FedEx Overnight Cutoff Time for Drop-Off and Delivery
by Lori Boyer
Timely, efficient, and stress-free shipping? Yes, please! As a logistics professional, you're juggling a million things, and coordinating FedEx Overnight shipments might be at the top of your list. Don't worry, we've got your back.
In this blog post, we'll explain where to find FedEx cutoff times for drop-offs, address some common pain points you may experience, and give some tips for overcoming them.
What is FedEx Overnight?
FedEx Standard Overnight is a popular overnight shipping service that offers next-day delivery to most U.S. addresses. It's an excellent solution for businesses that need to complete transactions faster and ensure timely deliveries. With the growth in ecommerce, the demand for fast shipping options—including FedEx overnight shipping—has increased significantly. A recent study forecasts that parcel volume is expected to double by the year 2026.
This rapid expansion in shipping volume highlights the importance of services like FedEx Overnight, as businesses need to meet ever-growing customer expectations and remain competitive in today's fast-paced market. FedEx overnight shipping has become a crucial component for businesses looking to improve customer satisfaction and streamline their supply chains.
With ecommerce growing exponentially, same-day and next-day delivery services are no longer just a perk—they’re a necessity for staying competitive. It is better to assume that most consumers would consider delivery speed when choosing where to shop, and over 60% of customers say they expect faster delivery options like overnight shipping for essential items. This surge in demand means that companies offering reliable overnight services, such as FedEx Overnight, can significantly improve their customer satisfaction scores and reduce cart abandonment rates.
For more information on the benefits and details of overnight shipping, visit our dedicated page.
What FedEx Overnight services are there?
FedEx Overnight offers three main services to cater to your shipping needs: FedEx Standard Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, and FedEx First Overnight®. Each delivers the next business day and has its own delivery time windows. Selecting the right service helps businesses effectively manage costs while meeting customer expectations. Read here to learn how you can save on FedEx shipping with software like EasyPost.
Service | Delivery time (next business day) |
FedEx Standard Overnight | 5:00 p.m. to businesses, 8:00 p.m. to residences |
FedEx Priority Overnight | 10:30 a.m. to businesses, 12:00 p.m. to most residences |
FedEx First Overnight | 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
Weekend pickups and deliveries are available for select services:
- Saturday pickup and delivery are available for FedEx Priority Overnight and FedEx First Overnight.
- Saturday pickup is available for FedEx Standard Overnight.
Keep in mind that FedEx does not pick up or deliver on Sundays.
How does FedEx Overnight work?
FedEx Overnight services provide you with a fast and reliable shipping option. When you choose to use FedEx Overnight, all you need to do is prepare your package for shipment, select the appropriate overnight service, and schedule a pickup or drop off your package at a FedEx location.
Once your package is in FedEx's hands, you can have peace of mind knowing that it's being taken care of by a sophisticated network of distribution centers, planes, and trucks. Throughout the entire shipping process, FedEx's advanced tracking system allows you to monitor the progress of your package in real time, offering greater visibility and reassurance.
You can expect your packages to be delivered within the promised delivery window for the specific FedEx Overnight service you chose. This enables you to meet your customers' expectations for fast delivery and improve overall customer satisfaction.
In some instances, unforeseen delays or disruptions can cause your packages to miss the promised delivery window. This can cause quite a stir with your customers, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your overall customer experience is impacted. It’s important to know that FedEx does include a money-back guarantee policy for all three FedEx Overnight services (First, Priority, and Standard).
What are FedEx Overnight restrictions?
FedEx Overnight does have certain restrictions in place when it comes to weight and size to ensure that packages comply with regulations and help businesses avoid additional fees or delays.
These restrictions are put in place to maintain a safe and efficient shipping process, as well as to accommodate the various aircraft and vehicles used in the transportation process.
The weight and size restrictions for FedEx Overnight are as follows:
- Maximum weight: FedEx Overnight packages cannot exceed 150 pounds per package. This weight limit ensures that packages can be safely handled and transported by FedEx employees, equipment, and vehicles without damage to the package or other items during the shipping process.
- Maximum dimensions: FedEx Overnight packages should not exceed 119 inches in length and 165 inches in length plus girth. Girth is calculated by adding the package's width and height twice. For example, if a package is 30 inches wide and 20 inches high, the girth would be (30+20) x 2 = 100 inches.
It is crucial for businesses to be aware of these restrictions when using FedEx Overnight services to avoid any issues with the shipping process. Non-compliant packages may be subject to additional fees or delays, as they may require special handling or transportation arrangements. In some cases, packages that significantly exceed the weight or size limits may be refused by FedEx altogether.
What is the drop-off time for FedEx Overnight?
It’s essential to understand the cutoff time for FedEx overnight drop-offs, as missing it could delay your shipment’s delivery. Generally, the FedEx overnight drop-off time is around 5:00 p.m. for most locations, but this can vary depending on your proximity to major airports and FedEx hubs. If your shipment is especially time-sensitive, consider using FedEx First Overnight, which may allow for later drop-off times at select locations closer to distribution centers.
If you’re not sure which store is closest to you, check the FedEx website to find out. If you schedule package pickups, simply check the pickup window in your FedEx portal. It's important to know the specific drop-off times for your chosen service, as late drop-offs may lead to delays.
Note that pickup times may be different during the holidays, and certain services may not be available. When shipping with FedEx Overnight before a holiday, always check whether your desired shipping service will be able to deliver on time.
How much does FedEx Overnight cost?
The cost of FedEx Overnight can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the specific service selected, package weight, dimensions, and destination. It's important to understand these variables to estimate your overnight shipping costs accurately.
There are three FedEx Overnight services to choose from, each with its own pricing structure:
- FedEx First Overnight: This early-morning delivery option is usually the most expensive of the three, with retail pricing starting at $79.59 for a five-pound package.
- FedEx Priority Overnight: This mid-morning delivery option is generally more affordable than First Overnight, with retail pricing starting at $48.59 for a five-pound package.
- FedEx Standard Overnight: This afternoon delivery option is the most cost-effective of the three, with retail pricing starting at $46.33 for a five-pound package.
Package weight and dimensions play a significant role in determining shipping costs. Heavier or larger packages typically cost more to ship overnight. Additionally, FedEx uses dimensional weight pricing, which considers both the weight and size of the package. If a package is large but relatively lightweight, the shipping cost may be based on its dimensional weight rather than its actual weight. By carefully selecting the appropriate box size and keeping shipments compact, businesses can better manage their expenses.
The destination of the package also affects the cost of FedEx Overnight. Shipping to farther locations or more remote areas can result in higher shipping rates due to increased transportation costs.