FedEx Overnight: Cutoff Time for Drop-Off and Delivery
by Lori Boyer
Timely, efficient, and stress-free shipping? Yes, please! As a logistics professional, you're juggling a million things, and coordinating FedEx Overnight shipments might be at the top of your list. Don't worry, we've got your back.
In this blog post, we'll explain where to find FedEx cutoff times for drop-offs, address some common pain points you may experience, and give some tips for overcoming them.
What is FedEx Overnight?
FedEx Standard Overnight is a popular overnight shipping service that offers next-day delivery to most U.S. addresses. It's an excellent solution for businesses that need to complete transactions faster and ensure timely deliveries. With the growth in ecommerce, the demand for fast shipping options—including overnight shipping—has increased significantly. A recent study forecasts that parcel volume is expected to double by the year 2026.
This rapid expansion in shipping volume highlights the importance of services like FedEx Overnight, as businesses need to meet ever-growing customer expectations and remain competitive in today's fast-paced market. Overnight shipping has become a crucial component for businesses looking to improve customer satisfaction and streamline their supply chains.
What FedEx Overnight services are there?
FedEx offers three main overnight services to cater to your shipping needs: FedEx Standard Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, and FedEx First Overnight®. Each delivers the next business day and has its own delivery time windows. Selecting the right service helps businesses effectively manage costs while meeting customer expectations.
Service | Delivery time (next business day) |
|---|---|
FedEx Standard Overnight | 5:00 p.m. to businesses, 8:00 p.m. to residences |
FedEx Priority Overnight | 10:30 a.m. to businesses, 12:00 p.m. to most residences |
FedEx First Overnight | 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
Weekend pickups and deliveries are available for select services:
- Saturday pickup and delivery are available for FedEx Priority Overnight and FedEx First Overnight.
- Saturday pickup is available for FedEx Standard Overnight.
Keep in mind that FedEx does not pick up or deliver on Sundays.
How does FedEx Overnight work?
FedEx Overnight services provide you with a fast and reliable shipping option. When you choose to use FedEx Overnight, all you need to do is prepare your package for shipment, select the appropriate overnight service, and schedule a pickup or drop off your package at a FedEx location.
Once your package is in FedEx's hands, you can have peace of mind knowing that it's being taken care of by a sophisticated network of distribution centers, planes, and trucks. Throughout the entire shipping process, FedEx's advanced tracking system allows you to monitor the progress of your package in real time, offering greater visibility and reassurance.
You can expect your packages to be delivered within the promised delivery window for the specific overnight service you chose. This enables you to meet your customers' expectations for fast delivery and improve overall customer satisfaction.
What are FedEx Overnight restrictions?
FedEx Overnight does have certain restrictions in place when it comes to weight and size to ensure that packages comply with regulations and help businesses avoid additional fees or delays.
These restrictions are put in place to maintain a safe and efficient shipping process, as well as to accommodate the various aircraft and vehicles used in the transportation process.
The weight and size restrictions for FedEx Overnight are as follows:
- Maximum weight: FedEx Overnight packages cannot exceed 150 pounds per package. This weight limit ensures that packages can be safely handled and transported by FedEx employees, equipment, and vehicles without damage to the package or other items during the shipping process.
- Maximum dimensions: FedEx Overnight packages should not exceed 119 inches in length and 165 inches in length plus girth. Girth is calculated by adding the package's width and height twice. For example, if a package is 30 inches wide and 20 inches high, the girth would be (30+20) x 2 = 100 inches.
It is crucial for businesses to be aware of these restrictions when using FedEx Overnight services to avoid any issues with the shipping process. Non-compliant packages may be subject to additional fees or delays, as they may require special handling or transportation arrangements. In some cases, packages that significantly exceed the weight or size limits may be refused by FedEx altogether.
What is the drop-off time for FedEx Overnight?
The FedEx overnight cutoff time for drop-offs is generally around 5:00 p.m. However, the exact time varies by shipping service and store location. In some cases, drop-off times can be later than 5 p.m., particularly in areas closer to airports. To ensure timely delivery, verify the exact FedEx cutoff time at your nearest shipping location.
If you’re not sure which store is closest to you, check the FedEx website to find out. If you schedule package pickups, simply check the pickup window in your FedEx portal. It's important to know the specific drop-off times for your chosen service, as late drop-offs may lead to delays.
Note that pickup times may be different during the holidays, and certain services may not be available. When shipping overnight before a holiday, always check whether your desired shipping service will be able to deliver on time.
How much does FedEx Overnight cost?
The cost of FedEx Overnight can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the specific service selected, package weight, dimensions, and destination. It's important to understand these variables to estimate your overnight shipping costs accurately.
There are three FedEx Overnight services to choose from, each with its own pricing structure:
- FedEx First Overnight: This early-morning delivery option is usually the most expensive of the three, with retail pricing starting at $79.59 for a five-pound package.
- FedEx Priority Overnight: This mid-morning delivery option is generally more affordable than First Overnight, with retail pricing starting at $48.59 for a five-pound package.
- FedEx Standard Overnight: This afternoon delivery option is the most cost-effective of the three, with retail pricing starting at $46.33 for a five-pound package.
Package weight and dimensions play a significant role in determining shipping costs. Heavier or larger packages typically cost more to ship overnight. Additionally, FedEx uses dimensional weight pricing, which considers both the weight and size of the package. If a package is large but relatively lightweight, the shipping cost may be based on its dimensional weight rather than its actual weight.
The destination of the package also affects the cost of FedEx Overnight. Shipping to farther locations or more remote areas can result in higher shipping rates due to increased transportation costs.
To calculate your overnight shipping costs, you can use the FedEx rate calculator on their website. You can also reduce shipping costs by opening a FedEx account for a 40% discount, using FedEx Express services for free packaging, opting for FedEx One Rate® for packages under 50 pounds or envelopes under 10 pounds, or joining My FedEx Rewards for perks like gift cards and merchandise.
Services may vary by location
It's important to note that some locations may not be covered by FedEx Overnight services or may have limited accessibility. Be sure to verify service availability for your specific destination.
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