Everything You Need to Know About FedEx Holiday 2018

The holiday season is fast approaching, and as we get ready to exchange gifts, share meals and connect with loved ones, it’s important to make sure that your holiday packages arrive on time and in excellent condition. FedEx is one of the world’s most trusted and reliable shipping carriers, and year after year, they help countless customers fulfill their holiday shipping needs. Whether you’re sending gifts to family members across the country or need to ship last-minute packages for your business, FedEx has you covered.

Important Dates to Remember for FedEx Holiday 2018

FedEx is your go-to source for all of your holiday shipping, but to ensure that your packages arrive on time, you’ll need to keep in mind the important dates for the season. The following are some of the most important dates to remember for FedEx Holiday 2018:

• December 10 – Last day to ship via FedEx SmartPost (US only)
• December 17 – FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery last day to ship
• December 20 – FedEx Express Saver last day to ship
• December 21 – FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM last day to ship
• December 22 – FedEx Overnight, FedEx First Overnight and FedEx Priority Overnight last day to ship
• December 25 – Christmas Day – No FedEx pickup or delivery services available

It’s important to note that these dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. To ensure that your packages arrive on time, it’s recommended that you ship as early as possible and consider using FedEx’s advanced tracking and delivery options. Additionally, FedEx offers a variety of packaging and shipping solutions to fit your specific needs, including eco-friendly options and special handling for fragile items. Contact your local FedEx location or visit their website for more information.

How to Prepare Your FedEx Shipments for the Holiday Season

Once you’ve confirmed your shipping dates, the next step is to prepare your shipments for the holiday season. This involves taking the proper steps to ensure that your packages are safe, secure and ready for shipment. Here are some tips to consider when preparing your FedEx shipments for the holidays:

• Double-check the package weight and dimensions to make sure you choose the right shipping option
• Select the appropriate packaging materials from FedEx, including boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape
• Include the recipient’s name, address, phone number and email address on the package
• Add a return address to the package, just in case the package cannot be delivered
• Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for high-value items

It’s also important to keep in mind that during the holiday season, shipping times may be longer than usual due to increased demand. To ensure that your packages arrive on time, it’s recommended to ship them as early as possible. Additionally, consider using FedEx’s delivery options such as FedEx Express or FedEx Ground to guarantee delivery by a specific date. By planning ahead and utilizing these options, you can avoid any potential delays and ensure that your packages arrive in time for the holidays.

FedEx Shipping Options for the Holidays

FedEx offers a wide range of shipping options to accommodate your unique needs and budget. Here are a few of the most popular shipping options:

• FedEx Ground/Home Delivery – Reliable, cost-effective and ideal for non-urgent shipments
• FedEx Express Saver – Perfect for time-sensitive shipments that require delivery within three business days
• FedEx 2Day – An affordable and efficient option for quick, reliable two-day shipping
• FedEx Standard Overnight – Ideal for late-night shipments that require delivery by 3pm the next day
• FedEx Priority Overnight – Provides delivery by 10:30 am the next business day. Perfect for exceptionally time-sensitive shipments

Tips for Saving Money on FedEx Shipping During the Holidays

Holiday shipping can be costly, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality or delivery speed. Consider these tips for saving money on FedEx shipping this holiday season:

• Use a FedEx online account to access discounted rates and avoid retail fees
• Compare and contrast shipping options to find the most cost-effective option for your unique needs
• Consider shipping in advance to avoid expedited shipping fees
• Take advantage of special promotions and discounts offered by FedEx during the holiday season
• Consider pooling your shipping needs with friends or family members to qualify for bulk shipment discounts

How to Track Your FedEx Holiday Shipments

FedEx offers multiple ways to track your holiday shipments in real-time. Here are a few ways to track your package:

• Use FedEx’s online tracking tool to see updates on your shipment
• Download the FedEx mobile app to track your shipments from your smartphone
• Sign up for text alerts to receive periodic updates on your shipment status

Common Holiday Shipping Problems and How to Avoid Them with FedEx

Despite your best efforts, holiday shipments can face a number of challenges that may cause delay or damage. However, you can minimize these issues by adhering to best practices and working with a trusted carrier like FedEx. Here are some common holiday shipping challenges to beware of:

• Package theft – use FedEx Signature Services to ensure that your package is only delivered to the intended recipient
• Shipping incorrect address – make sure you have the correct address and contact information for your recipient before shipping
• Shipping prohibited items – check the FedEx prohibited items list to ensure that your shipment complies with their regulations
• Shipping fragile items – use extra padding and packaging to protect your fragile items against damage during transit
• Late delivery – Plan to send your packages early to avoid late delivery, keeping in mind holidays and weekends, as well as delivery time estimates for your selected shipping option

What to Do if Your FedEx Shipment is Delayed During the Holidays

If your shipment is delayed during the holiday season, don’t panic. FedEx is committed to ensuring that your packages arrive on time, and their customer support team is available to help you resolve any issues. If your shipment is delayed, follow these steps:

• Visit the FedEx website or contact customer service to obtain updates on your shipment status
• Check the shipment tracking number carefully and confirm that the delivery address is correct
• Follow up with your recipient to ensure they are aware of the delivery delay
• Contact FedEx customer service if you have any questions, concerns, or need to escalate an issue

How to Contact FedEx Customer Service During the Holiday Season

If you are in need of assistance, FedEx offers multiple ways to contact customer service during the holiday season. Here are a few easy options:

• Call the FedEx customer service number to speak directly with a representative
• Use FedEx’s online chat feature to chat with a representative in real-time
• Send an email to the FedEx customer support team to obtain assistance
• Visit the FedEx support center online to access resources and FAQ information

Understanding FedEx’s Holiday Schedule and Hours of Operation

FedEx typically follows the standard holiday schedule. During the holiday season, FedEx may have altered hours of operation and shipping deadlines. Make sure to check their hours of operation ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience to your shipment or package drop-off/pick up.

Best Practices for Packaging Your Holiday Shipments with FedEx

The holiday season can be rough on shipments, so make sure you package your items with care. Use these best practices to ensure that your packages arrive at their destination safely:

• Use sturdy boxes or shipping containers to protect your items
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion them during transit
• Tape all seams and joints to ensure the box remains secure
• Label your package with clear, legible handwriting or a printed label to reduce the risk of delivery errors
• Ship items separately or individually, if needed, to avoid damage from the contents of other packages

The Benefits of Using FedEx for your Last-Minute Holiday Shipping Needs

Even if you’ve missed the shipping deadlines, FedEx can still help you get your items where they need to be. Consider these benefits of using FedEx for your last-minute holiday shipping needs:

• Wide range of shipping options to get your items where they need to be, even at the last minute
• Reliable delivery times and quality customer service, especially during the holiday season
• Prioritized delivery despite system delays caused by holiday traffic, weather or other disruptions

How to Access and Use FedEx’s Online Tools and Resources for the Holidays

FedEx offers a wealth of online resources and tools to help you get the most out of your holiday shipping experience. Some of these tools include:

• The FedEx mobile app, which allows you to manage your shipping needs from your smartphone
• The FedEx website, which provides detailed information on shipping options, rates and delivery times
• FedEx Delivery Manager, which allows you to customize your delivery experience, including scheduling a delivery, holding a package at a local FedEx location, or even redirect your shipment to a more convenient location
• The FedEx Office website, which provides information on printing, office supplies, and packing and shipping services

What Happens if You Miss a Deadline for FedEx’s Guaranteed Delivery Service during the Holidays?

If you miss a FedEx deadline, you may still be able to get your package delivered on time. FedEx offers a Money-Back Guarantee on its Express shipping services that applies to domestic and international shipments. In the event that FedEx misses a delivery deadline, they will refund the transportation charges for that shipment. Certain restrictions and limitations may apply, so be sure to check with FedEx customer service to learn more.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for joy and connection, but it can also be a source of stress and worry. That’s why it’s important to enlist the help of a trusted and reliable shipping carrier like FedEx. With a wide range of shipping options, top-notch customer service and cutting-edge online tools, FedEx has everything you need to make sure your holiday packages arrive safely and on time. By following these tips and best practices, you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free and happy holiday season!