How To Use A FedEx Drop Box (All You Need To Know)

With every passing year, it seems as though life moves faster and faster. That can make finishing your to-do list feel like an uphill battle. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can streamline your errands and save time.

One way is to use FedEx drop boxes to mail your packages instead of going to a physical store. Not only are these boxes open 24/7, but they’re located all over the country. If that sounds appealing to you, read this article to learn more about using FedEx drop boxes!

How To Use A FedEx Drop Box In 2024

FedEx drop boxes can be used to deposit sealed envelopes and packages as of 2024. Items must weigh less than 55 pounds and have dimensions under 20″ x 12″ x 6″. There are more than 43,000 drop boxes throughout the United States. They are open 24/7 and accept Express, Ground, and Ground Economy packages.

We’ve got a lot more information to share about using FedEx Drop Boxes, so you’ll want to keep reading!

Can You Drop A Package In A FedEx Drop Box?

Yes, you can drop off your package at a FedEx drop box, provided it fulfills certain requirements.

First, your package should be packed and securely sealed, meaning the box should be in good condition and have all old barcodes and labels removed.

Also, it should weigh less than 55 pounds and have dimensions under 20″ x 12″ x 6″.

Additionally, your package needs to have a prepaid shipping label on it before you put it in a drop box.

Make sure to attach the label on the biggest surface of the package and try not to put it across any seams or edges.

Where Can I Find A FedEx Drop Box?

With more than 43,000 drop boxes throughout the United States, FedEx makes finding one near you easy.

That said, you can find FedEx drop boxes in a variety of locations, such as:

  • Grocery stores
  • Shopping centers
  • Airports
  • Office buildings
  • FedEx Office locations
  • Select USPS locations

Further, to find a box close to you, use the FedEx locator tool online.

Which Services Can FedEx Drop Boxes Be Used With?

FedEx drop boxes accept FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages. In addition, they accept FedEx Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost) packages.

Unfortunately, FedEx International Next Flight and FedEx SameDay packages cannot be deposited at drop boxes.

When Are FedEx Drop Boxes Open?

When Are FedEx Drop Boxes Open?

FedEx drop boxes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When Do Packages Get Picked Up From FedEx Drop Boxes?

Pickup times for FedEx drop boxes vary depending on the city and the box’s location on a carrier’s route.

Still, you should be able to see the pickup time on each box. In general, carriers empty drop boxes somewhere between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

After pickup occurs, the driver will move the indicator tool on the box to show that pickup has occurred.

Also, keep in mind that knowing pickup times is really only important when you’re sending something urgently via Overnight or 2Day mail.

Otherwise, this information won’t be of much use to you.

Which Items Are Not Allowed In FedEx Drop Boxes?

FedEx prohibits customers from using drop boxes to ship hazardous materials or dangerous goods. With that, some prohibited items include:

  • Dry ice
  • Magnetized materials
  • Section II lithium batteries
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

What Happens To Packages After They’re Put Into FedEx Drop Boxes?

For the purposes of this example, let’s assume that you’re shipping an Express package with a domestic destination.

That said, here’s what happens after you drop off your package:

  1. Your package joins previously-deposited packages in the box.
  2. A FedEx driver pulls up to the box around pickup time, unlocks it, and removes the packages inside.
  3. The driver scans all of the packages and places them on a designated pickup shelf inside the truck.
  4. When the driver reaches the local FedEx Express Hub, they offload the packages and scan them again for processing.
  5. Packages are transported to the local air terminal. From there, they are sorted and packed for transportation to a larger hub.
  6. Packages move through the FedEx system until they arrive at the destination terminal.
  7. Once there, they are scanned and sorted, loaded onto a delivery truck, and delivered to recipients.

This process is quite similar for Ground shipments, except that Ground packages travel by truck rather than by airplane.

Can I Get A FedEx Envelope At A Drop Box?

If you don’t have the supplies you need prior to shipping, there’s no need to worry.

That said, most FedEx Drop Boxes store free FedEx Express shipping supplies such as FedEx Envelopes, airbills, and document pouches.

Alternatively, you can use your own packaging and affix a FedEx label to it. Also, you can create a label online or complete an airbill manually.

To learn more, you can also rad our posts on what is a FedEx drop box, FedEx package not moving, and can you use any box to ship FedEx.

Conclusion

Using a FedEx drop box couldn’t be easier. As long as your package is secured, has a shipping label, and conforms to the size requirements, you should have no issue dropping it off.

What’s more, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to finding a drop box. Even better, they’re open 24/7, and packages get picked up daily.

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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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