When you get tracking information from FedEx for a package you are expecting, the feeling is that of glee. This is because you now know that your package is on its way to you. Another wonderful part of it is that, you will now be able to track your package as it makes its way to your doorstep.
However, that is not always the case. Sometimes when you get a tracking update, it might not be the information you were hoping to get. While everyone wishes that the tracking update shows that their package is making its way to them, there is a chance it could be letting you know that your package has been delayed or that it can’t be delivered due to one reason or the other.
If that has ever happened to you and you want to know why, or you are just curious about why it happens and want to know ways to prevent such, then you are on the right page. We will be taking a look at the various reasons that cause delay in the delivery of your FedEx package.
FedEx and Delays
We will begin by letting you know that FedEx is not intentionally delaying packages, neither are they the only ones facing this challenge. Most major shipping companies also encounter challenges that result in packages taking longer to get to their owners.
The fact remains that FedEx is very popular and a lot of people use them. Each day, they have the task of shipping millions of packages so the chances of some delays are higher.
It is not that customers of other shipping companies don’t get to experience delays at times, but that of FedEx is more noticed because they deal with more packages and attend to more people.
FedEx Delivery Process
For those who would like to know how the FedEx delivery process works, this section is for you.
FedEx designed a “hub and spoke” system that they use while delivering your packages to you. It is a really efficient system and some other shipping companies have even adopted it.
To begin with, the package to be delivered is either picked up by a FedEx employee or is taken to a FedEx retail location. The package is then checked into the FedEx system. It will be assigned a tracking number and included in the general FedEx infrastructure.
Next, the package in addition to other packages that are to be delivered along a similar route will first be moved to a regional distribution hub that is centrally located. From there, they will be sent to another regional distribution hub that is closer to the places where they are to be delivered.
This goes on till the package gets to a local FedEx delivery warehouse where it will be separated from the other packages and continue its movement till it finally gets to you.
With the movements involved, you can begin to understand better why delays happen. There is always the tendency that there could be some hitches. For instance a package could be sent closer to a wrong location.
Bear in mind however, that FedEx is really going the extra mile to ensure that issues like this are really minimized as their goal is to deliver packages to their customers intact and on time.
Why Does FedEx Take So Long? 6 Reasons
As you are now aware of how the FedEx delivery system works, let us take a look at the most common reasons why your package could be delayed.
1. Unpredictable and Severe Weather Conditions
Sometimes, the weather can be quite unpredictable and severe. In that case, delay of packages should not come as a surprise.
Rainfalls generally won’t result in delays, but when you have extreme weather conditions such as tropical storms, snow storms, flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes, well that is an entirely different ball game.
You might have to wait anywhere from a day to a week or even more, depending on the severity of the weather in the area. This is not anyone’s fault and the delay in the delivery can’t be helped so you have to be understanding.
2. Package Was Missing Important Documentation
For FedEx packages, various necessary documentation need to take place before a package can be sent out to be delivered. So if you think all that is required is a delivery address on the box, now you know better.
A commercial invoice will have to be created so that FedEx would know and have it on record that the package has had its postage paid for.
Not just that, the commercial invoice should show that the package contains the right item, the weight of the package on the packaging material, and also show that the transaction is correct.
All these will have to be Okayed before the package can be moved through the FedEx delivery service.
3. The weight of packages is important information
FedEx vehicles that move across the interstate system have to go to “weigh stations”. This is to make sure that they are safe enough to be moving along the highways and byways of America.
Being aware of the weight of packages will help FedEx decide whether to include certain packages in a shipment or if they should be added to another.
In cases where FedEx does not have this information or if it is incomplete, they will have to get or confirm the details by themselves. This of course will result in some delay.
4. Need for Extra Package Inspection
Another reason why your package may not get to you on time is because it was delayed by FedEx. This happens in cases where FedEx feels the need to further inspect the package or have it further investigated and checked by the appropriate authorities.
If for instance a package is leaking fluid, it will have to be further looked at. If a package appears suspicious to a worker, it will also not be sent out for delivery so that there can be more inspection of said package. If upon further scrutiny it is seen that there is nothing to worry about with the package, then it can begin its movement to its final destination.
These further checks on packages can result in delays by up to a couple of days, a week or even more. If your package falls into this category, you will get an update in your tracking information alerting you to the situation.
However, you can still contact customer service to know exactly what is going on.
5. Delivery Vehicle Breakdown / Something Going Wrong at Facility
It is not strange for a delivery vehicle to develop some issues or for something to go wrong at a delivery facility. These can cause delays in package delivery.
While it is true that FedEx vehicles are known to be very durable, they can still break down at times. As long as they are man-made pieces of machinery, this is bound to happen. So it is not a strange occurrence at all and could cause a slight delay in the delivery of your package.
There can also be some issues at a FedEx facility, which could result in unsafe working conditions, or packages not being processed as fast as they should. It could be a fire, a leak or even staffing problems. If a facility should get shut down for a little while on account of these issues, then there is bound to be some delays.
6. Incorrect Address Information
We can’t conclude this section without talking about incorrect address information being a contributing factor to delayed packages.
Wrong address information could be mistakenly put on a shipping label, or an updated address could take a while to reflect in the system resulting in delay in the package delivery.
A shipper who is in a hurry can mistakenly put the wrong address. It could also be that the address was written in such a way that it was not clear enough.
Whenever this is the case, FedEx will try as much as possible to ascertain the exact place that the package should go to and this will take some time.
How to Get FedEx to Deliver Faster
The good news is that there are some things that you can do to hasten the delivery of your FedEx package. Want to know what they are? Read on.
1. Opt for FedEx Evening Home Delivery
When you opt for the FedEx Evening Home Delivery service, it means that FedEx drivers will bring your package to your doorstep in the afternoon or early evening. Since someone is most likely going to be at home at this time, it means that your package will be received right away.
When you indicate your delivery time to be in the middle of the day, it could arrive earlier and since there’s no one around to sign for the delivery, you will have to wait some more before getting your package.
To avoid this, just go for FedEx Evening Home Delivery Service.
2. Double Check Your Shipping Info
It is in your best interest that you double check your shipping information. Make sure that it is put in correctly and it is eligible, otherwise FedEx will take more time trying to figure it out which will lead to delays.
3. Opt for Express Speed Delivery for Faster Shipping Services
If you are in so much of a hurry and if you can afford it, you can spend a little extra money to ensure that your package gets delivered on time.
FedEx express speed deliveries don’t usually get delayed as much as other deliveries so you might want to consider it.
Not everyone can opt for this as it costs a little more, but it is worth it if you need your package delivered as fast as possible.
