Are you expecting a package from Fedex, but want to know if you can pick it up yourself before it’s delivered?
Whether you won’t be home on the delivery date or you simply want to get the package more quickly, it makes sense to know what your options are.
So, does Fedex allow you to pick up packages from them directly, and if so, how is it done?
In this article, I’ll cover everything that you need to know!
Can You Pick Up Packages Directly From Fedex?
Yes! Fedex allows you to request that they hold the package, so you can come pick it up yourself. This can be done through the Fedex Delivery Manager, and is a completely free service that Fedex offers.
Alternatively, you may be able to call your local Fedex facility to request that it be held there, if it has not already been loaded onto the truck. This option may also be available directly from the shipment tracking page.
Note that there are other options to pick up or handle the delivery of your Fedex package as well, which I’ll cover in just a moment. Additionally, there are somethings you must be aware of before Fedex will allow you to pick up your package.
So, I recommend that you continue reading in order to ensure you don’t run into any problems!
1. Using Fedex Delivery Manager
The first – and perhaps the most reliable option, is to utilize Fedex Delivery manager and request that the package be held at a Fedex location.
As mentioned earlier, this is absolutely free, and is one of the many fantastic services that Fedex provides!
I highly recommend downloading and installing the Fedex Mobile app onto your smartphone, as it makes managing all of your deliveries simple.
Additionally, if you go to pick up your package that you held through Fedex Delivery Manager, you will be given a QR code for Fedex to scan when you arrive.
This will prove ownership of the package, and make picking up the package a breeze – no government ID required!
Additionally, doing it this way will also allow you to share the QR code with someone else, if you want someone else to pick up your package from Fedex instead.
2. Holding At Location Through The Tracking Page
Next, you may be able to request that the package be held at a Fedex location directly through the tracking page.
This will allow you to have the package held, even if you do not wish to sign up for the Fedex Delivery Manager.
Essentially, this provides a similar result to calling your local Fedex center, but allows you to do it without actually needing to talk to anyone, saving everyone time.
To learn more about how to have a package held so you can pick it up before delivery, click here!
Note that like using the delivery manager, this may allow you to receive your package even before the original scheduled delivery date – so it can be a great choice if you have time-sensitive packages you want to receive quickly!
3. Pick Up Directly From The Truck
Finally, your last option is to pick up the package directly from the truck, if you happen to run into your Fedex driver (or you’ve made arrangements with them.)
Note that this method is unreliable, and doesn’t always work. This is because it’s completely up to the driver and their situation on whether or not they’ll allow you to pick up your package directly from them.
If you think about it, there are a few factors that go into this.
First things first, you have to find the correct driver that actually has your specific package. In larger cities, this is incredibly difficult, as there are likely a large number of trucks on the road. So, just because you see a Fedex truck doesn’t mean that your package is on it, even if tracking shows your shipment is currently out for delivery!
Next, the package may be completely inaccessible to the driver. Trucks are laid out to make delivering as quick and efficient as possible. So, if your package is buried beneath plenty of others, it simply may not be possible for them to get to it right now.
Finally, drivers are on strict schedules and may or may not grab your package for you, even if you are able to track the right one down.
Note that according to one Fedex employee, it’s technically against policy to arrange meetups with customers. However, it appears that this sort of thing happens anyway, especially in rural areas where the driver may have to go far out of their way to deliver one package.
By forming a good relationship with your local Fedex driver, they may be willing to go to greater lengths to accommodate you – even delivering to different locations for free!
Personally, my Fedex driver regularly delivers packages to my office when I’m not home, and I’m very thankful for this favor. But it is only possible because my local Fedex driver knows me, and recognizes my name and address.
How To Pick Up A Package From Fedex Before Delivery – Important Tips!
Regardless of the method you choose to pick up your package from Fedex, there are a few things that you should be aware of.
First things first, your options become limited if your package has already been loaded onto the truck.
Fedex trucks are loaded by 5 or 6 AM, and once your package is on the truck, it can no longer be set aside to be picked up at the Fedex facility. This means that if you want to place a hold at location request, you will not be able to actually pick it up until the next day.
In fact, Fedex only guarantees packages can be picked up the following day if you place your request in before midnight.
Secondly, make sure that you have the proper ID or verification required to pick up your package.
If using Fedex Delivery Manager, you will receive a QR code that can be scanned once you arrive to Fedex. If you need someone else to pick up your package, this is the best way to handle it.
Otherwise, you will need to bring your government-issued ID that matches the address that the package was originally being sent to.
While the name doesn’t have to match, you will need to know the package’s tracking number if you aren’t the person the package was addressed to.
Finally, if the address of your ID doesn’t match, you will also need to bring an alternate form of ID that matches the address. A few examples may include a utility bill, credit card statement, or insurance card – anything to prove that you are a legal resident at that address.
Again, if you are unable to do this, I highly recommend having the package held via the Fedex Delivery Manager, so you can pick up the package with a simple QR code instead!
Can You Pick Up Packages From Fedex On A Sunday?
Lastly, let’s talk about pickup dates.
While Fedex does allow you to pick up packages on a Saturday, do they also allow Sunday pickups as well?
Unfortunately, the answer is no in most cases. Fedex rarely allows packages to be picked up on Sundays, as Fedex facilities are usually closed to the public on Sundays.
Therefore, you will need to wait until Monday or arrange alternative delivery options before you can receive your package.
Conclusion
Fedex will hold a package for up to 7 days, at absolutely no charge to you.
By utilizing Fedex’s Hold At Location service, the package will be set aside to pick up at a time that is convenient to you, making it a great option if you won’t be home to receive your delivery normally. This option can even be used to receive your package before the expected delivery date.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful, and that it’s answered your questions.
If you have any other questions about picking up Fedex packages, please ask them using the comment form below.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister