USPS and FedEx are both shipping giants that offer a variety of services to senders and receivers. Usually, people use one service or the other, sometimes both depending on the shipping needs.
So, you ordered something online and it was shipped via FedEx, but now you need to return it. Can you use USPS to send the return?
Related: How Accurate Is USPS Tracking?
Does USPS Accept FedEx Returns?
Yes, USPS does accept FedEx returns, but there are a few things you need to know before sending your return. USPS will accept your return through the FedEx Ground Economy shipping service. This shipping option uses USPS for the final mile of delivery, so your package will be delivered to your door by your local postal carrier.
To use this service, you must take your FedEx return to a USPS location. You can find these locations by using the USPS Locator tool. Once you’ve found a location, print out the Return Shipping Label provided by FedEx and attach it to your package.
Make sure that the barcode on the label is visible and that there are no other FedEx labels on the outside of the package; if there are, your package will be returned to you. Drop off your package at the USPS location and it will be sent back to the merchant via FedEx Ground Economy shipping service.
Related: Why Is My USPS Package Still In Pre Shipment?
What Is FedEx Ground Economy Shipping?
FedEx Ground Economy shipping formally known as FedEx SmartPost is a shipping service that utilizes both FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to deliver packages. It’s one of the most affordable ways to ship small packages weighing less than 70 lbs domestically within the contiguous United States.
This service is best suited for small businesses or e-commerce businesses that sell low-weight, lower-cost items such as apparel, books, and small electronics.
One of the benefits of this service is that you can ship to all addresses in the U.S., including PO Boxes and APO/FPO military addresses. Delivery times are typically 2-8 business days, but may take longer depending on the destination zip code.
Pros & Cons Of FedEx Ground Economy shipping:
- Lower rates than standard FedEx Ground service
- Faster transit times than standard service (in most cases)
- Ability to track shipment progress online
- Reliable delivery from a reputable company
Now, let’s consider some of the potential drawbacks:
- May not be available in all areas
- Some items may not be eligible for shipment via FedEx Ground Economy (more on that below)
How It Works
With FedEx Ground Economy shipping, your package will be picked up by FedEx and then delivered to your local post office. From there, USPS will complete the final mile of delivery to the customer’s doorstep.
You can track the progress of your shipment on the FedEx website or through USPS tracking once it’s been transferred to the postal service.
One thing to keep in mind is that this service is not available for all packages. Packages must meet the following criteria:
- Weigh less than 70 lbs
- Have dimensional weight under 130 inches
- Be sent from a business address
- Include only non-hazardous items
If your package meets these requirements, then you can ship using FedEx Ground Economy.
Related: What Is USPS Liteblue? Benefits Explained
Does FedEx Take USPS Returns?
No, FedEx does not accept USPS returns. However, you can return a package shipped via FedEx Ground Economy shipping to the original shipper if it’s within the return window specified by the seller.
