How to Refuse a FedEx Package (Everything You Need To Know)

We’ve all been there – you order something online, and the next thing you know, there’s a big, brown truck parked in your driveway. You excitedly open the door to find a giant box from FedEx. But sometimes, after taking a closer look at what’s inside, you realize that you don’t actually want the package after all. But what to do in this situation? How do you refuse a FedEx package? 

Don’t worry! We got you covered!  In this article, we’ll tell you how to refuse a FedEx package and what happens after you do it. Keep reading for more information!

How to Refuse a FedEx Package?

Well, it depends on the type of package that you’re refusing. There are two types of FedEx packages that you can refuse: one that requires a signature and one that doesn’t. 

If a Signature Is Required 

If your package requires a signature and you don’t want it for any reason, you can simply tell the delivery person that you don’t accept it. They will take the package back with them, and you won’t have to pay for it. In case a package is addressed to an office, either receptionist or gatekeeper can refuse it for you. So, it doesn’t have to be you who has to do the job. 

Just make sure you don’t sign for the package when the delivery person arrives, as that will indicate that you have accepted the package. 

Additionally, FedEx makes several delivery attempts for your convenience. So, if you fail to receive your package after three missed attempts, it will automatically be sent back to the sender.  

If a Signature Is Not Required

If your package does not require a signature, you can still refuse delivery after the package has been delivered to you and the delivery person has left. 

In this case, you would need to call FedEx customer service and inform them that you would like to refuse the package. They will ask you for the tracking number of the package and then arrange for a courier to pick it up from you.

Alternatively, FedEx customer service can ask you to drop off your unwanted package at a FedEx Office location near you. In that case, you would need to visit the FedEx Office location and hand over the package to a FedEx employee.

If your package is still in transit, you can try contacting FedEx customer service and tell the customer service representative you would like to decline the package in advance. Although this may not stop the delivery, it’s worth a shot.

To contact FedEx customer service, just dial 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339). They are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central time.

How to Return a FedEx Package You Don’t Want?

If you want to return a FedEx package that you don’t want, you’ve most likely received a package that doesn’t require a signature.

In this case, you need to contact FedEx customer support. As we’ve mentioned before, you just need to dial 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339) and let them know that you would like to return the package. Just provide them with your delivery address and the package tracking number and ask for a pick-up.

Once they’ve scheduled the pick-up time, you need to keep the package ready and make sure it is accessible for them. The FedEx driver will come and take the package away with them.

Although FedEx primarily picks up packages from businesses, not resident locations, there might be some exceptions. 

However, if FedEx won’t be able to pick up your package, you will be prompted to take it to a drop-off location nearby.

Can You Refuse an International FedEx Package?

Yes, you can refuse an international FedEx package for the same reasons as you would a domestic one. The only difference is that the refusal process may be a little more complicated due to the package’s international origin. 

If you want to refuse an international FedEx package, the FedEx driver may ask you to sign a confirmation that you are refusing the shipment. After receiving the signed document, they will take the package back to the delivery depot. 

After that, FedEx will reach out to the person who shipped the package to tell them about the refusal and ask whether they want the package back or for it to be destroyed. 

Although you may have the option to refuse international packages, keep in mind that there might still be taxes and duties associated with it, depending on the package.

Luckily, you can still try to receive a refund for duties and taxes by talking with customs directly. This process may be not that easy and may take some time, but you can still get a full or partial refund. If you want more information on the process, visit the US Customs website. 

What Happens When You Refuse a FedEx Package?

Well, that depends on the reason why you are refusing the package and who is the sender. 

Generally, package refusals happen during business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions, so we’ll use that as our example.  

If a business sends a B2B package and the other company refuses it, the sender will receive an automatic notification informing them that their package was refused. At this point, the sender can either ask FedEx to ship the package back to them, have it destroyed, or simply leave it in a warehouse. 

If your refusal was in regard to a B2C package, you’ll be asked by the FedEx customer service representative to return the package in person. 

Depending on the reason for the refusal, the process will differ as well.

For example, if a customer receives a damaged package, they can either ask for a replacement or a refund. 

However, if the customer decides they no longer want the product, then it is up to the receiver to make sure the return and refund process is easy and simple.

Who Pays When You Refuse a FedEx Package?

The sender is almost always responsible for the cost of shipping a returned item back to them. 

The only exception to this rule is if the recipient or someone on their behalf, like a receptionist or gatekeeper signs for the package when it arrives. In that case, return shipping costs are borne by the person who received the delivery.

How Much Time Do You Have to Refuse a FedEx Package?

FedEx doesn’t have strict rules on how long you can wait before refusing a package. 

However, it’s always best to act quickly in order to avoid any additional fees and costs associated with the return. The sooner you decline it, the better.

So, the best time to refuse a FedEx package is as soon as you find out about it. 

Conclusion

Refusing a FedEx package is not difficult, but it can be a bit tricky when dealing with international shipments. Just make sure to follow the steps outlined here and contact FedEx customer service for any additional information you may need. Remember, the quicker you decline a package, the better!

We hope this blog post has helped you to understand how to refuse a FedEx package. Thank you for reading!