FedEx attempted delivery and couldn't complete it. Or your package was held at a FedEx facility or nearby pickup location. Now the clock is ticking.
FedEx hold periods are among the shortest of major carriers — some are as little as 5 days. Knowing exactly how long you have and what to do is critical to avoid losing your shipment to a return-to-sender situation.
Here's the complete breakdown of FedEx hold times, pickup locations, and your options.
What It Means
FedEx holds packages at three types of locations:
1. FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's) Full-service FedEx locations with the most flexibility and staff.
2. FedEx Authorized ShipCenter / Walgreens Retail pickup points — more accessible hours, more convenient locations.
3. FedEx Delivery Station / Hub Actual FedEx sorting facility. Packages here are typically held due to failed delivery or address issues.
Hold periods:
| Hold Location | Hold Period | |---|---| | FedEx Office | 7 calendar days | | FedEx Authorized ShipCenter | 5 calendar days | | Walgreens FedEx pickup | 5 calendar days | | FedEx Delivery Station (facility) | 5 calendar days | | FedEx Express (hold at station) | 5 calendar days | | FedEx Home Delivery (hold) | 5 business days |
Notice that most FedEx hold locations only give you 5 days — shorter than USPS (15 days) and similar to UPS's hold periods. If the hold started because of an address problem, resolve it first using our guide on what to do when tracking shows an address issue.
Why It Happens
Why FedEx holds packages:
1. Missed delivery No one home, signature required, or unsafe drop location. FedEx may attempt delivery 1–3 times depending on service type, then holds.
2. Address issues An incomplete or incorrect delivery address triggers a hold. This often happens with missing apartment numbers or address formatting problems that FedEx's system flags — though FedEx can sometimes fix minor errors automatically, as explained in our article on whether carriers find the correct address automatically.
3. Shipper redirected the package The sender requested FedEx hold the package at a location for recipient convenience.
4. FedEx Delivery Manager redirect You or the shipper used FedEx Delivery Manager to redirect the package to a pickup point.
5. Weather or access delay Natural disaster, road closures, or inaccessible address causes hold.
How Long It Lasts
Your window at most FedEx locations: 5 calendar days.
This is short. Weekend days count. A package held on a Wednesday expires by Monday.
After 5 days: Package is returned to sender. You'll need to contact the retailer to arrange reshipment.
FedEx Office exception: FedEx Office locations hold packages for 7 days, giving you slightly more time.
Can you extend? Yes — call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 before the deadline and request an extension. Extensions are granted case by case, typically 1–3 additional days.
FedEx Express packages: Priority Express shipments have the same 5-day hold. However, since Express shipments are time-sensitive by nature, act immediately — same day if possible.
Tip: When FedEx sends a pickup notification, the email or SMS typically includes your exact pickup deadline. Use that as your personal alarm.
Should You Be Concerned?
Yes — FedEx's 5-day window is tight.
Unlike USPS which gives you 15 days, FedEx's standard window is only 5 calendar days. If you travel frequently, are hospitalized, or have an irregular schedule, this can expire before you realize.
Critical situations:
- Package held Friday → expires Wednesday
- You're traveling and don't check tracking
- Email notification went to spam
What to watch for:
- FedEx notification email with pickup deadline
- Tracking status: "Ready for pickup at [location]"
- Second reminder (not always sent — don't rely on it)
Pro tip: Set up FedEx Delivery Manager to always receive SMS alerts so you never miss a hold notification.
What You Can Do
Option 1: Pick up at FedEx pickup location
Bring:
- Your tracking number
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Full details on ID requirements in our guide on what ID you need to pick up a package
FedEx Office and Walgreens pickup points typically have extended hours (often 8am–8pm or later), making it easier to pick up after work.
Option 2: Use FedEx Delivery Manager
Free tool at fedex.com:
- Redirect to a different FedEx pickup location closer to you
- Schedule delivery for a specific date when you'll be home
- Authorize package release without signature
- Designate a neighbor to receive on your behalf — or read our guide on whether someone else can pick up your package
Option 3: Request redelivery
Use FedEx.com or the FedEx app to schedule redelivery. Pick a date you know you'll be home.
Option 4: Redirect before expiration
If the pickup location is inconvenient, redirect to a closer FedEx Office or Walgreens. Our article on whether a package can be redirected after shipping explains what's possible mid-transit.
Option 5: Call FedEx for an extension
Call 1-800-463-3339 before your deadline and request additional days. Have your tracking number ready.
When to Contact the Carrier
Contact FedEx if:
- Your pickup deadline is within 24 hours and you can't get there
- You want to extend the hold
- Tracking shows held at facility but no pickup location email
- You need to redirect the package to a different pickup point
FedEx contact: 1-800-463-3339
FedEx Delivery Manager (recommended): Set up at fedex.com/deliverymanager for full control.
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