The Ultimate Guide to FedEx Shipping Options

Speed, reliability, and convenience in shipping are non-negotiable. Whether you're a business looking to reliably supply subscription boxes to customers’ doorsteps every month or get perishable packages across the country in a day, FedEx has shipping options that literally and figuratively deliver on all fronts. In this guide, we’ll break down the ins and outs of FedEx’s shipping options, revealing how to choose the right arrangement, navigate pricing, and make the most of each type of service. 

Understanding the Appeal of FedEx Shipping Options

FedEx shipping services are largely popular for their flexibility and reach. Shipping options encompass a variety of solutions designed to cater to different business and package requirements. Whether you need to send parcels domestically or internationally, FedEx’s global network – spanning over 220 countries and territories – can take parcels nearly anywhere.

Beyond a broad reach and diverse offering of services, FedEx sets itself apart with industry-leading reliability. It’s one of the largest shipping carriers around and maintains a robust infrastructure for transportation planning, delivery scheduling, and package tracking. Businesses enjoy the ability to monitor the progress of shipments at every step of the journey, all the way down to the last-mile. Timely insight into status provides companies with peace of mind and allows them to keep customers updated on their expected delivery date.

Types of FedEx Shipping Options

FedEx offers a range of shipping options for a reason – and that’s to give businesses and individuals flexibility over how their packages are delivered, and within what timeframe. Below, we provide an overview of the carrier’s main shipping services. 

FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground is meant for business to business shipments within the United States. It offers reliable delivery within 1-5 business days, depending on the distance.

FedEx Ground operates from Monday to Friday and is only available in the United States. Ecommerce businesses with orders bound for Canada must use FedEx International Ground. 

Weight Limits: Up to 150 lbs.

Maximum Package Dimensions: 108" in length and 165" in length plus girth (L+2W+2H)

Service Area: Business addresses in all 50 states

FedEx Ground Economy

FedEx Ground Economy is a slightly slower, slightly less accommodating version of regular FedEx Ground. With this option, businesses pay less at the tradeoff of an extended 2-7 day timeframe. The maximum package weight gets cut to 70 lbs, and all parcels must be under 130" in length plus girth.

Choosing FedEx Ground Economy also means forfeiting many of the standard features that come with standard FedEx Ground, including:

• Money-back guarantee
• Address correction 
• Signature proof of delivery
• Evening, appointment, or date-certain delivery
• The option to redirect and hold package at a FedEx location
• Accommodations for hazardous materials 

FedEx Home Delivery

FedEx Home Delivery caters to businesses looking to ship goods to residential addresses like houses and apartment buildings. Deliveries are made every day of the week within an estimated timeframe of 1-5 days in the contiguous United States. Alaska and Hawaii have slightly longer timelines of 3-7 days. 

The main difference between FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Ground is that the latter FedEx shipping option only operates from Monday to Friday. Residential services are offered seven days a week – with a surcharge of $4 per package.   

Premium Home Delivery services give ecommerce businesses more control over when and how online orders are delivered. FedEx has options for scheduled package drop-offs, evening deliveries, and can even coordinate timing with customers directly. FedEx Delivery Manager allows recipients to request their package to be sent to partner retail pickup locations like Walgreens, FedEx Office, and Dollar General, free of charge.

Weight Limits: Up to 150 lbs.

Maximum Package Dimensions: 108" in length and 165" in length plus girth (L+2W+2H)

Service Area: Residential addresses in all 50 states, extended timeline for addresses in Alaska and Hawaii

FedEx Same Day

As its name implies, FedEx Same Day shipping aims to get parcels from Point A to Point B within one business day. Priced at a premium, it gives shipments complete priority 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – including holidays. 

Weight Limits: Up to 70 lbs.

Maximum Package Dimensions: No side longer than 48”, otherwise prior approval is required

Service Area: Residential addresses in all 50 states

FedEx Express Saver

If you need your package delivered quickly but don't require overnight shipping, FedEx Express Saver may be worth considering. With three-day delivery between Monday and Friday, this service offers a balance between speed and affordability. Ecommerce businesses can expect shipments to other businesses to arrive by 5:00 P.M. and shipments to residential addresses to arrive by 8 P.M.

Weight Limits: Up to 150 lbs.

Maximum Package Dimensions: Up to 119" in length, 165" in length plus girth (L+2W+2H)

Service Area: All residential addresses in the United States except Alaska and Hawaii

FedEx 2Day

FedEx 2 day shipping is a potential compromise for those who want the speed of FedEx Same Day and the lower prices of FedEx Express Saver. This two-day service is available for both business-bound and residence-bound shipments up to 119" in length, 165" in length plus girth, and under 150 lbs. Regional coverage and delivery schedules differ between morning and afternoon options.

FedEd 2Day A.M.

FedEx 2Day A.M. promises delivery the morning (10:30 A.M. to businesses and noon to residences) of a package’s second business day in transit. It runs from Monday to Friday and is available in every U.S. state except Hawaii. Shipments to Alaska are subject to potentially longer timelines. 

FedEx 2Day P.M.

Packages sent via FedEx 2Day P.M. arrive between 5:00 P.M. and 8 P.M. on their second day of transit. Operations run across the U.S. from Monday to Friday, with Saturday service available in some regions at an additional charge. 

FedEx Overnight

FedEx Standard Overnight delivers packages by the next business day so long as they’re dropped off before the overnight cutoff time. The service accommodates parcels weighing up to 150 lbs., up to 119" long, and 165" in length plus girth (L+2W+2H). The three options – First Overnight, Priority Overnight, and Standard Overnight – have different time standards. 

FedEx First Overnight

First Overnight shipments arrive between 8 A.M. and 9:30 A.M. the next business day morning. Additional extended delivery locations are guaranteed up to 2 P.M., and some areas of the U.S. have the option of paying extra for Saturday service. 

FedEx Priority Overnight

With Priority Overnight, delivery happens by 10:30 A.M. the next business day for most businesses, by noon for residences, and by 5:00 P.M. for some rural areas. Like First Overnight, Saturday service is available in select regions. 

FedEx Standard Overnight

FedEx Standard Overnight offers next-business-day delivery to businesses by 5:00 P.M. and to residential addresses by 8 P.M.

How to Choose the Right FedEx Shipping Option

FedEx shipping options vary in efficiency, cost, and speed. You’ll need to weigh the importance of each of these factors against each other to choose the best service for your needs.

Determine the Urgency of Your Delivery

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a FedEx shipping option is how quickly the package needs to arrive. FedEx shipping services vary in speed, from overnight delivery to delivery that takes a week or more. 

If your shipment requires immediate attention, FedEx Standard Overnight or FedEx 2Day are optimal choices because they guarantee delivery within one or two business days, respectively. For less urgent shipments, FedEx Ground offers a reliable and economical option, delivering packages within 1-5 business days. This is great for non-perishable goods, such as apparel or consumer electronics, that don't require expedited shipping.

If you want to make faster FedEx shipping options more affordable, consider partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) company. Shipfusion’s established relationship with this and several other major carriers allows us to pass down over 30% in cost savings on negotiated rates to our clients.. 

Note the Package Size and Weight

Package size and weight can also dictate which FedEx shipping option is best for your needs. For larger, heavier shipments, FedEx Ground is a more suitable choice due to its capacity to handle bulkier loads at a lower cost. Its weight limit of up to 150 lbs. and maximum allowable package length of 108 inches can suit bulkier items such as sporting goods and appliances. 

Smaller, lighter packages don’t need as much accommodation and can therefore be shipped using both faster options (FedEx Overnight) and cheaper options (FedEx Ground Economy), with lower weight maximums of 70 lbs. Either might be preferable for an ecommerce store that wants to get a few clothing items or lightweight tech gadgets to customers at a lesser time or cost.

Package size and weight should also be kept top of mind for its ability to influence shipping costs. Carriers like FedEx use dimensional weight systems, which assesses the volumetric density of a parcel rather than its basic measurements. Pick the right shipping boxes and dunnage, and you can reap significant savings over the long term. Shipfusion leverages advanced software to help ecommerce businesses optimize their package size and weight without compromising protection. 

Keep the Destination of the Shipment In Mind

Where your package is going will significantly affect your shipping decision. FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery are affordable choices for non-urgent packages. A business shipping products to customers within the U.S. can rely on FedEx Ground to deliver to any U.S. state within five days.

Just be sure to keep customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and rural areas in mind. Outside of FedEx Ground, no FedEx shipping options promise equal service availability or timeliness for these special-case locations. 

FedEx International will be your only option if shipping from an address inside Canada or from one in the U.S. to Canada. Prices and service speeds vary between FedEx International Ground, FedEx International First, FedEx International Priority, and FedEx International Economy. Remember to factor restrictions, tariffs, and any other potentially applicable charges when estimating total landed cost. A 3PL well-versed in international shipping can be an invaluable resource in this regard.

Consider Cost Efficiency

Balancing speed with cost is often a primary concern when choosing a shipping service. Expedited services like FedEx Standard Overnight and FedEx 2Day come at a premium price due to the guaranteed quick delivery, which may not be necessary for every shipment. 

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly solutions, FedEx Ground and FedEx Express Saver offer slower delivery times at a significantly lower cost. Consider using slower services when cost efficiency is more important than immediate delivery. For instance, an online retailer shipping non-perishable products like books or apparel might use FedEx Ground to cost-effectively reach customers within 1-5 days.

Remember Any Tracking or handling Requirements

Most FedEx shipping services come with free tracking via FedEx Delivery Manager. An online tool, it allows both senders and recipients to monitor the status of their packages in real-time. Customers also have the option to reschedule delivery times, reroute packages to a nearby FedEx location, or even hold a package for vacation until they’re ready to receive it. 

However, it's important to note that while these tracking tools and handling options are generally standard, FedEx Ground Economy is an exception. The cost-saving service comes with a pared-down set of features. Unlike regular FedEx Ground, FedEx Ground Economy does not include address correction, evening, appointment, date-certain last-mile delivery accommodations, or redirect and hold requests. 

If you want to give customers all of the aforementioned capabilities and more, FedEx has advanced tracking solutions that may be worth the investment. Don’t forget about fulfillment-related updates, either. With Shipfusion’s easy-to-use client portal, you get absolute visibility and control over every order as it moves through the fulfillment process. 

Pricing and Rates for FedEx Shipping Options

FedEx pricing is based on several factors, including package weight, dimensions, distance, delivery speed, and additional services. To determine the cost of shipping, you can utilize FedEx's online rate estimator tool, which allows you to input your package details and obtain an estimate.

When comparing prices, it's essential to factor in not only the base cost but also any additional fees or surcharges that may apply. These include residential delivery charges, fuel surcharges, and surcharges for oversized or hazardous materials. Understanding the complete pricing structure will help you calculate your shipping costs accurately.

Packaging and Preparation for FedEx Shipping

It doesn’t matter which FedEx shipping option you choose – all packages that go through the carrier must meet stringent guidelines. We’ve outlined best practices for meeting them below. 

Choose the Right Packaging Materials

Using appropriate packaging materials is the first step in ensuring your shipment’s safety. FedEx provides a range of packaging supplies, including boxes, padded envelopes, and tubes, which are often available free of charge when using express services. 

If you’re using your own packaging, it should be made from sturdy, high-quality materials. Opt for double-walled boxes for heavier items, and make sure the packaging is in good condition – free of punctures, tears, or rips.

Use protective dunnage like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam inserts to cushion fragile products and prevent movement during transit. At least two inches of cushioning material on all sides of the item will help absorb shocks and protect against potential damage.

Secure the Package Well

Properly sealing your package is just as important as choosing the right materials. FedEx recommends using strong, water-resistant packing tape – preferably pressure-sensitive plastic or reinforced fiber tape – on all seams of the box. Avoid using masking tape, string, or other non-reinforced adhesives, as these do not provide sufficient strength. 

For packages containing liquids or perishable goods, use secondary containment like a sealed plastic bag or additional inner packaging to prevent leaks. Label the box clearly with “Fragile” or “Liquid” stickers if needed. For instance, shipping a bottle of wine through FedEx should include a sealed container inside the box and proper labeling to avoid any damage or spillage.

Label Your Shipment Properly

Even if perfectly packed, every parcel that goes through FedEx or any other carrier must be properly labeled in order to be routed to its correct destination. Whether working with an in-house team or ecommerce fulfillment service, always use clear, legible labels that include the full address of both the sender and recipient. Ensure that the address label is placed on the largest side of the package and avoid putting it on seams or edges, as this can lead to the label being damaged or peeled off during transit.

If you’re using a shipping service that includes tracking, such as FedEx Express or FedEx Ground, you will receive a shipping label with a barcode. Make sure the barcode is unobstructed and easy for FedEx scanners to read. It’s also worth considering including a duplicate address label inside the package in case the outer label becomes detached.

Follow Weight and Dimension Guidelines

Each FedEx service has its own weight and size limits. For instance, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery allow shipments up to 150 lbs. and dimensions of up to 108" in length and 165" in length plus girth. Oversized packages may require specialized services like FedEx Freight. Accurately measure and weigh your package before shipping, as exceeding weight or dimension limits could result in delays or additional charges.

Invest In Special Packaging Where Necessary

Some shipments, such as hazardous materials, perishables, or high-value items, require additional precautions. Hazardous materials must be packaged according to FedEx’s dangerous goods regulations, in certified packaging, and accompanied by any necessary documentation.

Perishable items, such as food or medical supplies, need temperature-controlled packaging or gel packs to stay within their ideal temperature range during transit. Always label the package clearly to indicate that it contains perishable items.

High-value shipments, such as electronics or jewelry, may benefit from tamper-evident packaging. You can also acquire insurance from an agent or broker to help mitigate the financial impact should something go wrong.

Shipfusion Can Connect You With FedEx Shipping Options and So Much More

Now that you have gained a comprehensive understanding of FedEx shipping options, you're well-equipped to make informed decisions about one aspect of your logistics needs. Shipfusion can be your partner for the rest. Our industry-leading third-party logistics (3PL) company has all of the connections and resources necessary to streamline ecommerce operations at scale.

Supercharge your growth by reaching out to a fulfillment specialist today.