Does FedEx Deliver on Thanksgiving Day?

September 27, 2024
by Anthony Robinson

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in the United States to give thanks for the year's blessings. During this time, businesses, including FedEx, may have different operating schedules and services availability. As a FedEx customer, you may be wondering whether they deliver packages on Thanksgiving Day or not. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about FedEx's delivery services during Thanksgiving Day.

The Thanksgiving Day Schedule for FedEx Deliveries

FedEx operates a special schedule during the Thanksgiving holiday period, including Thanksgiving Day. Typically, FedEx does not deliver packages or make pickups on Thanksgiving Day. This applies to all FedEx services, including FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Home Delivery. However, FedEx Custom Critical can provide on-demand, emergency, and holiday transportation services on a case-by-case basis. FedEx SameDay provides same-day delivery on Thanksgiving Day as well.

It is important to note that FedEx offices and retail locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, customers can still access FedEx services through the company's website and mobile app. Additionally, FedEx offers a Hold at Location service, which allows customers to redirect their packages to a nearby FedEx location for pickup at their convenience. This service is available even on Thanksgiving Day, providing customers with flexibility and convenience during the holiday season.

How to Check if Your FedEx Package Will Arrive on Thanksgiving Day

If you are expecting a package to be delivered during the Thanksgiving holiday period, you can check the delivery status of your shipment on the FedEx website. If your package is scheduled for delivery on a non-holiday date but has not yet been delivered due to any unforeseeable events, its delivery date may be affected by the Thanksgiving Day holiday. You may also check with your sender if they have provided any special delivery instructions during the holiday season.

It is important to note that FedEx does not deliver on Thanksgiving Day, as it is a national holiday. If your package is scheduled for delivery on Thanksgiving Day, it will be delivered on the next business day. However, if you need your package urgently, FedEx offers a special service called "FedEx SameDay" which delivers packages on holidays and weekends for an additional fee. You can check the availability of this service on the FedEx website or by contacting their customer service.

The Availability of FedEx Services on Thanksgiving Day

Although FedEx does not operate regular delivery or pickup services on Thanksgiving Day, some of its services remain operational. FedEx Office stores typically remain open on Thanksgiving Day, but their operating hours may vary based on your location, so it's always a good idea to check with your nearest FedEx Office location for their holiday schedule. FedEx Global Service Center locations remain open on Thanksgiving Day for package pickup and drop-off, except in some locations where local regulations mandate a holiday closure.

It's important to note that FedEx Express and FedEx SmartPost will not be delivering on Thanksgiving Day. However, if you need to send a package urgently, FedEx SameDay services will be available on Thanksgiving Day. These services offer same-day delivery within hours, and are available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays. Keep in mind that SameDay services may be subject to holiday surcharges, so it's best to check with FedEx for pricing and availability.

Understanding the Exceptions: When FedEx Doesn't Deliver on Thanksgiving Day

While FedEx typically does not make deliveries or pickups on Thanksgiving Day, there may be some exceptions where they cannot fulfill their delivery commitments due to events beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or government regulations. In such cases, FedEx will resume operations at the earliest possible time.

It is important to note that FedEx also offers a variety of holiday schedules for different countries and regions. For example, in Canada, FedEx does not make deliveries on Boxing Day, while in the United States, they do. It is recommended to check the FedEx holiday schedule for your specific location to ensure timely delivery of your packages.

Tips for Planning Your Shipping Needs Around Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November, and as a FedEx customer, you might want to prepare for it in advance. If you need to ship packages during the Thanksgiving holiday period, plan to send them earlier than usual to ensure they arrive before the holiday. You may also want to consider upgrading your shipping service to a faster option to ensure timely delivery.

It's important to note that many shipping carriers, including FedEx, may have modified hours or limited services on Thanksgiving Day and the day after. This means that packages may not be picked up or delivered on those days, so it's crucial to plan accordingly. Additionally, keep in mind that shipping volumes tend to increase during the holiday season, which can lead to delays in transit times. To avoid any potential issues, it's best to plan ahead and ship your packages as early as possible.

Alternatives to FedEx Delivery on Thanksgiving Day

While FedEx does not make regular deliveries on Thanksgiving Day, there are other shipping alternatives you can use. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides delivery services on Thanksgiving Day for some of their services, including Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Amazon packages. UPS also provides holiday shipping services for their UPS Express Critical and UPS Next Day Air services.

It is important to note that while USPS and UPS offer delivery services on Thanksgiving Day, there may be limitations and additional fees for using these services. It is recommended to check with the specific carrier for their holiday delivery policies and to plan ahead to ensure timely delivery.

How to Track Your FedEx Package During the Holiday Season

You can track the status of your FedEx package during the holiday season on the FedEx website or by using the FedEx mobile app. You will need your tracking number to get the latest information on your package's whereabouts and delivery status. You can also sign up for email or SMS notifications to receive updates on your package's delivery progress.

It's important to note that during the holiday season, there may be delays in package delivery due to the high volume of shipments. If you notice that your package is not moving or has not been delivered within the expected timeframe, don't panic. You can contact FedEx customer service for assistance and they will work to resolve any issues with your package's delivery as quickly as possible.

The Impact of Thanksgiving Day on FedEx Shipping Rates and Fees

FedEx's shipping rates and fees for the holiday season typically follow their standard pricing policies, although there may be some late fees or surcharges applied to late packages. As always, it's best to check with your nearest FedEx location for their specific pricing policies and any special promotions during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

It's important to note that Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, and as such, FedEx may have limited hours of operation or even be closed entirely on this day. This can impact delivery times and may result in additional delays for packages being shipped during this period. It's recommended to plan ahead and schedule shipments accordingly to avoid any potential issues or delays.

What to Do If Your Scheduled FedEx Delivery Falls on Thanksgiving Day

If your package is scheduled for delivery on Thanksgiving Day, it will either be delivered earlier or later than the expected delivery date. If you want to make changes to your delivery date or location, you can use FedEx Delivery Manager to reschedule your package's delivery time or location.

It's important to note that FedEx does not deliver on Thanksgiving Day, as it is a national holiday. This means that if your package is not delivered earlier or later, it will be delivered on the next business day. Additionally, if you have any urgent delivery needs during the holiday season, FedEx offers same-day and next-day delivery options for an additional fee.

The Best Ways to Contact FedEx Customer Support During the Holiday Season

If you have any questions or concerns about your FedEx shipment during the holiday season, you can contact their customer support team through several channels, including phone, email, or live chat. FedEx also operates a virtual assistant service that can assist with tracking packages and other inquiries.

It's important to note that during the holiday season, wait times for customer support may be longer than usual due to increased demand. To avoid long wait times, consider using the virtual assistant service or checking the FedEx website for answers to frequently asked questions. Additionally, FedEx offers a mobile app that allows you to track your package and receive updates on its delivery status in real-time.

How Weather Conditions Can Affect Your FedEx Delivery Schedule on Thanksgiving Day

Inclement weather conditions such as snow, hurricanes, and storms can impact FedEx's delivery services during the Thanksgiving holiday period. In such cases, FedEx will prioritize safety and secure their staff, vehicles, and packages until conditions permit safe operations. This may cause delays in deliveries or pickups, even after the holiday period has ended.

In conclusion, FedEx typically does not deliver packages or make pickups on Thanksgiving Day, but some of their services remain operational. Understanding their holiday schedule and planning your shipping needs in advance can help ensure timely delivery of your packages during the holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact their customer support team.

It's important to note that weather conditions can also affect the transit time of your packages. If your package is traveling through an area experiencing severe weather, it may be delayed in reaching its destination. FedEx provides real-time tracking information, so you can stay updated on the status of your package and any potential delays.

Additionally, if you are shipping perishable items or items that are sensitive to temperature, it's important to consider the weather conditions at both the origin and destination locations. FedEx offers temperature-controlled shipping options to help ensure the safe delivery of your sensitive items, even in extreme weather conditions.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over a decade of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

Since founding ShipScience in 2018, Anthony has empowered numerous e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of parcel shipping through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. His leadership extends beyond ShipScience, having established Refund Geeks and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline supply chains and improve customer experiences in the last mile. When he’s not strategizing shipping solutions, he enjoys connecting with industry leaders and staying ahead of the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on optimizing shipping for e-commerce businesses.

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