Buzz
Explore all the details of this versatile and user-friendly shipping service.
With a variety of shipping options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. However, if you're looking to ship to a residential address, need tracking, and want your package delivered after 5 pm or on a weekend, FedEx Home Delivery is likely the best option for you. In this article, we’ll explain how it works, what it includes, and why you might prefer it over other services.
What Exactly is FedEx Ground Home Delivery?
FedEx Home Delivery is the most affordable specialized service for residential shipments. Your package will be delivered within 1-5 days, with deliveries available 7 days a week, continuing until 8 pm for added convenience and flexibility.
Process Overview
What Is FedEx Home Delivery?
FedEx Home Delivery is their residential ground-only priority shipping service. If you're sending a package to a residential address within the United States and need it to arrive within 1-5 days, FedEx Home Delivery is an excellent option. This service operates every day of the week, including evenings, making it ideal for deliveries that need to occur on weekends or after 5 pm.
- Home Delivery cannot be used for business addresses or PO boxes.
- Packages sent via Home Delivery will not be flown, but unlike USPS Ground Advantage, FedEx does not allow the shipping of HAZMAT materials requiring ground transport.
- Packages exceeding 108 inches (270 cm) in length or a combined length plus width plus height of 165 inches (420 cm) cannot be shipped using Home Delivery.
Key Features of FedEx Home Delivery
1-5 day delivery FedEx guarantees that your package will be delivered within 1 to 5 days. This includes weekends, so it's not limited to just business days.
- Shipments to and from Alaska and Hawaii may take 3-7 days.
Weekend delivery FedEx Home Delivery operates every day of the week, including weekends. You can arrange for your package to arrive on a weekend, or simply expect it to arrive during this time frame.
- This is particularly useful when shipping to someone with a busy weekday schedule who is more likely to be home on weekends.
Delivery up to 8 pm FedEx Home Delivery ensures that your package can arrive as late as 8 pm. This option is perfect for recipients with busy schedules who are only available after the typical 5 pm cutoff.
Free tracking service As with all FedEx specialty services, Home Delivery comes with free tracking. You can monitor your package's status anytime using FedEx’s tracking tool or through the FedEx mobile app.
Customizable add-on options FedEx Home Delivery offers several optional features to suit your needs. When using the FedEx store or filling out your online shipping form, you can choose from the following services:
- FedEx Date Certain Home Delivery: Ensure your package arrives on a specific date.
- FedEx Appointment Home Delivery: Arrange for your package to arrive at a specific time on a chosen date.
- FedEx Evening Home Delivery: Schedule your delivery to arrive after 5 pm, when someone is likely to be home.
- Signature required: Like other services, you can request a signature requirement for Home Delivery packages.
FedEx Ground vs. FedEx Home Delivery
FedEx Ground is designed for businesses only. In contrast, Home Delivery is the residential counterpart to FedEx Ground. The key difference is that FedEx Ground exclusively delivers to businesses, while Home Delivery caters to residential addresses. If you need to send a package to a business or PO box, you must use FedEx Ground Service.
FedEx Ground Economy vs. FedEx Home Delivery
FedEx Ground Economy is a contract-based service designed for businesses. Ground Economy, formerly known as SmartPost, is a service available to small business owners who sign a contract with FedEx. It allows you to ship packages weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg) within 2-7 days to both residential and commercial addresses. Pricing is determined through your contract, so contact a FedEx representative for further details. Additional shipping options include:
Other FedEx Shipping Services
FedEx Overnight: This service guarantees delivery by the next business day. It’s the fastest and most expensive shipping option available from FedEx.
FedEx 2Day: FedEx 2Day is a more affordable alternative to FedEx Overnight. It typically costs half as much and ensures delivery in two days, instead of the next business day.
FedEx Express Saver: FedEx Express Saver operates similarly to 2Day, except the package arrives on the third day instead of the second. The reasoning behind the name 'Express Saver' instead of '3Day' remains unclear, but that’s essentially its function.
Is FedEx Home Delivery a worthwhile service?
FedEx Home Delivery works great if the recipient is unavailable during the day. The standout feature of Home Delivery is its ability to deliver packages on weekends or after 5 pm. This is particularly useful in today’s world, where packages are often stolen during the day by porch pirates.
- If these specific delivery hours don’t matter to you, a more straightforward approach would be to choose FedEx’s basic service and simply pay extra for tracking if you require it.
FedEx Home Delivery is an affordable shipping choice. FedEx doesn't regularly update its pricing lists, but Home Delivery tends to be cheaper than many of their other services. While it may not be as fast as FedEx 2Day, FedEx Overnight, or FedEx Express Saver, it often offers the lowest price.
- For the most accurate rates, you’ll need to use FedEx’s shipping estimator.
FedEx Freight is much more economical for shipments over 150 pounds (68 kg). If you're sending a package heavier than 150 pounds, using FedEx Home Delivery can quickly become very costly. For such heavy items, FedEx Freight is the more budget-friendly option with its commercial service.
