FedEx Packaging Design and Development Lab

Did You Know...
It's all in the packaging?

Getting your package to its destination on time is one of the many reasons you choose to ship with FedEx. But you may not know the great lengths we go to help improve the design and durability of your packaging.

At the FedEx Packaging Design and Development department, our team provides two primary services for FedEx Express shippers: package testing and customized package solutions.

Package Testing

If you have concerns about the durability of your custom packaging you can submit it for testing. The testing process takes between four to seven business days and is offered to FedEx customers free of charge.

Each package is tested for manual and mechanical handling. The tests determine if packages are likely to withstand the transport and handling stress created by sorting machines, plane mechanical systems and road conditions.

To pass, your package must successfully go through three rounds of testing:

The drop test
To demonstrate that a package can withstand shock it must pass a drop test. If the package fails this first test, it is sent back to the shipper without going through any more testing.
The compression test
This test determines if your packaging will hold up under the pressure of other package loads.
The vibration test
We simulate the conditions of a truck and air travel environments to ensure your package will hold up when in transit.

Customized Package Solutions

On average, our Packaging Design and Development team creates 120 design solutions a year. We are proud to have been involved in creating some key packaging solutions that have been adopted as industry standards. Some of our successes include:

Packaging for the flower industry that adjusts for varying seedling heights.
Protective, cushioned packages for shipping laptop computers.

For more information, you can direct your inquiry, in English, via electronic mail to pkgfield@mail.fedex.com. If you would like to have your packaging tested, complete our Packaging Services Application.

Testing Request Guidelines

FedEx can help you protect your valuable shipment by testing the reliability of your current packaging. Use this checklist to help you accurately submit your packaging with the necessary application for testing and design.

1. Application

Application for Packaging Services must accompany the packaged product. This application can be placed outside the box in an additional pouch.

Complete and sign the application.
Enter the customer account number at the bottom of the application.
Mark the appropriate service request at the top right corner of the application.

Note: Choose only one service. All information has to be filled out in English

Click here to obtain a copy of the Packaging Services Application.

2. Packaging Instructions

No more than three packages will be accepted from a customer at any one time.

If the product and its packaging are overboxed, please note this in writing so FedEx Packaging Design & Development personnel can process the actual package.

3. Address shipment to:

FedEx Packaging Design and Development
2828 Business Park Drive
Building H,Suite 500
Memphis, TN 38118
Tel:(800) 633-7019

4. Shipping charges

Simply mark “Bill Recipient” on the FedEx air waybill or shipping label and the shipment will be charged to the FedEx Packaging Design & Development Department. International shipments will move via FedEx International Economy^® service.

When requested, packages will be returned free of charge via FedEx International Economy^® service. Customer may request return using other FedEx services at their expense.