Sometimes plans change, and you’re not able to be home for your FedEx delivery. Other times, you want to make sure your packages are left in a hidden location so porch pirates can’t get their hands on them.
Whatever the reason, there are many instances where leaving delivery instructions for your FedEx driver means the difference between a pleasant delivery experience or a negative one. In this article, I’ll discuss what delivery instructions are and how to leave them.
FedEx Delivery Instructions In 2024
Customers can update their delivery preferences and leave instructions for the courier using the FedEx Delivery Manager tool as of 2024. Customers can request a specific location for package dropoff or ask the driver not to ring the doorbell. Most of these services are free; however, requesting a delivery time or changing the address comes with fees.
I’ve got a lot more to share with you about FedEx’s delivery instructions, so make sure to read the entire article!
What Are FedEx Delivery Instructions?
Simply put, FedEx delivery instructions are preferences customers can share to ensure they receive their delivery when, where, and how they want.
More specifically, customers can specify the location for package dropoff (e.g., side door, under an awning). Or, they can ask the driver not to ring the doorbell or knock when delivering.
Further, these instructions can be set for a single delivery or saved and applied to all future deliveries.
Finally, customers can add delivery instructions by using the FedEx Delivery Manager tool.
How Can I Add Delivery Instructions To My FedEx Package?
You need to sign up for the FedEx Delivery Manager tool online to leave delivery instructions about your FedEx package.
Once on the webpage, click on the orange “Sign Up For Free” button. Then, you’ll be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and email address.
After entering this information, click the orange “Continue” button.
Then, you’ll create a user ID, password, and set up a security question, and FedEx will text you a verification code to finish setting up your account.
Moreover, you’ll see a dashboard populated with your upcoming package deliveries when your account is set up. That said, click on the package you want to leave instructions for.
Here, you can request a dropoff location, redirect the package to a retail location for pickup, set a vacation hold, and more.
Do I Need The FedEx Mobile App To Use The FedEx Delivery Manager?
While the FedEx mobile app is a convenient way to keep track of your deliveries on the go, you’re not required to have it to use the FedEx Delivery Manager.
Instead, Delivery Manager is a web-based service that you can access through the browser on any of your devices.
Do FedEx Drivers Read Delivery Instructions?
Here, the answers seem to be mixed.
For example, one FedEx driver noted that delivery instructions are only a request and that drivers are not required to follow them.
Further, he gave the example of delivering packages to an apartment complex. While some customers may have requested package delivery to their door, some buildings do not allow this.
Therefore, the driver couldn’t follow the instructions, even if he wanted to.
Moreover, another driver mentioned that he follows delivery instructions as long as they are within reason and don’t cause a safety issue.
Still, a third noted that drivers might not even see the instructions because drivers only see the instructions after scanning a box.
If there are a bunch of packages to deliver, the driver may not take the time to look for delivery instructions on every package.
How Much Do FedEx Delivery Instructions Cost?
Signing up for the FedEx Delivery Manager service is free.
Within this service, several delivery instruction options are also free. That said, here is a list of all of the free services that come with a Delivery Manager account:
- Saving preferences
- Receiving alerts
- Tracking shipments
- Signing for packages remotely
- Providing delivery instructions
- FedEx Hold For Pickup
- Redelivering your package
- Requesting a vacation hold (up to 14 days)
In addition to these free services, there are a few paid options. For example, you can request a specific delivery date and time.
Also, one option allows you to choose a time between 5 PM and 8 PM on your scheduled delivery day, which costs $5.55 per package.
Still, another option allows you to choose a delivery time within a two-hour window up to seven calendar days after the original delivery date, which costs $11.50 per package.
Additionally, FedEx allows customers to change the delivery address and have a package rerouted to a neighbor, family member, or friend for a fee.
Typically, rerouting within 120 miles of the original destination costs $5.55 per package. However, to reroute more than 120 miles from the original destination, the fees are as follows:
- $33.50 per package (delivery one day after the originally scheduled delivery date)
- $22.50 per package (delivery three days after the originally scheduled delivery date)
- $14.50 per package (via FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery)
To learn more, you can also see our posts on whether or not FedEx scans packages, if FedEx delivers to PO boxes, and if FedEx updates tracking.
Conclusion
FedEx’s Delivery Manager tool allows customers to take deliveries into their own hands by leaving instructions to their local courier.
With this tool, they can request a delivery location, sign for packages remotely, put a hold on delivery, and much more.
While drivers may not always see these instructions, it’s worth updating them.
Finally, knowing that your package will be delivered exactly how, when, and where you want can turn a stressful experience into a pleasant one.
