If you're looking for a cost-effective way to ship your packages, FedEx SmartPost is an excellent option. It allows you to send packages weighing less than 70 pounds, within the 48 contiguous states, at a competitive rate. In this article, we will discuss how to find SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager and ways to optimize its settings to benefit your business.
What is SmartPost and Why Use It on FedEx Ship Manager
Before we dive into SmartPost's specifics, let's understand the basics. FedEx SmartPost is a service that combines the efficiency of FedEx with the cost-savings of the U.S Postal Service. This service is suitable for small businesses that require shipment of packages weighing less than 70 pounds.
SmartPost service picks up the package from the sender, sorts them at the FedEx facility, and passes them to USPS for final delivery. By using SmartPost, shippers can save on shipping costs by utilizing the postal service's last-mile delivery service.
One of the benefits of using SmartPost is that it offers delivery to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. This means that businesses can reach customers in remote areas without incurring high shipping costs. Additionally, SmartPost offers delivery to P.O. boxes, which is not possible with other FedEx services.
Another advantage of SmartPost is that it provides end-to-end tracking of packages. This means that shippers can monitor the progress of their packages from the time they are picked up by FedEx until they are delivered by USPS. This level of visibility helps businesses to manage their inventory and ensure that their customers receive their packages on time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager
Now that we've established the importance of SmartPost let's move forward to the purpose of this article - How to find SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager. The following step-by-step guide will help you locate this option:
- Login to FedEx Ship Manager and select the "Prepare Shipment" option from the FedEx Ship Manager menu.
- Enter the receiver's address and your address, choose the shipment type, and weight.
- Choose the shipping service from the options appeared on the screen.
- Scroll down to the "Special Services" option, select FedEx SmartPost
SmartPost service is now enabled for your shipment.
It's important to note that SmartPost is a cost-effective shipping option for businesses that ship lightweight packages frequently. This service is a collaboration between FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS), where FedEx picks up the package and delivers it to the nearest USPS facility. From there, USPS takes over and delivers the package to its final destination. This partnership allows for a wider delivery network and lower shipping costs for businesses.
How to Configure SmartPost Settings on FedEx Ship Manager
It's essential to configure the SmartPost settings to benefit the most from the service. You can choose the service type and delivery commitment so that your customer knows what to expect. Consider setting up a customized return label that helps you differentiate SmartPost returns from standard FedEx returns.
You may enable auto-approval to ensure that your shipment approves without any manual intervention and reduce processing time.
Another important setting to consider is the SmartPost Hub ID. This ID is used to identify the FedEx SmartPost hub that will handle your package. By selecting the correct hub, you can ensure that your package is processed and delivered efficiently.
Additionally, you can set up email notifications for your customers to keep them informed about the status of their SmartPost shipments. This can help improve customer satisfaction and reduce the number of customer service inquiries you receive.
Benefits of Using SmartPost for Your Shipping Needs
As we mentioned earlier, the most significant advantage of SmartPost is affordability. Since SmartPost utilizes the last mile delivery service of USPS, it costs less than other FedEx shipping services. Besides being cost-effective, SmartPost also helps businesses reduce transit times by up to two days. This service supports home delivery and P.O box addresses, increasing the reach of your service.
Another benefit of using SmartPost is the ability to track your shipments easily. SmartPost provides end-to-end tracking, which means you can track your package from the moment it leaves your warehouse until it reaches its final destination. This feature allows you to keep your customers informed about the status of their shipments, which can help improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, SmartPost offers a range of delivery options, including standard delivery, expedited delivery, and even Saturday delivery, giving you more flexibility in meeting your customers' needs.
How SmartPost Can Save You Time and Money on FedEx Ship Manager
SmartPost saves you time and money by reducing the shipping cost and increasing the delivery capacity. It allows you to ship more packages to your customer in less time than using other FedEx shipping services. SmartPost also offers Saturday delivery options, which can help businesses meet customer demand and build a loyal customer base.
In addition to its cost-saving benefits, SmartPost also provides businesses with end-to-end tracking and visibility of their shipments. This means that you can monitor the progress of your packages from the moment they leave your warehouse until they reach their final destination. With this level of visibility, you can proactively address any issues that may arise during the shipping process, ensuring that your customers receive their packages on time and in good condition.
Common Issues with SmartPost and How to Troubleshoot Them on FedEx Ship Manager
Like any shipping service, SmartPost can have its fair share of issues. Among the common issues with SmartPost, delayed delivery is the most reported one. To avoid delayed delivery, ensure that you provide accurate and complete recipient addresses. You can also reduce delivery delays by using automated processing and shipping confirmations.
Another common issue with SmartPost is package damage during transit. To prevent this, make sure that you use appropriate packaging materials and label your packages clearly with "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" if necessary. Additionally, if you notice any damage to your package upon delivery, be sure to report it to FedEx immediately to initiate a claim process.
Best Practices for Using SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager
Here are a few best practices to consider when using SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager:
- Ensure accurate and complete addresses and use automated processes to reduce the chances of delayed delivery.
- Consider using the customizable return label, which can be helpful in increasing the return-to-sale ratio.
- SmartPost is best for small packages weighing less than 70 pounds, so avoid using it for larger shipments.
- Understand the delivery commitment of the SmartPost service before using it to avoid customer dissatisfaction.
Another best practice to consider when using SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager is to track your shipments regularly. This will help you stay informed about the status of your packages and ensure that they are delivered on time. You can use the tracking feature on FedEx Ship Manager to monitor your shipments and receive notifications about any delays or issues.
It is also important to package your items properly when using SmartPost. Make sure that your packages are securely sealed and labeled with the correct shipping information. This will help prevent damage to your items during transit and ensure that they are delivered to the correct address.
Comparison of SmartPost with Other Shipping Options Available on FedEx Ship Manager
It's always wise to compare different shipping options to understand which one would suit your business best. While SmartPost is an excellent alternative for businesses looking to save on shipping costs, it may not be the appropriate service for all shipping needs. Consider other FedEx services like FedEx Ground, Home Delivery, or Express shipping services to make the right choice.
In conclusion, using SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager can be beneficial for small businesses that need to ship packages domestically. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to find and configure SmartPost on FedEx Ship Manager, making the most out of its cost-saving and time-saving benefits.
However, it's important to note that SmartPost may not be the fastest shipping option available. If you need your package to arrive at its destination quickly, you may want to consider using one of FedEx's express shipping services. These services offer guaranteed delivery times and are ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
Additionally, if you need to ship internationally, SmartPost may not be the best option. FedEx offers a range of international shipping services that can help you get your packages to destinations around the world quickly and efficiently.
