It goes without saying that FedEx’s services can be used to deliver packages to both business and residential addresses. However, some don’t want to receive packages at these locations due to privacy concerns or porch pirates.
Instead, many people opt for a PO box. It protects packages from theft and weather damage, but it’s also convenient. Still, there’s some confusion about whether FedEx delivers to PO boxes, so I’ve put together this guide to set the record straight!
Does FedEx Deliver To PO Boxes In [currentyear]?
FedEx is generally prohibited from delivering to PO boxes, as these receptacles are USPS property, but there are exceptions as of [currentyear]. FedEx’s Ground Economic service can deliver to PO boxes because it uses USPS for the “last mile” of delivery. FedEx can deliver at larger post offices designated as “competitive” locations so long as the address is formatted correctly.
This question can seem a bit complicated, but I’ll make sure you understand by the end, so keep reading!
Does FedEx Express Deliver To PO Boxes?
In almost all cases, FedEx Express cannot and does not deliver to PO boxes.
That said, these boxes belong to the United States Postal Service (USPS), and thus only USPS employees can access them.
Additionally, this is true for packages sent through FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule (see below).
Does FedEx Ground Economy Deliver To PO Boxes?
FedEx Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost) is the only FedEx service that can deliver to PO boxes without any special exceptions or provisions.
Moreover, this service is a collaboration between FedEx and USPS. When shipping through this service, FedEx manages the package pickup and most of the shipping.
Then, once packages reach their final destination, FedEx drops them off at the local post office, and USPS drivers deliver them.
So, because USPS is in charge of the “final mile” of the delivery (i.e., they’re delivering the packages), they can deliver FedEx packages to PO Boxes.
Why Can’t FedEx Deliver to PO Boxes?
FedEx isn’t allowed to deliver to PO boxes because these boxes belong to USPS.
Therefore, because USPS owns these receptacles and is responsible for them, it doesn’t give any outside parties access.
What Happens If You Send A FedEx Package To A PO Box?
Usually, you will receive an error message when filling out the shipping label online if you try to send a FedEx box to a PO box.
In most cases, this prevents packages from being mailed to PO boxes in the first place.
However, if someone fails to get an error message and the package is addressed to a PO box, all is not lost.
Instead, FedEx will use its Ground Economy service for the final part of the delivery, meaning that a USPS employee will be the one handing over the package to the customer.
Additionally, it’s important to note that this information applies to domestic PO boxes only.
Moreover, it’s possible to ship to PO boxes in Puerto Rico and some international destinations using FedEx Express.
With that, this is also true for Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO), Fleet Post Offices (FPO), and Army Post Offices (APO).
Are There Cases Where FedEx Can Deliver Packages To A PO Box?
While rare, there are some instances where FedEx can deliver packages to PO boxes.
That said, one example is larger post offices designated as competitive offices.
At these locations, packages can be delivered to PO boxes at no cost to the post office, as long as the PO box number isn’t used.
For example, instead of writing “PO Box 123,” you would write the address of the post office and the box number (e.g., 100 Main Street #123).
Also, USPS allows FedEx and other third-party services to deliver to competitive locations because PO boxes cost more there.
Thus, USPS doesn’t lose any money by giving competitors access.
On top of that, another exception refers to PO boxes on military bases. That said, FedEx can deliver to DPOs, FPOs, and APOs with no issues.
Finally, if you have a mailbox at a non-post office location (e.g., Postal Plus or Mailboxes Etc), FedEx can deliver there.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx delivers on Saturdays, do FedEx labels expire, and if FedEx delivers to door.
Conclusion
In most cases, FedEx cannot deliver to your USPS PO box because these boxes are the property of USPS and thus, FedEx is not allowed access to them.
Still, this is not an outright prohibition.
Indeed, FedEx packages can be delivered to PO boxes through the Ground Economy service, where USPS handles the “final mile” of delivery.
