Can FedEx Deliver to a PO Box? FedEx PO Box Rules Explained (2025)
No, FedEx cannot deliver to PO Box addresses (except for FedEx SmartPost). FedEx drivers can only deliver to physical street addresses because PO Boxes are located inside USPS post offices and are only accessible by postal employees. If you try to ship a FedEx package to a PO Box, the package will be returned to the sender. This guide explains FedEx PO Box rules, the SmartPost exception, and alternative solutions for receiving FedEx packages without a street address.
❌ Quick Answer: FedEx and PO Boxes
FedEx cannot deliver to PO Boxes (with one exception):
- • FedEx Express, Ground, Home Delivery: ❌ Cannot deliver to PO Boxes
- • FedEx SmartPost: ✅ CAN deliver to PO Boxes (uses USPS for final delivery)
- • PO Boxes are inside USPS post offices—not accessible to FedEx drivers
- • Packages sent to PO Boxes will be returned to sender
- • Use FedEx Hold at Location or provide a physical street address instead
📋 Table of Contents
Can FedEx Deliver to a PO Box?
No, FedEx cannot deliver to PO Box addresses (except SmartPost).
FedEx drivers deliver packages to physical street addresses only. Since PO Boxes are located inside USPS post offices and are only accessible by postal employees, FedEx cannot complete deliveries to PO Box addresses. The only exception is FedEx SmartPost, which partners with USPS for final delivery.
✅ FedEx CAN Deliver To:
- • Residential street addresses
- • Business/commercial addresses
- • Apartment/suite numbers
- • FedEx Office locations (Hold at Location)
- • FedEx Ship Center pickup points
- • Walgreens stores (Hold at Location)
- • PO Boxes (SmartPost only)
❌ FedEx CANNOT Deliver To:
- • PO Box addresses (Express/Ground/Home)
- • Post Office Boxes at USPS facilities
- • Rural route box numbers only
- • USPS General Delivery addresses
- • Any address without physical location
- • Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses (USPS only)
| FedEx Service | PO Box Delivery? | Why / How |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Express | ❌ No | FedEx drivers cannot access USPS PO Boxes |
| FedEx Ground | ❌ No | Delivers to street addresses only |
| FedEx Home Delivery | ❌ No | Residential addresses only |
| FedEx SmartPost | ✅ Yes | Partners with USPS for final delivery to PO Boxes |
| FedEx Freight | ❌ No | Commercial/business addresses only |
FedEx SmartPost: The One Exception
FedEx SmartPost is the only FedEx service that can deliver to PO Boxes. Here's how it works:
📦 How FedEx SmartPost Works
FedEx picks up package from sender and transports it most of the way
FedEx transfers to USPS at local post office near recipient's address
USPS delivers to PO Box using their postal employees who have PO Box access
✅ SmartPost Advantages
- • Only FedEx service that delivers to PO Boxes
- • Lower cost than FedEx Express or Ground
- • USPS handles final delivery (can access PO Boxes)
- • Good for lightweight packages (under 70 lbs)
- • Ideal for e-commerce shipments
⚠️ SmartPost Limitations
- • Slower delivery: 2-7 business days (not overnight)
- • Limited tracking once USPS takes over
- • Not available for all package sizes
- • Sender must choose SmartPost (not always an option)
- • No weekend delivery in most areas
💡 Important: You Can't Choose SmartPost
As a recipient with a PO Box, you typically cannot request that a sender use FedEx SmartPost. The sender chooses the shipping method when they create the label. If you need packages delivered to your PO Box:
- • Ask the sender to use USPS shipping instead of FedEx
- • If sender insists on FedEx, ask them to use FedEx SmartPost specifically
- • Provide an alternative address (work, friend, FedEx Hold location)
- • Use UPS Store mailbox or FedEx Office mailbox with street address
Why Can't FedEx Deliver to PO Boxes?
The reasons FedEx cannot deliver to PO Boxes are the same as other private carriers like UPS:
1. Physical Access Restrictions
PO Boxes are located inside USPS post office buildings in locked box areas accessible only to USPS postal employees. FedEx drivers cannot enter post office facilities to access these secure PO Box areas.
2. USPS Exclusive Territory
PO Boxes are USPS property and services. Federal postal regulations grant USPS exclusive access to deliver mail and packages to PO Box addresses. Private carriers like FedEx and UPS are legally prohibited from accessing USPS PO Boxes.
3. No Physical Street Location
A PO Box address (e.g., "PO Box 789") doesn't correspond to a building or residence where a FedEx driver can deliver a package. FedEx requires an actual physical location with a street address for delivery.
4. Different Business Models
FedEx is a private carrier delivering to door-to-door addresses, while USPS operates post offices with PO Boxes for centralized mail pickup. These are incompatible delivery models—FedEx can't integrate with USPS PO Box infrastructure (except through SmartPost partnership).
What Happens If You Ship a FedEx Package to a PO Box?
If you accidentally ship a FedEx package (Express/Ground/Home) to a PO Box address, here's what happens:
Step 1: FedEx Processes Package
FedEx receives the package and begins processing. The system may flag the PO Box address during label creation or sorting.
Step 2: Undeliverable Address
FedEx marks the package as "undeliverable" because drivers cannot access PO Boxes. Tracking shows "Incorrect address" or "Unable to deliver to PO Box address."
Step 3: Return to Sender
The package is returned to the sender. The sender may be charged return shipping fees (typically $15-20+). You will not receive the package.
Step 4: Address Correction or Reship
The sender must contact you for a valid physical street address, then reship the package. This causes delays of 5-10 days and additional shipping costs.
⚠️ Problems with FedEx to PO Box Attempts
- • Significant delays: Package returned, then re-shipped to correct address (adds 1-2 weeks)
- • Extra costs: Return fees ($15-20) + re-shipping costs ($10-30+)
- • Package may be lost: Some senders won't reship, just issue refunds
- • Order cancellations: Some retailers may cancel your order instead of reshipping
- • Negative seller experience: May result in account restrictions with some sellers
Alternatives to PO Boxes for FedEx Delivery
If you have a PO Box but need to receive FedEx packages, here are the best alternatives:
1. FedEx Hold at Location (Best for FedEx)
Have FedEx packages held at nearby FedEx locations for free pickup:
- • Free service—no monthly fees or rental costs
- • Pick up at FedEx Office, FedEx Ship Center, or participating Walgreens
- • Hold packages for up to 7 days
- • Redirect in-transit packages to Hold location via FedEx Delivery Manager
- • Find locations at fedex.com/locate
→ See full details in FedEx Hold at Location section below
2. FedEx Office Mailbox
Rent a mailbox at FedEx Office with a real street address:
- • Receives FedEx, UPS, USPS, and all carriers
- • Provides physical street address (not PO Box format)
- • 24/7 access at many locations
- • Package acceptance and notifications
- • Cost: $15-35/month depending on location and size
3. UPS Store Mailbox
Similar to FedEx Office, UPS Store mailboxes accept all carriers including FedEx:
- • Accepts FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and all carriers
- • Real street address format (e.g., "123 Main St #456")
- • Package holding and forwarding options
- • Cost: $20-40/month depending on location
- • More expensive than PO Box, but works for all carriers
4. Workplace or Trusted Address
Use a physical street address where someone can receive packages:
- • Ship to your workplace (with employer permission)
- • Use a family member or friend's home address
- • Trusted neighbor who's usually home
- • Free—no additional costs
- • Requires coordination and trust
5. PO Box Street Addressing (If Available)
Some USPS post offices allow street addressing format for PO Boxes:
- • Use post office's street address with box number as unit
- • Format: "123 Main Street Unit 456" (where 456 is your box number)
- • Not available at all post offices—call yours to verify
- • FedEx may still refuse if they recognize it as a PO Box
- • Success rate varies by location and driver knowledge
FedEx Hold at Location: Free Alternative to PO Boxes
FedEx Hold at Location is the best free alternative to PO Boxes for receiving FedEx packages. Here's how it works:
📍 How to Use FedEx Hold at Location
Option 1: Request During Ordering
- • When checking out online, provide a FedEx Office or FedEx location address
- • Package will ship directly to that location for pickup
- • You'll receive notification when package arrives
Option 2: Redirect In-Transit Package
- • Sign up for free FedEx Delivery Manager
- • Once package is in transit, request "Hold at Location"
- • Choose nearby FedEx Office, Ship Center, or Walgreens
- • FedEx redirects package (usually free, may have fee for some services)
✅ Hold at Location Benefits
- • Free service (no rental fees)
- • Thousands of locations nationwide
- • Extended pickup hours (some 24/7)
- • Secure package storage
- • Package held for up to 7 days
- • Email/text notifications when ready
- • Valid ID required (prevents theft)
⚠️ Hold at Location Limitations
- • Must pick up within 7 days (returned after)
- • Requires valid photo ID
- • Cannot send to Hold location without tracking
- • Not all FedEx services eligible
- • Location hours may not fit your schedule
- • Some restrictions on package size/weight
🗺️ Finding FedEx Hold Locations
Find nearby FedEx Hold at Location sites:
- • Go to fedex.com/locate
- • Enter your ZIP code
- • Filter by "Hold at FedEx Location"
- • See locations, hours, and services offered
- • Common locations: FedEx Office, FedEx Ship Center, Walgreens, Dollar General
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FedEx deliver to a PO Box?
No, FedEx cannot deliver to PO Box addresses. FedEx drivers cannot access USPS post office boxes, so packages addressed to PO Boxes will be returned to sender. You must provide a physical street address for FedEx delivery.
Why can't FedEx deliver to PO Boxes?
FedEx cannot deliver to PO Boxes because PO Boxes are located inside USPS post offices and are only accessible by postal employees. FedEx drivers deliver to physical addresses only and cannot enter post office facilities to access PO Boxes.
What happens if I ship a FedEx package to a PO Box?
If you ship a FedEx package to a PO Box address, FedEx will mark it as undeliverable and return the package to the sender. The sender may be charged return shipping fees. The package will not be delivered to the PO Box.
Can I use FedEx Hold at Location instead of a PO Box?
Yes, FedEx Hold at Location lets you have packages delivered to FedEx Office, FedEx Ship Center, or Walgreens locations for pickup. This is free and works as an alternative to PO Boxes for receiving FedEx packages.
Does FedEx SmartPost deliver to PO Boxes?
Yes, FedEx SmartPost can deliver to PO Boxes because it's a partnership service where FedEx hands packages to USPS for final delivery. Since USPS delivers the package, PO Box delivery is possible with SmartPost only.
What are alternatives to PO Boxes for FedEx delivery?
Alternatives include: FedEx Hold at Location (free pickup), FedEx Office mailbox with street address, UPS Store mailbox, workplace address, friend/family address, or using PO Box street addressing if your post office allows it.
Need to Send Mail to a PO Box?
Use USPS instead of FedEx for PO Box delivery. Send mail online through USPS—upload your letter and we'll mail it the same day (orders by 8 PM ET) with delivery to any PO Box address.
Send Mail to PO Box via USPS📚 Related Shipping Guides
Last updated: • Complete FedEx PO Box delivery guide
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