Are you expecting any package from FedEx? If so, then chances are there that you might come across the operational delay update.
Do you know what it means? Do you have to do anything to get your package? Here, in this article, we will discuss everything related to Fedex operational Delay.
What’s the Meaning of FedEx Operational Delay?
If you receive an operational delay update from FedEx, then it means that your package will be delayed as FedEx might be facing some temporary issues, like cargo plane shortage, backlog, severe weather conditions, and a lot more. If you’re using a premium Service of FedEx like FedEx Express then you can ask for a refund right away in case your package has been delayed from the estimated delivery date.
If something like this happens to you, then you need to visit the tracking page of FedEx regularly, as they might provide you with an update or the reason why your package is being delayed.
Why does a Package show a Fedex Operational Delay?
To be true, there can be a lot of reasons why packages show an operational delay update. But here we are going to discuss some of the most common reasons behind this issue.
Shortage of Cargo Planes
To be very practical, FedEx doesn’t have that many cargo planes to handle all the traffic loads from all over the world.
When a package arrives at the FedEx facility, first it gets scanned and then makes its way to the nearest transit hub, where it gets loaded up in a cargo plane and heads toward its destination country.
All the cargo planes need to be completely filled with thousands of packages in order to make this process of delivery economically feasible. If somehow your package has been left behind then it will remain on that transit hub until the next cargo plane arrives where the same steps are repeated again.
To tackle this issue FedEx really needs to add more cargo planes to their business so that they can make the delivery on time.
High Volume of Packages
This usually happens at the time of the holiday season, When almost all the facilities of FedEx get piled up with thousands of packages which ultimately creates a long queue of backlogs. Every package needs to be scanned and sorted before it leaves the regional facility of FedEx and makes its way to the recipient’s address.
This situation can get worse if FedEx also faces a shortage of working staff that further slows down the entire process of scanning and sorting.
In this scenario, FedEx diverts the upcoming load(packages) to another regional facility where they can easily get scanned and again sent back to the original transit hub so that they can make their way to the recipient’s address.
Custom Delay
If you are expecting an international package, then firstly, it needs to go through customs where it will be scanned and processed to verify that the content of the package complies with the customs laws of the destination country.
If everything goes right, then your package will be released within 24 to 48 hours, but if the customs officials, find anything suspicious then they might put aside your package for further inspection.
To let you know there have been many instances where a package is held in the customs facility because of some documentation(paperwork) issue. So make sure your package has all the documents before it makes its way to the customs office.
Technical issue
If the regional facility is facing some technical issues with sorting, and tracking systems then it can cause a delay in the entire process of delivering. If the issue is small, then it can be fixed within a day and the normal operation of FedEx resumes.
But if something big has been tempered or damaged then it can take days to get fixed. During this whole time, your package status will be stuck on the same operational delay update.
What To Do When a Package Remains Stuck on the “Operational Delay” Update?
If you have received the operational delay update on your tracking status then you need to visit the tracking page and see where your package has been stuck.
The best possible thing that you can do in this scenario is to wait for a few extra working days because if the issue is caused by some temporary problem then it will be fixed within this time.
But if weeks have passed and you haven’t heard anything from FedEx while your tracking status remains stuck on the operational delay update, then you need to contact FedEx. I recommend you to go with the contacting representative to talk directly, rather than chatting to a bot.
If you are using the FedEx express service that guarantees delivery while the estimated delivery time has already passed, then you can ask straight away, ask for a refund of the shipping fees of your package.
How to get a FedEx operational delay refund?
FedEx doesn’t guarantee refunds solely for operational delays, But if your package has the delivery guarantee label, then you are eligible for a “FedEx operational delay refund.”
Understand your Service
Firstly you need to check the specific terms and conditions of the FedEx service that you used (e.g., FedEx Express, FedEx Ground) to get your package. If your service guarantees delivery on time then you are eligible for a refund due to delays.
Review the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee
FedEx offers a Money-Back Guarantee on their premium services like FedEx Express. This guarantee means that if FedEx fails to deliver your shipment by the guaranteed time due to reasons within its control then you are eligible for a refund.
You can find details about the guarantee on the FedEx website.
Contact FedEx Customer Service
If you have opted for the premium FedEx Express Service, and your package has been delayed for weeks and has already passed the estimated delivery time, then you should contact FedEx customer care and ask them for a refund.
Provide them with your tracking number, the original delivery timeframe, and the current delay information So that they can escalate your issue further.
Depending on the situation, FedEx might need additional information to initiate your refund request. So be prepared with a copy of your receipt, proof of the original delivery timeframe, and any communication you’ve had with FedEx regarding the delay.
Consider alternative solutions
If you are a frequent user of FedEx then you can also go with the alternative solution like expedited shipping on your next shipment or service credit for future use. You can negotiate and discuss these options if you find them helpful for your upcoming packages.