FedEx uses a complicated spoke and wheel system to help packages get where they need to go in the shortest amount of time possible. In this system, larger hubs (i.e. warehouses) process and sort packages before sending them to smaller locations for delivery.
One type of these smaller locations is called a FedEx Sort Facility (or Sorting Facility). By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what a sort facility is, how long packages stay there, and what to do if your package gets stuck at one, so keep reading to learn more!
What Is the FedEx Sort Facility?
A FedEx sort facility is a large FedEx warehouse where packages are checked, labeled, and arranged according to their destinations in [currentyear]. After this occurs, packages are dispatched to other facilities. Packages usually spend about three days in a sorting facility. If a package stays longer than 5 days, it’s worth contacting customer service for more information.
There’s so much more to say about FedEx sort facilities, so make sure to finish this article to learn everything you need to know!
How Long Does a Package Stay in a Sort Facility at FedEx?
Packages stay at FedEx sorting facilities for three to five days.
That being said, the actual amount of time a package stays in one of these locations depends on the selected shipping service and the facility.
As an example, a FedEx Home Delivery package will typically spend a longer amount of time in a sorting facility than a 2Day package.
Similarly, items will stay longer at a sorting facility if there’s a backlog of packages or a staffing shortage.
What Should I Do If My Package Is Stuck at a FedEx Sort Facility?
As discussed above, packages tend to spend anywhere between three to five days in a FedEx sorting facility.
If your package has been at a sorting facility longer than that, then it’s time to contact FedEx customer service to find out what’s going on.
You can contact customer service by using the chat feature on the FedEx website or by calling 1 (800) 463-3339.
In either case, a FedEx representative will use your tracking number to locate the item and give you more information about why it may be stalled.
Sometimes, contacting customer service is all that it takes to get a package back on track.
Other times, they may inform you that your package was returned to the sender.
This could happen if there was an issue with the shipping address or if the package contained prohibited items.
If you suspect that might be the case, then it’s also a good idea to contact the shipper to see if they can provide you with more information.
Can You Pick up a Package From a FedEx Sort Facility?
As much as you may want to, you cannot pick up a package from a FedEx sorting facility. Third parties aren’t allowed inside of these buildings due to liability concerns.
So, you can either be patient and wait for your package to arrive, or you can speed things up a bit by requesting that your package get held for pick up.
When you change your delivery from “deliver to address” to “deliver for pickup,” FedEx will bring your item to a facility near you, rather than dropping it off at your home or business.
As well, because the item is going to a more centralized location, the delivery time is shorter (usually by a day or so).
To learn more, you can also read our posts on FedEx Ground, how many planes does FedEx have, and FedEx multimodal.
Conclusion
FedEx sort facilities are crucial locations in the delivery company’s infrastructure. Indeed, they’re the location where packages are processed, organized, and redistributed on the way to their final destination.
While it can be frustrating waiting three to five days for your item to move onto the next location, keep in mind that this is an absolute maximum. Most packages are distributed much more quickly. If you really can’t wait, then request a package hold instead of home delivery.
