What Is the FedEx Delivery Intercept Fee?
If you are a frequent shipper with FedEx, you may have come across the term “delivery intercept fee.” As the name suggests, this fee is charged by FedEx when the recipient requests that a package be rerouted or held for pickup while it is in transit to its original destination. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of FedEx’s delivery intercept service and how it impacts your shipping costs and logistics planning.
Why Does FedEx Charge a Delivery Intercept Fee?
The delivery intercept service is designed to give the recipient more control over the delivery of their package. This service is especially useful if the recipient will not be available at the original destination to receive the package or if there is a change of plans that warrants a rerouting of the package. However, this service does come at a cost, as FedEx incurs additional expenses associated with redirecting the package, which is covered by the delivery intercept fee.
It is important to note that the delivery intercept service is not available for all packages. Certain packages, such as those with a signature requirement or those that have already been out for delivery, cannot be intercepted. Additionally, the delivery intercept service must be requested before the package is delivered to its original destination. Once the package has been delivered, it cannot be intercepted. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and request the delivery intercept service as soon as possible if you anticipate a change in delivery plans.
Understanding FedEx’s Delivery Intercept Service
There are two types of delivery intercept service offered by FedEx – Standard and Premium. The standard service allows the recipient to reroute their package to a FedEx location for hold, signature release, or a new delivery address. The premium service offers all the benefits of the standard service along with the added feature of rescheduling a delivery date or time. The delivery intercept service can be requested before or after the package has been shipped, but the fee structure varies based on when the request is made.
To request the delivery intercept service, the recipient must have a FedEx account and provide the tracking number for the package. The request can be made online, through the FedEx mobile app, or by calling customer service. Once the request is made, FedEx will attempt to intercept the package and fulfill the requested changes. However, there is no guarantee that the intercept will be successful.
How to Request Delivery Intercept with FedEx
To request delivery intercept service, the recipient can initiate the request by logging into their FedEx account. Alternatively, they can also call the FedEx customer service helpline to make the request. The request should be made citing the tracking number of the package and the desired changes to the delivery instructions. It is important to note that the delivery intercept request cannot be made for packages that have already been delivered, or if the package is in the process of being delivered at the time the request is made.
Benefits of Using FedEx’s Delivery Intercept Service
The delivery intercept service offered by FedEx has a number of benefits, including:
- Providing the recipient with more control over the delivery of their package.
- Rerouting the package to a more convenient location or having it held for pickup if the recipient is unavailable at the original destination.
- Helping prevent package theft by holding the package at a FedEx location or rerouting it to a more secure location.
Differences Between Standard and Premium Delivery Intercept Options
The primary difference between the standard and premium delivery intercept options is the level of control the recipient has over the delivery of their package. The premium service offers the recipient the ability to reschedule the delivery date or time, while the standard service allows for rerouting of the package to a FedEx location for hold, signature release, or a new delivery address. The service fees are also different based on the level of service selected.
How Much Does the FedEx Delivery Intercept Fee Cost?
The cost of the delivery intercept fee varies based on the level of service selected and the time at which the request is made:
- Before the package is shipped or before the first delivery attempt: $16 for standard service, $25 for premium service.
- After the package has been shipped or the delivery attempt has been made: $20 for standard service, $30 for premium service.
When Should You Use FedEx’s Delivery Intercept Service?
The delivery intercept service should be used when there is a need to reroute the package to a more convenient location or hold it for pickup. This service is particularly useful if the recipient will not be available at the original destination to receive the package or if there is a change of plans that warrants a rerouting of the package.
Common Scenarios That Warrant a Delivery Intercept Request
- The recipient is traveling and will not be available at the original destination.
- An incorrect delivery address was provided at the time of shipment.
- The recipient wishes to return the package to the sender.
- The package is being delivered to a business or commercial address that will be closed on the expected delivery date.
How to Avoid the Need for a FedEx Delivery Intercept Request
While the delivery intercept service offers greater flexibility and control over the delivery of a package, it is always better to avoid the need for a delivery intercept request in the first place. This can be achieved by:
- Ensuring that the correct delivery address is provided at the time of shipment.
- Communicating any expected changes in plans or delivery requirements to the shipper in advance.
- Providing accurate and detailed delivery instructions.
It is important to note that the delivery intercept service offered by FedEx comes at an additional cost, which should be factored into the total cost of shipping. By understanding the delivery intercept fee and the associated service options, shippers can make informed decisions regarding the shipping process and ensure a seamless delivery experience.
