FedEx Says Delivered But No Package (Reasons Why This Is Happening + More)

FedEx has one of the world’s most advanced tracking systems. In fact, this system allows customers to get near-instantaneous information about the location of their packages and the expected delivery time.

However, for all of its strengths, this system isn’t perfect. Sometimes there are glitches, delays, or miscommunications. In this article, we’ll look at what happens when FedEx’s system says a package was delivered, but you don’t have a package, so keep reading!

What Does it Mean When FedEx Says “Delivered But No Package”?

There are several reasons why FedEx may mark packages as delivered without the customer having the package in [currentyear]. For example, they could have delivered to a similar address by mistake, given the package to a neighbor, left it in a hard-to-find location, or may have handed it to USPS for the final mile of delivery. 

To get more details about FedEx’s delivery practices, including what to do if your tracking information says delivered but you still don’t have your package, then keep reading!

Why Does FedEx Say “Delivered” But There’s No Package?

There are several reasons why a FedEx package may be marked as delivered, even though the customer doesn’t have it in their possession.

Let’s take a look at some of the possible explanations:

  • FedEx could have delivered the package to a similar address

FedEx may have some of the world’s most advanced logistics systems, but unfortunately, human errors can still occur.  

For example, a driver may deliver a package to 100 Main Street instead of 100 Main Avenue.

From the driver’s perspective, the package has been delivered and will be marked accordingly.

However, from the customer’s perspective, the package is in the wrong location and they’re still waiting for their delivery.

  • Your package was delivered to a neighbor

If your neighbor happens to be around when FedEx passes by, then there’s a good chance that the driver will leave the package with them for safekeeping.

It’s also possible that one of your neighbors picked up the package from a common area by mistake.

  • The FedEx driver put the package in an unexpected location

Believe it or not, there are many times when FedEx drivers leave packages in bushes, behind planters, or under doormats in an attempt to keep them hidden from porch pirates.

While this may be a good strategy for keeping packages safe, they could be so well-hidden that not even the intended recipient can find them. 

  • The package could be with USPS

If you’re unfamiliar with Ground Economy (formerly known as SmartPost), it’s a collaboration between FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

FedEx handles the majority of the delivery, then passes packages to USPS for the “last mile” of delivery (i.e. delivering a package from a local facility to a customer’s house).

Packages sent through this service are likely to get marked as delivered when FedEx passes them to USPS, even though the actual delivery hasn’t occurred yet.

What If My Package Says Delivered But I Never Received It From FedEx?

What If My Package Says Delivered But I Never Received It From FedEx?

There are several things you can do about a missing package that’s been marked as delivered.

If you live in an apartment building or condo, it’s worth checking with neighbors to see if they took your package by mistake.

You can also spend some time looking around your property to see if your package was left in an odd location.

It’s also worth verifying whether your package was sent via Ground Economy.

Many customers are able to recover “lost” packages by employing these methods and using a bit of patience.

Still, if you suspect your package was delivered to the wrong address or got lost somewhere, you can report a missing package to FedEx.

If your package’s tracking status says it was delivered, but you can’t find it, go to our tracking page and follow these steps:

  1. Go to the FedEx website and enter your tracking number or reference number
  2. Select Manage Delivery, then Report Missing Package (If you’re not logged into a FedEx account, you’ll be asked to enter the delivery address. Enter this information, then click Continue).
  3. Confirm that you’ve checked everywhere your package might have been left by clicking Yes.
  4. Enter your contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address.
  5. Select your preferred contact method (text or email) and confirm FedEx can contact you.
  6. Click Submit. You’ll receive a case number assigned to your report.
  7. Click Done. FedEx will contact you as soon as possible to help you locate your missing package.

Alternatively, you can use FedEx’s online tool to file a claim for a missing package.

How Can I Prevent FedEx From Marking Packages as Delivered When I Don’t Have Them?

One of the best ways to avoid having packages get marked as delivered when you don’t have your hands on them is by being clear when ordering or shipping.

That means using the FedEx Delivery Manager tool to provide delivery instructions.

Using this tool, you can tell drivers exactly where to leave your packages so they don’t get hidden or left with a neighbor.

As well, you can use this tool to select a signature delivery option. When you select this option, packages won’t be released unless someone signs for them.

Lastly, you can use this tool to request a package hold.

This means FedEx will deliver your package to a FedEx Office location or a third-party retailer (e.g. Walgreens or Dollar General), rather than to your house.

Afterward, you can pick up your package at your convenience without worrying about delivery at all.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on FedEx package going wrong way, how many times will FedEx attempt delivery, and what happens when FedEx package is stolen.

Conclusion

Although it may seem bizarre or improbable, there are plenty of times when FedEx drops off packages and marks them as delivered without the customer having the package in their hands.

Sometimes, this happens because the driver hides the package too well. Other times, it happens because a neighbor is holding onto the package. Whatever the reason, there’s no need to panic, as your package will likely turn up soon.

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Mackenzie Jerks

Mackenzie is a freelance writer and editor, published author, and music enthusiast who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. When she’s not writing, Mackenzie is either wrapped up in a book, discovering new music, or introducing herself to a new fitness regimen.

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