is a leading global delivery and logistics company that provides reliable and fast transportation to over 220 countries and regions. They provide local and international delivery and eCommerce services and can be used for large or express shipments and package tracking. This article will discuss how to ship with FedEx for local or international shipments.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship With FedEx?
There are 5 factors that determine the cost of shipping a package with FedEx which are:
- Type of FedEx shipping service: FedEx offers varying shipping services depending on the speed and costs that suit your needs. Some services are pricier because they involve faster shipments - within 1 to 2 business days.
- Origin ZIP code: The location you are sending the package from also determines how much you have to pay for shipping.
- Destination ZIP code: Shipping costs are calculated based on the receiver's location.
- Type of packaging: The size and weight of your package also play a role in determining how much it will cost to ship. FedEx calculates shipping prices using either the dimensional weight (which refers to how much space a package takes up relative to its weight) or the package's actual weight. So, it is crucial to pick a box that is big enough for your items but not so huge that it unnecessarily adds to the package's overall weight.
- Special handling requirements: You can specify special handling requirements for your packages, but this requires extra costs. Remember to check for dangerous goods restrictions.
FedEx International Ground is the most affordable way to ship packages from the US to Canada. For International shipments to other countries, FedEx International Economy offers economical shipping within 2 to 5 working days from the US.
FedEx Ground is the best and cheapest way to transport heavy and large packages up to 150 lbs for domestic shipping within the US. Deliveries are made within 1 to 7 business days.
What Shipping Options Are Available With FedEx?
FedEx provides several shipping options suitable for different packages for domestic shipments within the US and international shipments to over 220 countries.
- FedEx International Priority®: Packages shipped with FedEx International Priority are delivered within 1 to 3 business days to the US and worldwide.
- FedEx Ground®: FedEx Ground offers domestic deliveries to all 50 states in the US within 1–5 business days. For locations like Alaska and Hawaii, shipping takes 3 to 7 business days.
- FedEx International Economy®: You can ship packages with FedEx International Economy to Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico within 2 to 3 business days and over 215 countries within 2 to 5 business days.
- FedEx Standard Overnight®: FedEx also offers following-day delivery services within the United States. Usually, the deliveries are made by 4:30 p.m. to US businesses and by 8 p.m. to residential areas.
- FedEx 2Day®: Your shipments will be delivered across the United States in 2 business days with FedEx 2-Day Shipping. Depending on your shipment's urgency, you can choose between two shipping choices: morning deliveries through FedEx 2Day® A.M. or end-of-the-day deliveries using FedEx 2Day®.
- FedEx International First®: Packages are delivered to specific locations in US and Canada within 2 to 3 business days.
- FedEx® Returns: FedEx Returns allow you to return packages to any country.
- FedEx Express Saver®: Deliveries with the FedEx Express Saver are made on the third day after the ship date.
- FedEx Priority Overnight®: Deliveries with the FedEx Priority Overnight are made the following business day by 10:30 a.m. to most businesses in the contiguous United States, by noon to residential areas, and around 4:30 p.m. to some remote locations.
Related post: Easyship the first Shipping Platform to offer the full bundle of FedEx® Delivery Solutions for Small Business
How to Ship a FedEx Package
FedEx allows you to either drop off your package via any of their offices, or schedule a time for their agent to pick up your package, whether a one-off or recurring pickup. As long as you have a FedEx account and send out shipments on a regular schedule.
Thousands of FedEx Office, FedEx Ship Center®, FedEx Authorized ShipCenter®, FedEx® DropBox, Walgreens, Dollar General, and grocery outlets are available nationwide to drop your packages. You can find the nearest FedEx outlet to you here.
How to Create a Shipping Label
A shipping label contains a scannable barcode that provides information needed to transport your packages from the origin to the destination.
You can create a shipping label easily on your phone by downloading the FedEx mobile application. Then, you can print the label from your home printer or visit any FedEx office.
Alternatively, you can get your shipping labels from any nearby FedEx location if you do not have access to the mobile app. Afterwards, attach the label to your package carefully and ensure that it's adequately secured, so it doesn't fall off.
How to Package an Item
You can package your items with regular or FedEx packaging boxes. It is only mandatory to use the FedEx packaging when you are shipping with FedEx One Rate. Other times you can use any sturdy packaging box for your shipments.
The FedEx boxes can be picked up at any FedEx location or ordered online at fedex.com. Packaging your items with suitable materials will help improve your delivery experience and safeguard your items.
When packaging your shipments, you should:
- Choose high-quality packing materials
- If you have more than one item, wrap them separately to prevent them from bumping into each other during transportation
- Fill the remaining space in the box with filler or cushioning materials like packaging tissue paper, packing peanuts, crumbled paper, bubble wrap, etc. This will prevent product movement in the box during shipping and provide adequate cushioning to ensure the item can be shipped without getting damaged
- Seal your box or packaging pouch with appropriate tape to avoid opening during transit
International Shipping With FedEx
You can ship international packages with FedEx to about 220 countries via any of the following FedEx International shipping services depending on your needs:
- FedEx International First® - for 24 hours delivery
- FedEx International Priority®
- FedEx® International Next Flight
- FedEx International Economy® - for cost-effective deliveries
- FedEx International Ground® - for ground delivery to Canada
Suppose you send a 5lbs weight item from the US to Australia on November 8th, for example. The package will arrive at the destination by November 15th via FedEx International Priority® or November 18th if sent through FedEx International Economy.
Use Easyship To Simplify Your FedEx Shipping
One of the most popular and well-used shipping companies in the US is FedEx. FedEx is widely known for its reliable tracking system and quick, time-definite delivery services for domestic and international shipments to more than 220 countries and territories.
To further improve your shipping experiences with FedEx, Easyship provides you with all the resources you require to assist you in locating the best shipping options. We provide our customers with the following features to give them a smooth shipping experience:
- Free Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from significant couriers. Plus, get instant access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers.
- Global Fulfillment: Easyship has warehouse partners on four continents to reach customers worldwide. Plus, Easyship helps scale up fulfillment capabilities without increasing overhead costs.
- Shipping Policy Generator: Our shipping policy generator helps merchants and crowdfunding campaigns generate their shipping policy by providing tracking and insurance options, plus other vital information for your shipping process
Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and get instant access to great discounts when shipping with FedEx