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?

Before we delve into the specifics of the delivery intercept fee, let’s understand why FedEx has this service. 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.

It is important to note that not all packages are eligible for the delivery intercept service. Packages that are already out for delivery or have already been delivered cannot be intercepted. Additionally, packages that require a signature upon delivery cannot be rerouted to a new address without the recipient’s signature.

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.

It is also important to note that there may be additional fees associated with requesting delivery intercept service. These fees vary depending on the type of package and the destination. The recipient should confirm the fees with the FedEx customer service representative before making the request. Additionally, it is recommended to make the request as soon as possible to increase the chances of success. If the package has already been handed over to the local carrier for delivery, it may be too late to make changes to the delivery instructions.

Benefits of Using FedEx’s Delivery Intercept Service

The delivery intercept service offered by FedEx has a number of benefits. The most significant benefit is that it provides the recipient with more control over the delivery of their package. They can reroute the package to a more convenient location or have it held for pickup if they are unavailable at the original destination. This service is especially useful for businesses that have multiple locations or recipients who work remotely. Additionally, the package can be held for a later pickup or delivery date, which allows for greater customer flexibility.

Another benefit of using FedEx’s delivery intercept service is that it can help prevent package theft. If a recipient knows they will not be home to receive a package, they can request to have it held for pickup at a FedEx location or rerouted to a more secure location. This can give peace of mind to both the recipient and the sender, knowing that the package will be delivered safely and securely.

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.

Another difference between the standard and premium delivery intercept options is the timeframe in which the recipient can make changes to their delivery. With the premium service, changes can be made up until the day before the scheduled delivery date, while the standard service only allows changes up until the package is out for delivery. Additionally, the premium service offers real-time tracking updates and notifications, while the standard service only provides basic tracking information.

It’s important to note that not all packages are eligible for delivery intercept options. Packages that have already been delivered or are in transit cannot be intercepted. Additionally, packages that require a signature upon delivery cannot be rerouted to a FedEx location for hold. Recipients should also be aware that there may be additional fees associated with the delivery intercept service, such as a change of address fee or a hold at location fee.

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. If the request is made before the package is shipped or before the first delivery attempt is made, the fee is $16 for the standard service and $25 for the premium service. If the package has already been shipped or the delivery attempt has been made, the fee is $20 for the standard service and $30 for the premium service. These fees are subject to change and may vary based on package weight, size, and destination.

It is important to note that the delivery intercept service is not guaranteed and may not always be successful. If the package has already been delivered or is out for delivery, it may not be possible to intercept it. Additionally, if the package is being shipped internationally, the delivery intercept service may not be available. It is recommended to contact FedEx customer service for more information and to determine if the delivery intercept service is the best option for your package.

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. Additionally, this service can be used if the recipient desires more control over the delivery of their package.

Another situation where the delivery intercept service can be useful is when the package is being delivered to a business or office that has specific delivery hours. If the package is scheduled to arrive outside of those hours, the delivery intercept service can be used to reroute the package to a nearby FedEx location for pickup at a more convenient time.

It’s important to note that the delivery intercept service is not available for all packages and may incur additional fees. It’s best to check with FedEx to see if your package is eligible for this service and to understand any associated costs.

Common Scenarios That Warrant a Delivery Intercept Request

There are several scenarios where a delivery intercept request may be necessary. For instance, if the recipient will be traveling out of town and will not be available at the original destination to receive the package, they can request for the package to be rerouted to a FedEx location for hold or a new delivery address where they will be present. Another common scenario is when a recipient discovers that an incorrect delivery address was provided at the time of shipment and needs to reroute the package to the correct address.

Additionally, a delivery intercept request may be necessary if the recipient has changed their mind about receiving the package and wishes to return it to the sender. In this case, the package can be intercepted and returned to the sender before it reaches the original destination. This can save time and money for both the sender and the recipient.

Another scenario where a delivery intercept request may be necessary is if the package is being delivered to a business or commercial address that will be closed on the expected delivery date. In this case, the recipient can request for the package to be held at a FedEx location for pickup at a later time when the business is open. This can ensure that the package is not left unattended or returned to the sender due to a failed delivery attempt.

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 and communicating any expected changes in plans or delivery requirements to the shipper in advance. Additionally, providing accurate and detailed delivery instructions can help ensure a smooth delivery process that does not require a delivery intercept request.

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. While this service offers greater control over the delivery process, it should be used wisely, and only when required. 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.