You probably know the feeling- you’re sitting at work, watching the clock, and waiting for the moment you can go home and collect your latest FedEx package. But when you get home, there’s no package- only a slip of paper attached to your door.
Well, this slip of paper is called a door tag and it’s the system FedEx uses to alert customers of a delivery attempt. Getting one of these tags can be frustrating and confusing, so I’ve put together a guide to help you understand what they are and how they’re used, so keep reading!
What Is a FedEx Door Tag in 2024?
A FedEx door tag is a slip of paper left at your shipping address if you’re not home to receive a package in 2024. Each tag has a number associated with your original tracking number, containing instructions about locating your package (i.e. whether another delivery attempt will be made or if your package is being held for pick up).
If you just received a door tag and aren’t sure what to do, then read this article to get all of your questions answered, along with other facts!
Why Did I Get a FedEx Door Tag?
If you’ve been waiting impatiently for a package, only to see that you’ve received a door tag instead of your items, then you’re probably wondering why.
Well, there are a couple of possible reasons.
Sometimes, a FedEx driver will leave a door tag because you’re not home and the delivery requires a signature. This is especially true for packages requiring an adult signature.
If no adult is available to sign for these types of packages, FedEx cannot and will not leave the box.
Therefore, the delivery driver will leave a door tag with instructions about either re-delivery or package pick up.
Another reason why a driver may leave a door tag is that they can’t find a secure place to leave your package.
Is FedEx Required to Leave a Door Tag?
FedEx isn’t required to leave a door tag, but a driver will often leave one if a shipment fits into a certain category.
For example, if a shipment requires a signature, whether it’s an indirect, direct, or adult signature, and no one is available to sign, then the driver will leave a door tag.
A driver may also leave a door tag if they can’t find a safe place to leave a package.
However, whether or not to leave a package is up to the driver’s discretion, so sometimes they will leave a tag, and sometimes they won’t.
Nevertheless, if no signature is required and the driver finds a secure place to leave the package, then a door tag will not be left.
What If I Receive a FedEx Door Tag?
If you’ve never received a door tag before, it can be confusing what to do when you get one. Luckily, door tags have all of the information you need to locate your package.
Indeed, the door tag number at the bottom of the slip is associated with your FedEx tracking number.
You can use this number to track and locate your package through any of the options below:
- Through the app – Download the FedEx Mobile app and scan the barcode on your door tag. You’ll get specific information about your missed shipment and your available delivery options.
- Online – Enter either your tracking number or your door tag number on the FedEx website.
- By text – Text “FOLLOW” and your door tag number to 48773 (e.g. FOLLOW999999999999).
- Over the phone – Call 1.800.GoFedEx (1.800.463.3339) and say “track my package,” then follow the prompts.
If you received a door tag because your shipment requires a signature, you can fill out the form and leave it at your door. This authorizes next-business-day redelivery.
Note that this option is only available for certain signature types (e.g. indirect or direct signature).
Deliveries requiring an adult signature cannot be signed for on door tags.
Rather, an adult must sign for them in person and present a government-issued ID before the package will be released.
How Do I Avoid Getting a FedEx Door Tag in the Future?
No one likes having their packages delayed any more than is necessary and door tags certainly don’t help out with that.
So, if you want to avoid getting a door tag in the future, you should create a FedEx Delivery Manager account.
This tool allows you to easily track packages and manage delivery options.
For instance, you can do the following:
- Provide delivery instructions (e.g. please leave my package by the back door)
- Receive delivery notifications
- Sign for packages electronically
- Request to redirect a package to a convenient location near you (e.g. FedEx Office, Walgreens, or Dollar General)
- Request vacation holds
Once your account is enabled, you’ll have much more control over your packages, allowing you to say goodbye to door tags forever.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx ships to Mexico, FedEx laptop shipping, and FedEx return label.
Conclusion
FedEx door tags are FedEx’s way of telling customers that they missed their FedEx delivery. But more than that, they tell customers what to do next, whether that’s waiting for another delivery attempt or going to pick up their package where it’s being held.
While these tags have their uses, they can slow down deliveries. That’s why so many customers sign up for the Delivery Manager tool. BY using this tool, customers can tell FedEx exactly how they want their shipments handled so they never miss a delivery again.
