How Late Does FedEx Deliver?

We all love to know precisely when our FedEx package is going to be delivered. And the waiting window can sometimes put a spanner in the works if we have a busy day planned, especially when an important package is due to arrive.

At present, the FedEx wait window is 4 hours. However, if you are one to follow the tracking status online, you might notice that sometimes you don’t always get one.

So how late does FedEx deliver?

Let’s find the answer to this and more about Federal Express and the ins and outs of their reputable delivery practices. 

Standard FedEx Delivery Schedule

At present, no matter the service chosen (Ground or Home Delivery), FedEx delivers your parcels from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. But this is where the services start to differ. Typically, Ground which is consistently used for commercial and business shipping, sticks to standard business operating hours and days of Monday to Friday.

So no weekend deliveries when shipping via ground…

Meanwhile, Home Shipping does just that. Ships to people’s homes and residential addresses. Therefore this 12-hour, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. schedule that FedEx works around also includes deliveries over the weekends.

So if you are expecting a package to arrive at your home address and the weekend rocks around, don’t stress! If it’s being handled through FedEx, then it’s highly likely you will receive it on a Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

FedEx Online Tracking Prompts Say Delivery Today

If you follow the tracking information for the parcel you are expecting, and it says it will be delivered by the end of the day, you can usually relax. Yet, if it’s getting pretty close to 8 p.m. and there is still no sign of it, be prepared to get your package a little later than expected.

The rare cases…

It’s pretty uncommon for FedEx drivers to veer too far off their schedule. However, sometimes they can get a little behind due to some form of unforeseen circumstance. This can be weather related, or perhaps they got caught up in the flow of a traffic accident or just full-on rush hour traffic jams.

Or even had an emergency they had to help with…

But FedEx is known for keeping its word when it comes to the delivery schedule, so it’s more than likely your driver is still on his or her way with your precious parcel. And it will get to you at some point in the evening, albeit a little late, maybe once or twice in a lifetime. 

FedEx Delivery Window Estimates

If you do have a busy day when expecting a parcel that needs to be signed for, you can always attempt to get an estimation of when your FedEx delivery is due to arrive.

As mentioned, FedEx offers a 4-hour delivery window. However, this doesn’t pertain to every single item. To check on this, you simply need to enter your tracking number into the FedEx Tracking Tool.

This is a super handy tool, and if you can’t find the actual tracking information, then you can even use other information to track it down. These other options include using a reference number along with the destination country, or a TCN (Transport Control Number) along with the date it was shipped. 

POD…

Another great feature this tool provides is Proof Of Delivery. If you are having trouble locating the parcel and FedEx tracking notifies you that it has been delivered, it also gives the option to check the Proof Of Delivery.

This information includes the day and time of delivery, along with a digital image of the recipient’s signature. Please note that you will need your tracking number to make this option valid. But Proof Of Delivery is available for all parcels shipped via FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight.

Different Types of FedEx Shipping Services

FedEx offers more than just standard Ground and Home Delivery services, and the delivery timeframes might be a lot different from their standard schedule. Therefore, you might find yourself receiving your parcel outside of the usual 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. delivery hours.

If you need to have something arrive the same day, overnight, or within a certain time frame – then you might opt for one of their specialty services.

Some of these include:

FedEx –

However, there are many more options aside from these to choose from!

Let’s take a look at a few of these FedEx specialty services in detail, outlining the delivery specifics for each.

Fastest FedEx Services

1 FedEx SameDay

Of all their services, FedEx’s SameDay Shipping guarantees that your item arrives at its destination the very same day it is shipped.

 Obviously, this option doesn’t apply to every single package. As logistically, it might not be on a route that will allow it. 

But sending an item from one side of the country to the other and having it arrive the same day is an option that is available in all 50 states and is pretty popular.

But take note…

Sometimes, if the flight is delayed, you might find the recipient receiving the parcel quite late into the night. But your FedEx driver will do their best to comply with the service you paid for and get your parcel there within the required timeframe. 

2 FedEx First Overnight

For guaranteed delivery of your sent package to its destination by the next business day morning, you can use FedEx’s First Overnight Shipping.

Delivery is usually before 9.30 a.m. local time. However, if you are sending a package to a more rural location, then it might be promised to be delivered by 2 p.m. the next day. When you ship the package, your FedEx associate will explain approximate delivery times and when it should arrive by. 

3 FedEx 2Day

Then, FedEx Second Day shipping is a great option when you need the item to arrive in a specific time frame. Rather than the one to five days that applies to Ground and standard Home Shipping. This service guarantees delivery within two days but doesn’t put a specific time frame to it, only that it will arrive by the end of the second day.  

How about the costs for all of these?

You’ll be paying a lot more for these types of shipping services than you would for the other standard types. And obviously, the quicker you need something to arrive, the more it is going to cost you!

FedEx has been in business since May 5th, 1971, and in the 50-plus years since its incorporation, they have worked hard to smooth out the entire shipment and logistical process associated with getting your parcel where it needs to go, on time, every time.

But it’s essential to understand that with all of these options, sometimes human, logistical, mechanical, or mother-nature issues may occur. But if you have been unfortunate enough to have your specified delivery arrive late, like the next day, then you are entitled to reimbursement of some of the costs associated with that shipment. 

The Best Location to FedEx My Parcel From

There are over 2,150 FedEx Office locations where you can go to send your packages near and far. As well as speak to a friendly associate who can help you determine the best service to use for your individual needs.

FedEx Ofice allows you to hold parcels, get all your printing needs met, and house all the packaging items you will ever need under one roof. Use this FedEx Store Location Tool to find the most convenient store for you. 

That being said…

You also have the ability to drop your FedEx shipment at any number of different locations, not just a brick-and-mortar FedEx place. These locations include FedEx Ship Centers, which are great locations for dropping off Ground or Express Packages. Typically, these centers offer later cut-off times for Express shipments and can also hold your items for personal pickup. 

Another place is FedEx at Dollar General. Here you can arrange to pick up FedEx packages at your convenience. Plus, you can drop off FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments that are already packed up and labeled, including return packages.

Meanwhile, your local Walgreens now also has a partnership with FedEx, and you can now pick up and drop off your parcels there, too.

One huge advantage?

Some Walgreens are open 24/7, which means you can get your items at your convenience, no matter what time of the day or night. Making FedEx at Walgreens a top choice for some. 

FedEx Office also has a shopfront within 300 Walmart stores, so for your convenience can get all your shipping needs met while enjoying your weekly grocery shopping.

There are also FedEx storefronts inside of over 1,000 Office Max and Office Depots. Plus an abundance of no-contact FedEx drop box locations all over the country. These drop locations are open 24/7, and very easy to place your pre-packaged and labeled items inside for shipping. 

Got Any Other FedEx Questions?

If so, we can probably help you! You might be wondering, What is FedEx SmartPost, Does FedEx Take USPS, Does FedEx Deliver To PO Boxes, or maybe you want a timing comparison and need to know How Late Does DHL Deliver?

Are FedEx’s tracking terms confusing you?

Find out the meaning of FedEx Scheduled Delivery Pending, On FedEx Vehicle for Delivery, and much more! Just search our site!

Interested in working for FedEx?

Well then, you’ve come to the correct place!

Take a look at our full guide to the FedEx Ground Application and these most frequently asked FedEx Interview Questions. Along with answers to your trickier questions like Does FedEx Hire Felons if you have a criminal record in 2023?

Ok, back to today’s FedEx delivery time query…

Final Thoughts

So, how late does FedEx usually deliver? Well, the standard hours see most FedEx drivers deliver your parcels up to 8 p.m. each evening, Monday to Sunday.

However, if you have chosen to send the item with a specialty service, one that guarantees delivery on a specific day, then on rare occasions, it might arrive later than 8 p.m. Due to logistical lag. But please trust that your drivers will endeavor to get your parcel to you in the regular timeframe.

Happy FedExing!