When your FedEx tracking shows "Delivery Attempted" or "Delivery Exception - Customer Not Available," it means the FedEx driver came to your address but was unable to complete the delivery. The package is now back at the FedEx facility awaiting your next steps.
This status indicates a delivery problem that prevented the driver from leaving your package. Understanding why the attempt failed helps you ensure successful delivery on the next try. Your package was likely Out for Delivery before this status appeared. Similar to USPS Delivery Attempted, this requires action to receive your package.
What It Means
"Delivery Attempted" is FedEx's notification that their driver physically went to your address with your package but could not complete the delivery according to FedEx delivery procedures.
This status confirms the driver arrived at your address with the package, something prevented successful delivery completion, the package returned to the local FedEx facility, FedEx typically left a door tag (tracking slip) with instructions, and you'll need to take action for redelivery or pickup.
Common reasons for attempted delivery: signature required when nobody was home to sign (most common reason), no secure location where driver determined your porch or doorstep wasn't safe to leave package, address inaccessible due to locked gate, aggressive dog, or construction, business closed during delivery hours, recipient not available for adult signature required packages (must be 18+), or apartment access issues when driver couldn't reach your unit.
What happens after attempt: the driver scans the package as "Delivery Attempted," FedEx updates tracking status, the package returns to your local FedEx facility, a door tag is left at your address with tracking info and instructions, and FedEx will attempt redelivery (typically 2-3 total attempts before holding for pickup or returning to sender).
Door tag information includes: your tracking number, date and time of delivery attempt, reason delivery couldn't be completed, options for redelivery or hold at FedEx location, and how to authorize signature release if applicable.
This differs from successful delivery: Out for Delivery means package is coming today, "Delivered" means you received it, "Delivery Attempted" means driver tried but failed, and Shipment on Hold indicates a problem preventing any delivery attempt. Similar to USPS Notice Left, attempted delivery requires your action to complete.
Why It Happens
Delivery attempts fail when drivers encounter obstacles preventing safe and proper package delivery per FedEx service standards.
Signature requirements are the leading cause: packages requiring direct signature when nobody's home (adult must be present), adult signature required for age-restricted items when nobody 18+ available, indirect signature allowed but nobody at neighboring addresses to accept, or business signature required during non-business hours.
Access and safety issues: locked gates or doors preventing access to delivery location, aggressive or loose dogs making approach unsafe, construction or obstacles blocking access to address, apartment buildings with locked entry and no buzzer response, or delivery areas inaccessible due to snow, flooding, or other conditions.
Address and location problems: address incomplete or unclear (missing apartment/unit number), business or recipient not found at the address, delivery location not safe or secure enough per driver judgment, or multiple addresses at same location causing confusion.
Recipient availability issues: residential deliveries attempted when nobody home during business hours, business deliveries attempted when business is closed, recipient requested delivery at specific time but wasn't available, or scheduled delivery appointments missed.
Security and package concerns: high-value packages requiring signature that driver won't leave unattended, driver observed porch pirates or theft concerns in area, previous theft reports at your address requiring extra caution, or package too valuable to leave without confirmation.
Operational factors: driver running behind schedule and missing delivery window, route changes putting your address at end of day when closed, weather conditions making delivery unsafe during the attempt, or driver unable to locate address in time available.
Unlike FedEx Exception which may be beyond your control (weather, facility issues), delivery attempts often result from recipient availability or access issues you can address. Similar to USPS held packages, attempted deliveries require you to facilitate completion.
Should You Be Concerned?
"Delivery Attempted" is concerning only if you don't take action to enable successful redelivery. Most attempts resolve easily once you address the issue.
Take immediate action for: time-sensitive packages approaching deadlines (medications, perishables, event tickets), high-value packages you want secured quickly, signature required packages when you work during delivery hours, packages that have had multiple delivery attempts (risk of return to sender), or when you won't be available during FedEx's next attempt.
Less urgent but still important: general merchandise delivery attempts with flexible timing, packages where you can easily schedule redelivery, attempts due to temporary issues you've now resolved (gate unlocked, dog secured), or when you can pick up from FedEx location conveniently.
Options to prevent failed attempts: use FedEx Delivery Manager to authorize signature release (if eligible), hold package at FedEx location for pickup instead of delivery, provide delivery instructions (gate codes, safe locations), schedule specific delivery times when you'll be home, or sign the door tag to authorize delivery without signature (some packages only).
What happens after multiple attempts: FedEx typically makes 2-3 delivery attempts, after final attempt, package is held at FedEx facility for pickup, you'll receive notification about pickup location and hours, if not picked up within 5-7 days, package may be returned to sender.
Financial implications: you don't pay extra for redelivery attempts, however, if package returns to sender due to multiple failed attempts, sender may charge you for reshipment, residential delivery fees already paid are lost if package returns, and time-sensitive items may expire or become useless.
Compare to other carriers: USPS delivery attempts work similarly with 2-3 attempts, UPS attempts follow comparable procedures, and all carriers prioritize package security over convenience. After attempts, FedEx holds packages for pickup similar to USPS procedures.
What You Can Do
Take these steps to ensure successful delivery after an attempted delivery per FedEx customer options.
Immediate actions: locate the door tag FedEx left at your address (check door, mailbox, porch), note the specific reason for the attempted delivery, visit FedEx Delivery Manager to manage delivery options, and decide whether you want redelivery or facility pickup.
Schedule redelivery online: sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager if you haven't already, select your package and choose "Schedule a Delivery," pick a date when you'll be home (usually next 1-5 business days), provide any special instructions or access codes, and authorize signature release if allowed for your package type.
Hold at FedEx location for pickup: use FedEx Delivery Manager to select "Hold at Location," choose a convenient FedEx facility near you at FedEx Locations, package will be held for 5-7 days typically, bring government-issued photo ID and tracking number to pick up, and verify the facility hours before visiting.
Authorize delivery via door tag: sign the door tag left by the driver if it has signature authorization section, tape it securely to your door where driver will see it, note this only works for eligible packages (not all signature-required packages allow this), and driver will leave package on next attempt if authorization is properly signed.
Resolve access issues: unlock gates or provide gate codes through FedEx Delivery Manager, secure dogs away from delivery area during typical delivery windows, clear obstacles blocking access to your door or porch, add apartment/unit number if missing from original address, or provide detailed delivery location instructions.
For business deliveries: verify business hours match FedEx delivery windows, provide alternative delivery addresses if business has multiple locations, ensure reception area is accessible during delivery hours, or consider personal address delivery if business access is problematic.
If you won't be available: use hold at location option so you can pick up at your convenience, have a neighbor authorize to accept delivery, provide safe delivery location instructions ("leave at side door"), or use FedEx Office or partner retail location as delivery address.
Preventive measures for future deliveries: sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager before packages ship, set default delivery preferences in your account, use "Hold at FedEx Location" during checkout when available, or ensure addresses are complete with all access information. Similar to managing USPS deliveries, proactive communication prevents failed attempts.
When to Contact the Carrier
Contact FedEx when delivery attempts require clarification or you need assistance resolving access issues per FedEx support.
Call FedEx immediately for: attempted delivery but no door tag was left and you need instructions, you can't find your package in FedEx Delivery Manager to manage options, multiple attempts failing for the same reason despite your fixes, you need same-day redelivery for urgent packages, signature release authorization not being accepted, access issues you can't resolve through online tools, or package approaching return-to-sender deadline.
Call FedEx customer service at 1-800-463-3339 with your tracking number ready. Provide: complete tracking number, your full delivery address including any apartment/unit numbers, explanation of the delivery issue and access situation, and your preferred resolution (redelivery or pickup).
Contact your local FedEx facility directly: find facility phone number at FedEx Locations, local facilities can often resolve delivery issues faster, provide same-day redelivery scheduling in some cases, give specific driver instructions for your address, or hold package for immediate pickup.
Questions to ask FedEx: why specifically was delivery attempted (reason may not be clear in tracking), can driver call/text when approaching for coordinated delivery, what options exist for signature release, whether package can be picked up same day, how many attempts remain before return to sender, or how to provide access codes or special instructions.
When to contact the sender: if delivery address was incorrect (sender must update), you no longer want the item (arrange return), package was shipped signature-required but you can't be available (sender may be able to change requirements), or multiple attempts failing and you need sender to coordinate directly with FedEx.
For systematic delivery problems: if every package to your address has attempted delivery issues, work with local FedEx facility to establish permanent delivery procedures, provide comprehensive address and access instructions, consider using FedEx Office or retail location as your default delivery address, or set up permanent hold at location through FedEx Delivery Manager.
Escalation options: if standard customer service can't resolve after 2-3 attempts, request supervisor or manager, file formal delivery complaints through FedEx feedback, document all failed attempts and your resolution efforts, or consider alternative carriers if FedEx repeatedly can't deliver to your location. Similar to USPS escalation, persistence and documentation help resolve ongoing issues.