How to Ship

Printable Version Ground Packaging Tips

When it's prepared properly in your own packaging, your FedEx Ground shipment will arrive on time and in good condition. Here are a few tips to make sure that always happens.

General Packaging Information

FedEx Ground accepts packages weighing up to 150 lbs (68 kg), and up to 165" (419 cm) in length plus girth.
Due to its fully automated sorting facilities, FedEx Ground cannot accept any non-corrugated, soft packing.
FedEx Ground does not deliver to P.O. boxes.
Use sturdy boxes with flaps intact. Use double-wall boxes for heavier items.
If reusing a box, make sure there are no holes, tears or corner dents.
Remove all old bar code and address labels from recycled boxes before shipping.
Cover sharp or protruding edges with taped corrugated panels or pads.
Make sure your box is large enough to put adequate padding around contents.
Common cushioning materials include: corrugated fiberboard, molded plastic material, loose "peanuts", densely packed shredded paper and bubble wrap.
Use a minimum of 2 "- 3 " of packing material all around the item - more for fragile items.
Use enough packing material so that the item does not shift or move during transit.
If you're shipping many items in a box, wrap them separately and put sufficient packing material between them.

Sealing

If you wrap the outside of your package with string or kraft paper, it may be declined for shipment.
Seal your package end-to-end with pressure sensitive packing tape - minimum 2 " (5 cm) width.

Proper Labeling

Correct placement of the bar code/address label helps ensure efficient handling and on-time delivery.
Avoid wrinkles, tears, stains or stray marks on labels. Don't mark borders.
Position bar code/address label squarely on the largest surface of your package. If you are using a preprinted bar code label, place the address label next to it on the package.
Labels should not be bent over the edge of the package, nor on top of seams, closures or sealing tape. Try to keep the label at least 4 " (10 cm) from the edge of the package.
Avoid placing tape or film over the label, and don't insert them into plastic sleeves.
If you have an irregularly shaped container, place the label on the largest side. Do not wrap labels around a handle or cylinder so that the edges overlap.
Provide complete sender and recipient address, including suite numbers, postal or zip code and phone number.
Attach any packing slips near the address label.

Irregularly Shaped Shipments

FedEx Ground prefers individual boxes instead of banded ones. However, if you must use banded packages, please combine same-size boxes and band them together at both ends. Be sure the bands are tight and secure, place address information on each box, and keep bands away from address and bar code labels.
For Rolled Goods, attach an address label to the inside of the roll before covering it in protective wrap. Unless the inside address label shows through, attach a second address label to the outside of the protective wrap, near the bar code label. Avoid tie-on tags because they can detach during transit.
For tires, place wind pressure-sensitive tape around the tire to create a flat, smooth surface for the bar code/address label. Attach them securely, but do not cover the bar code with tape or film.

Oversize Packages

FedEx accepts ground packages weighing up to 150 lbs (68 kg), but all packages must have a combined length and girth of no more than 165" (419 cm).
Rate Calculations for Oversize Packages
The cost of your FedEx Ground shipments of Oversize Packages varies depending on the package weight. For more details on the cost of your Oversize Package, see the following list or see FedEx Ground Rates.

Unauthorized Packages
FedEx Ground accepts packages weighing up to 150 lbs. (68 kg) and measuring up to 165 inches (419 cm) in combined length and girth. Any package that exceeds these dimensions will be classified by FedEx Ground as an “unauthorized package.” Unauthorized packages may be refused or returned to the shipper, and will be delivered at the sole option of FedEx Ground. The shipping charges for an unauthorized package will be based on the greater of the package’s actual rounded weight or a 90-lb. (41 kg) minimum billable weight. In addition, a $40 surcharge will be applied for unauthorized packages as follows:
- Any package measuring more than 108” (274 cm) in length.
- Any package measuring more than 165” (419 cm) in length and girth combined.
- Any package weighing more than 150 lbs. (68 kg).
- Any package that shifts or expands duringtransit causing package dimensions to exceed limitations.