FedEx "Barcode Label Unreadable" — What It Means & What to Do

"Barcode Label Unreadable" is a FedEx exception status that appears when scanning equipment at a FedEx facility fails to read the barcode on the shipping label. Every package moving through FedEx's network is sorted automatically by barcode scans — when a barcode can't be read, the automated system can't route the package, and it is pulled out of the main sorting stream for manual handling.

When this happens, a FedEx facility employee will attempt to:

1. Manually read the label information (tracking number, sender address, recipient address)
2. Look up the shipment in FedEx's system using any partially readable information
3. Re-label the package with a new scannable barcode so it can continue through the network
4. Return it to the sorting stream for normal routing

If enough label information is readable (even just the tracking number or destination address), FedEx can typically recover the package and deliver it with a delay of 1–3 days. However, if the label is completely destroyed and no identifying information is readable, FedEx may be unable to link the package to its shipment record.

This status is distinct from FedEx Shipment Exception statuses that occur later in transit — a barcode label issue is a scanning/identification problem at a facility level, not a delivery-point problem like Customer Not Available.

1. Physical damage to the label The most common cause. If a package was dropped, crushed, or got wet during transit, the label can become torn, smeared, or folded in a way that makes the barcode unreadable. Even partial moisture exposure can cause inkjet-printed labels to smear beyond recognition.

2. Poor original print quality If the shipping label was printed on a low-quality printer, with low ink, or at too low a resolution, the barcode may never have been clearly scannable to begin with. Labels printed on standard inkjet printers with draft-quality settings are particularly vulnerable.

3. Label placed incorrectly on the package A label placed on a seam, edge, or curved surface of a package can cause the barcode to distort when the box is sealed or handled. Labels placed over tape or uneven surfaces also scan poorly.

4. Scanning system limitations Occasionally, FedEx's high-speed automated scanners simply fail to read a barcode that is technically intact — particularly if the package is moving at an odd angle on the conveyor belt. In these cases, a manual scan by an employee may succeed on the first try.

5. Label covered or obscured If tape was placed directly over the barcode, or if another label (e.g., a return label or old shipping label on a reused box) is positioned near the active label, the scanner may read the wrong barcode or fail to read any barcode at all.

6. Thermal label fading Labels printed on direct thermal paper (common for home-printed FedEx labels) can fade if exposed to heat, sunlight, or friction. A label that was fine when printed may be unreadable by the time the package reaches a sorting facility.

In most cases: 1–3 additional business days.

Once a package is flagged as having an unreadable barcode, it is pulled aside for manual processing. The time this takes depends on:

• How legible the remaining label information is — if the tracking number or destination address is still partially visible, recovery is fast (often same day at the facility)
• Which facility the package is at — major hub facilities have dedicated exception processing teams; smaller stations may take longer
• How busy the facility is — during peak periods, manual exception processing queues are longer

Typical timeline:

• Label partially readable → package re-labeled and returned to stream within hours to 1 day
• Label mostly destroyed → investigation opened, may take 2–5 days to resolve
• Label completely unreadable with no identifying info → package may be held in "undeliverable" queue pending contact from sender or recipient

Tracking behavior: After this status appears, you may see no updates for 24–48 hours while the package is being manually processed. This is normal. Once re-labeled and returned to the sorting stream, tracking updates should resume.

Yes — more so than most FedEx exceptions. A barcode label unreadable status carries a higher risk than a standard operational delay or weather delay, because FedEx may temporarily lose the ability to link the package to your shipment record.

The level of concern depends on label condition:

• Barcode unreadable but other info visible (tracking number, name, address): Low-moderate concern. FedEx can recover and re-label the package. Expect a 1–3 day delay.
• Label mostly destroyed: Moderate-high concern. FedEx will attempt to recover but may need help from the sender or recipient to identify the package contents or verify shipment details.
• Label completely destroyed with no identifying information: High concern. The package becomes essentially anonymous. FedEx will hold it, and if no one claims it, it may eventually be disposed of or auctioned.

Act quickly if:

• The tracking has shown no movement for 48+ hours after this status appeared
• You know the label was in poor condition before shipping
• The package contains high-value, fragile, or time-sensitive items

Also consider whether this was a reused box with old labels — multiple barcodes on a single package are a known cause of automated sorting errors and can complicate recovery. For context on what happens to truly unidentifiable packages, see our guide on lost or delayed packages.

Step 1: Check tracking immediately Log into FedEx Tracking and note the last scan location and when the "Barcode Label Unreadable" status was logged. This tells you which facility has the package.

Step 2: Contact FedEx promptly — don't wait Call 1-800-463-3339 as soon as possible. Provide your tracking number and ask the agent to:

• Locate the package at the facility that last scanned it
• Open a service request or exception investigation
• Confirm whether the package has been re-labeled and returned to the network

The sooner you contact FedEx, the higher the chance the package can be recovered before it enters a long-hold queue.

Step 3: Have the sender contact FedEx too FedEx may need information from the sender (shipper account number, shipment details, package description, declared value) to cross-reference the physical package with their records. Ask the sender or retailer to call FedEx and reference the tracking number.

Step 4: Provide a detailed package description If FedEx cannot read the label, they may need you or the sender to describe the package (dimensions, weight, outer packaging, any markings, contents description) to match it to their physical undeliverable package inventory.

Step 5: If you're the sender — consider a replacement shipment For time-sensitive contents, the sender should consider shipping a replacement while the investigation into the original package is ongoing. If the original package is recovered, you can refuse or return it. If not, you can file a claim for the lost shipment.

Preventive tip for future shipments:

• Print labels using a laser printer or high-quality inkjet at maximum quality settings
• Use a label holder/pouch to protect the label from moisture and abrasion
• Place the label flat on the largest face of the box, away from seams and edges
• Never place tape directly over the barcode
• Remove or completely cover all old labels when reusing boxes

Contact FedEx immediately if this status appears — don't wait for automatic resolution:

• Call as soon as the status appears, especially if 24+ hours have passed with no further updates
• Contact FedEx if you know the package label was in poor condition or the box was reused
• Escalate if the package has high declared value or time-sensitive contents
• Open a formal trace request if 48+ hours pass with no new scans after this status

How to contact FedEx:

• Track online: fedex.com/apps/fedextrack
• Phone: 1-800-463-3339
• FedEx Delivery Manager: fedex.com/en-us/delivery-manager.html
• Find a FedEx location: local.fedex.com
• File a claim: fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html

For related FedEx exception statuses, see our guides on FedEx Shipment Exception, FedEx Delivery Exception, FedEx Operational Delay, FedEx Customer Not Available, FedEx In Transit, and guidance on lost or delayed packages.