Delivery Exception Meaning FedEx (What It Means + Other Common FAQs)

FedEx usually does an excellent job of moving packages worldwide in a matter of days (and sometimes in a matter of hours). The company’s impressive record is thanks to its fine-tuned spoke-and-wheel delivery system.

But even the best systems run into problems and unforeseen circumstances. This article will talk about one category of problems—delivery exceptions. After reading this article, you’ll know what delivery exceptions are, why they happen, and what you can do to avoid them!

Delivery Exception Meaning FedEx In 2024

A FedEx delivery exception indicates that a package has been temporarily delayed while in transit due to unavoidable circumstances like weather, a natural disaster, a federal holiday, or a labor strike as of 2024. Most issues are resolved in less than a week. To avoid delivery exceptions, take holidays into account and ensure documents are in order.

I’ve still got plenty more to tell you about delivery exceptions, so make sure you read the entire article!

What Is A FedEx Delivery Exception?

Seeing the term “delivery exception” on your tracking information indicates that your package has been temporarily delayed in transit due to unforeseen (or unavoidable) circumstances.

For example, such circumstances include inclement weather, natural disasters, vehicle issues (e.g., flat tires), or a federal holiday.

Why Do FedEx Delivery Exceptions Happen?

Unfortunately, like many terms, FedEx’s delivery exception is rather vague. Put another way, if you see this term on your tracking information, you won’t know what’s causing the delay.

That said, all it tells you is that an expected event is delaying the delivery of your package.

So, while I cannot tell you the exact reason behind the event delaying your delivery, I can offer some common explanations. With that, delivery exceptions occur for the following reasons:

  • Customs delays
  • Holidays
  • Strikes
  • Bad weather
  • The recipient was unavailable at delivery
  • Missing documentation
  • Security restrictions

How Long Do FedEx Delivery Exceptions Last?

Because delivery exceptions occur for a variety of reasons, the duration of exceptions will also vary. That said, most delivery exceptions are resolved in under seven days.

Does A FedEx Delivery Exception Mean That My Package Will Arrive Late?

Does A FedEx Delivery Exception Mean That My Package Will Arrive Late?

While the last question may make it seem as though delivery exceptions spell late deliveries, that’s not always the case.

Indeed, FedEx prides itself on its on-time delivery record, so the company will do anything in its power to get your package delivered as soon as possible.

How Do You Avoid FedEx Delivery Exceptions?

In many cases, delivery exceptions are out of FedEx’s control. It follows, then, that customers can’t do much to avoid these delays, either.

Indeed, some exceptions, such as customs delays, are entirely out of your hands. When this happens, the best thing you can do is be patient and wait for the issue to resolve itself.

That said, you can do a few things to reduce the likelihood of a delivery exception happening.

For example, account for public holidays, strikes, and bad weather when planning your shipment.

Therefore, that might mean shipping your package earlier than you’re used to, but giving your package plenty of time to arrive will mean less stress later on.

Also, another thing you can do to help avoid a delivery exception is to make sure the recipient is available to collect your package upon delivery. 

Further, you can ensure this by providing an accurate tracking number and encouraging the recipient to sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager.

With that, both will allow the recipient to keep tabs on the package and make arrangements to be available when it arrives.

Lastly, you can try to avoid delivery exceptions by making sure all of your shipping documents are in order.

For domestic shipments, that means having easy-to-read address labels and protecting them from damage by covering them with tape or placing them in a plastic sleeve.

When it comes to international shipments, be as detailed as possible when listing the contents of your package, be honest about the value of the items, and include the proper codes.

What Is A FedEx PM Exception?

“PMX” is the term FedEx uses to describe a PM exception.

That said, PM exceptions occur when a shipment is returned to a delivery station for the night, which happens because it was undeliverable during the driver’s route.

Additionally, such exceptions may occur because the package was incorrectly addressed or because a recipient was unavailable. In most cases, delivery is re-attempted the next day.

To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx delivers on Sundays, do FedEx labels expire, and does FedEx scans packages.

Conclusion

FedEx delivery exceptions can be quite the headache. That’s especially true if you don’t know the reason behind them.

In most cases, your best bet is to be patient and let the experts at FedEx resolve the issue.

Still, you can avoid delivery exceptions by making sure you give yourself enough time for shipping, properly addressing your item, and ensuring that someone will be there to receive it.

Photo of author

Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

Leave a Comment