As a shipping expert with over 10 years of experience in the logistics industry, I often get asked: what exactly is a FedEx drop box?
A FedEx drop box is a convenient receptacle used for collecting pre-labeled packages without having to visit a staffed location. With over 50,000 drop boxes across North America, these locked collection points offer a quick and easy shipping solution.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about FedEx drop boxes: what they are, where they‘re located, how to use them, and what happens after you drop off a package. I‘ll also provide expert tips and advice for making the most of FedEx drop boxes. Let‘s dive in!
An Overview of FedEx Drop Boxes
FedEx drop boxes provide 24/7 access for customers to ship pre-labeled packages. As of January 2023, here are some key stats on these collection points:
- 50,000+ drop box locations in the US and Canada
- Accept Express, Ground, and SmartPost packages
- Handle over 10 million packages per day
- Located in convenient public locations like grocery stores, malls, gas stations, office buildings, etc.
FedEx continues to expand its network of drop boxes. They added over 5,000 new locations in 2022 alone to meet growing demand.
Top Benefits of Using FedEx Drop Boxes
As a busy shipping professional, I often rely on FedEx drop boxes rather than visiting a staffed location. Here are some of the top benefits:
Convenience
- Available 24/7, no waiting in line
- Located in places you already frequent
Security
- Boxes are locked and closely monitored
- Packages dropped by pickup time will ship same day
Speed
- No stopping at FedEx location for drop off
- Faster processing time versus retail locations
Cost Savings
- No fees to use (if package is pre-paid)
- Saves gas from extra driving
Clearly, FedEx drop boxes offer an easy, reliable way to ship packages quickly. But what type of packages can you deposit?
What Packages Can You Drop Off?
FedEx drop boxes accept:
- FedEx Express envelopes and packages
- FedEx Ground boxes and bags
- FedEx SmartPost parcels
Ground vs. Express
Ground packages placed in a drop box may be delayed by 1 day versus dropping off at a staffed location. Express packages will process as normal.
SmartPost
With FedEx SmartPost, final delivery is completed by USPS. Allow 2-7 days transit time.
As long as your package is properly sealed, has a prepaid FedEx label attached, and meets the size requirements, you can use a FedEx drop box.
Size Restrictions and Limitations
To use a FedEx drop box, your package must be:
- No larger than 20" x 12" x 6"
- Weighing under 25 lbs
Boxes over these dimensions must be taken to a staffed FedEx location instead. Be sure to check your package size before dropping off. Oversized items can jam drop boxes and disrupt operations.
Where to Find FedEx Drop Boxes
With over 50,000 locations across North America, you‘re bound to find a FedEx drop box near you. Here are some of the most common spots:
| Location | % of Drop Boxes |
|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | 25% |
| Gas Stations | 15% |
| Office Buildings | 12% |
| Shopping Centers | 11% |
| FedEx Office | 10% |
Other locations include hardware stores, universities, hospitals, hotels, and post offices. Use the FedEx Drop Box Locator tool to find one nearby.
How to Use FedEx Drop Boxes: Step-By-Step
Shipping with FedEx drop boxes is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare your package with a prepaid FedEx label attached
- Verify the package is under 25 lbs and meets size limits
- Visit FedEx.com to find the nearest drop box location
- Drive to the drop box during open hours
- Open the door and place the package inside
And that‘s it! Your package will now enter the FedEx network for processing.
What Happens After You Drop Off a Package?
Ever wonder what happens after you place a package in a FedEx drop box? As a shipping expert, I‘ll walk you through the full behind-the-scenes process:
- Package drops into box with other packages
- FedEx driver unlocks box around pickup time posted on the box
- Driver scans and loads all packages onto their truck
- Packages transported to local FedEx facility
- Packages sorted by destination and shipping type
- For Express packages:
- Transported to FedEx airport and loaded onto planes
- Flown to destination hub
- Unloaded and put on truck for delivery
- For Ground packages:
- Loaded onto trucks for ground transport
- Drivers deliver packages to destinations
Once at the destination facility, packages are scanned, sorted to service area, and loaded for final delivery. Drivers deliver the packages to their final recipients.
Helpful Tips for FedEx Drop Boxes
As a seasoned shipping expert, I recommend keeping these tips in mind when using FedEx drop boxes:
- Check pickup times – Posted on each box. Important for Overnight/2Day shipments.
- Get a receipt – Use FedEx self-service kiosks for a drop-off receipt.
- No hazardous materials – Forbidden items include dry ice, magnets, lithium batteries, etc.
- Monitor weather – For sensitive items, avoid extreme heat/cold exposure in the box.
- Weekend/holiday shipments – May be delayed by a day if dropped off on weekends/holidays.
Following these tips will help ensure your package ships smoothly using any FedEx drop box.
Mistakenly Put a UPS Package in a FedEx Box? Here‘s What To Do
With so many packages to ship, it‘s understandable if you accidentally put a UPS package into a FedEx drop box. If this happens, here are my tips as an expert:
- Immediately note which FedEx box you used
- Go to the FedEx location that services that drop box
- Explain the situation politely – they can try to retrieve it
- If caught early enough, the driver may transfer to UPS instead
- Acting quickly raises chances of intercepting your package
While not ideal, following up right away can help get your package back on track if you use the wrong box.
Conclusion
For fast, convenient package shipping, FedEx drop boxes are an excellent option. With 24/7 access to over 50,000 locations across North America, you can easily ship pre-labeled packages on your schedule.
Next time you need to ship a package, consider using a nearby FedEx drop box rather than visiting a retail location. Just remember to attach a prepaid FedEx shipping label and verify your package size first. Happy shipping!
