Are you expecting a FedEx Package from any other nation? If so then during the delivery process, your tracking status will show you the “International Shipment Release Import”. Do you know what it means and next what you have to do?
Understanding the international shipment release FedEx Tracking status is very important, and also it allows you to track your packages across borders. In this blog post, we have covered everything from the meaning of International shipment release FedEx to final delivery of your package.
What’s the meaning of “International Shipment Release FedEx?”
The FedEx International Shipment Release means that your package has got clearance from the customs official and the package is on its way to deliver to the final recipient.
In simple words, it means that all the procedures related to import duties, taxes, and customs on the package have been successfully completed and the package has been handed over to FedEx to make the final delivery to the recipient address.
If you are expecting a package to arrive in your country from another nation and you get this message on your tracking status, then it indicates that you don’t need to do anything the package will make its way to you within a few weeks.
Every package coming from another nation needs to pass through customs clearance so that no illegal or prohibited things do not enter the United States of America.
If they find anything suspicious in your package then it will be seized immediately and will be held in their facility till the issue is resolved.
Also Read – Inbound Out Of Customs Meaning
How long after the international shipment release will I get my package?
To be true, there is no simple answer, the time it takes to get your package after international shipment release depends on several factors, so we can’t provide the exact timeframe of the delivery.
Under the ideal situation, with efficient domestic transport, it only takes about 1-3 business days for the package to arrive at the recipient’s address after clearing from the FedEx International Shipment Release Import.
As the package is expected to arrive the tracking status will change to “On FedEx vehicle for delivery” and there is a high chance that the package will be delivered on the same day as you got the notification.
If you are living in a remote location then the expected delivery time after the FedEx International Shipment Release Import will be extended by at least 2-3 weeks.
What makes the tracking of international shipment releases significant?
As soon as your package gets clearance from customs, the tracking status will be updated to ” International Shipment Release Import”. There are a bunch of reasons why the tracking of international shipment releases is important.
- Regularly Updates: After passing through customs the dashboard of the package changes as it arrives at your nearest hub and thereafter it heads out for the final delivery. During the whole process, the tracking of your packages allows you to know where is your package and how long it will take to be delivered to your address.
- Confirm Delivery: After being released from customs, it is sure that the package will be delivered to you. Otherwise in some cases, if officials find something suspicious they will seize the package, and will only be released if you prove that it has nothing illegal with all the proper documentation.
- Know the Progress: Once a package is released, the next tracking updates will show further progress within the destination country as it heads toward making the final delivery. Being Released from the International Shipment the Packages are handoff from customs to domestic routes and are headed out to make the last mile delivery journey.
Also Read – Arrived at USPS Regional Facility Meaning
What to do After FedEx International Shipment Release?
After a package is released from the FedEx International Shipment. it usually stumbles in various other FedEx facilities until it makes its way to your home. Here, we have given you a brief overview of what happens after the FedEx International Shipment Release.
Firstly, the package passes through customs then it makes its way to the importing FedEx operating company in the country. After being scanned and processed, the package makes its way to a nearby FedEx Facility and finally from there the package makes its way to your home.
Keep in mind, that if the import taxes and duties are unpaid for the packages then you are required to make the payment before receiving the packages. Otherwise, the package will remain stuck at the customs office in the destination(where the delivery of the package will take place) country.
So this is what usually happens after a package is released from import customs.
Why Does My Package Take Longer To Be Delivered Even After Customs Clearance?
There are chances that your package might get delayed even after clearing the Customs. Here, we have given a bunch of reasons that might explain why your package is taking so long to be delivered.
Weather Issue
Weather can be one of the reasons why your package is taking so long to be delivered. Even when the flights are available, the unpleasant weather makes it nearly impossible to operate and deliver the parcels(couriers) to the nearest destination facility of FedEx.
If a situation like this arises the packages are ended up being delayed for days or even weeks if there is no movement. If something like this happens FedEx updates the Tracking status to “Shipment Exception Weather Delay” which means that your package is being delayed due to bad weather.
High Volume & Backlogs
This usually happens on public holidays or Black Friday sales Custom and FedEx facilities piled up with thousands of packages. As a result, there is a delay of days or even weeks before the package finally arrives at your address.
If FedEx is already piled up with thousands of packages then there are chance that even after your packages have Customs Clearance it will still be delayed for days or even weeks (in the worst-case scenario).
Unavailability of Flights
After the customs clearance, FedEx loads up all the processed packages and takes them to the required distribution facility, and from there they(packages) will make their way to last-mile delivery to the recipient’s address.
This can be really unfortunate if there are no planes available to pick up the packages and transport them to the other FedEx facility which in turn delays the delivery of the packages.
This mostly happens during the holiday season when the packages are available in bulk and the number of planes operating is limited.
Technical Issue
This is the most frustrating issue where the tracking status remains stuck at the same ‘International Shipment Release Import’ even when the package is delivered to your address.
Mostly it happens due to mis-scanning where the package is left out of scan after being picked up from the Custom facility. If that’s the case with your package, then you don’t have to worry about anything it might be on its way to you.
What To Do When My Custom Released Package Has been Delayed?
Be Patient
The best possible thing that you can do is wait and be a little more patient. If your package has already customs clearance then it is sure that it make its way to you within a few more business working days.
Contact FedEx
If weeks have already passed and your tracking status remains on the ‘International Shipment Release Import’ then you should contact FedEx. In reality, they don’t do much about the packages but it’s still ok to inform them that your package is taking way longer than expected to make the delivery.
There are chances that you will receive a scripted message from their automated system telling you to be more patient and wait for a few more days.
Tip: If the package contains something from an online purchase then you should contact the shipper as you are their customer and they are responsible for delivering the item to your address. FedEx pays more attention to the shipper as compared to the recipient complaining that they haven’t received the package.
Do I Need to Pay Anything After The Package Went Through Customs?
No, you do not need to pay anything after the package has gone through the Customs. As we have already told you if your tracking status shows you an “International Shipment Release Import” message it means that your package has been successfully processed by the customs official and all the tax and import duties have been paid by FedEx on your behalf. If that’s the case then you will receive the bill for the payment along with the delivery fees that you need to pay to FedEx at the time of delivery.
If FedEx tells you to make the payment of duties and taxes while your package is still in the customs facility, then you will not be billed again for those fees when the package is delivered.