Perhaps you work the night shift and can’t get to a FedEx location to drop off your package during the day. Or maybe you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wait in line. Whatever the reason, using a FedEx Drop Box is a good solution for fast shipping.
Therefore, in this article, you’ll learn what FedEx drop boxes are, where they’re located, and how they work. So, if you’ve got a package to drop off, then make sure you read this article!
What Is a FedEx Drop Box in [currentyear]?
A FedEx drop box is a receptacle used for collecting pre-addressed, pre-paid Express, Ground, and Ground Economy packages in a secure and contactless manner in [currentyear]. FedEx operates more than 43,000 drop boxes throughout the United States. They are located in grocery stores, shopping centers, and in-office buildings. Boxes can accommodate packages up to 20” x 12” x 6”.
I have a lot more information to share with you about FedEx drop boxes, so keep reading for more useful facts!
Can You Drop a Package in a FedEx Box?
As long as your package is securely closed, has a prepaid shipping label, and conforms to the size requirements, then you can put it in a FedEx Drop Box.
Where Are FedEx Drop Boxes Located?
FedEx has more than 43,000 drop boxes throughout the United States, so finding one near you won’t be a problem.
In general, they are located in places like:
- Grocery stores
- Shopping centers
- Airports
- Office buildings
- FedEx Office locations
- Select USPS locations
To find the one that’s closest to you, use the FedEx locator tool online.
Which Package Types Are Allowed in FedEx Drop Boxes?
These boxes accept both FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages. They also accept FedEx Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost) packages.
It’s worth noting that Ground packages may be delayed by a day if placed in a drop box versus getting dropped off at a FedEx Office, Dollar General, Walgreens, or other shipping location.
What Is the Maximum Package Size Accepted at FedEx Drop Boxes?
FedEx’s drop boxes are built to accommodate packages measuring up to 20” x 12” x 6”.
What Are the Hours for FedEx Drop Boxes?
FedEx drop boxes are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
That means you can deposit a package on your way to work, during your lunch break, or in the middle of the night—whenever it’s convenient for your schedule.
What Is the Pickup Time for FedEx Drop Boxes?
While all FedEx drop boxes are open 24/7, their pickup times vary.
This time refers to when a FedEx driver comes to collect the contents of the drop box each day.
Pickup times are posted on each box and vary depending on the city and the box’s location within a carrier’s route.
In general, pickup happens between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
Once pickup occurs, the driver will move the indicator tool on the box to show that the last pickup of the day has occurred.
However, knowing this information is really only important when you’re sending something urgently via Overnight or 2-Day mail.
If you’re in no rush, then you don’t need to worry about the pickup times.
What Happens to a Package After It’s Put Into a FedEx Drop Box?
It can be kind of unnerving to put a package into a FedEx drop box and not know what will happen to it.
Luckily, I’m providing step-by-step instructions for what happens afterward.
For this example, let’s assume the package is an Express package traveling domestically. These are the steps that would take place:
- The package falls on top of previously-deposited packages.
- Around the pickup time, the FedEx driver will pull up to the box, unlock it, and remove all of the packages inside of it.
- The driver scans all of the packages and places them on the pickup shelf inside the truck.
- They return to the local FedEx Express hub. Here, all of the packages on the pickup shelf are off-loaded and scanned again for processing.
- Packages are transported to the local air terminal where they are sorted and packed for transportation to a larger hub. This could be the national hub in Indianapolis, the global Superhub in Memphis, or one of the six regional hubs.
- Packages move through the FedEx system until they arrive at their destination terminal. There, they are scanned and sorted, loaded onto a delivery truck, and delivered to their recipients.
This process is more or less the same for Ground shipments, except that these packages will travel by truck, rather than airplane.
Are There Any Items Not Allowed in FedEx Drop Boxes?
Packages containing hazardous materials and dangerous goods may not be deposited in FedEx drop boxes. Some examples of prohibited items include the following:
- Dry ice
- Magnetized material
- Section II lithium batteries
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
What Happens If You Put a UPS Package in a FedEx Drop Box?
If you’re in a hurry or have a bunch of packages to deal with, then it’s quite easy to make the mistake of putting a UPS package into a FedEx Drop Box by mistake.
This can be anxiety-inducing, but all is not lost!
If you realize your mistake right away, go to a local FedEx location and ask them where packages from the drop box you used are delivered.
Afterward, head to that FedEx location and mention your situation. Usually, you’ll be able to collect your package before it gets too far away from you.
In other cases, you might luck out and come across a driver who takes the time to put your package in a UPS Drop Box instead.
To know more, you can also read our posts on FedEx shipping restrictions, if you can reroute a FedEx package, and FedEx sorting facility.
Conclusion
FedEx drop boxes are a fast, convenient solution for shipping packages no matter where you are. Not only will you never be far from a drop box, but you can trust that your package will be kept safe and will be delivered in a timely manner whenever you use one.
