Making the most of FedEx Express Services is important if shipping and receiving is an important part of your business. FedEx Express is the largest express transportation company in the world and delivers packages quickly and reliably to every address in the United States and to more than 220 countries. FedEx Express Services accomplishes speedy service through a complex global air-and-ground network. The company guarantees a delivery time, which is usually in one to two business days.

FedEx Express boasts an air fleet containing 672 aircraft, including Airbuses, Boeings, Cessnas and Fokker F-27s. The delivery fleet is comprised of more than 44,000 motorized vehicles. On the average day, Federal Express delivers 12 million pounds of freight and 3.4 million packages.

1. Calculate FedEx Express Services shipping costs to avoid last minute surprises.

2. Choose between same day and next day shipping to get merchandise to its destination.

3. Use online tools to track FedEx Express shipments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Estimate shipping costs through FedEx Express courier service's website

Use FedEx Express locations to drop off shipments or arrange for FedEx express pickup. It's also a good idea to get rates and transit times in advance so you can budget for your shipping costs. If you're routinely shipping the same products to customers, you'll develop a system and know exactly what shipping will cost you.

I recommend: Process your shipment through Federal Express Ship Manager or Electronic Shipping Tools. There, you can open an account, get rates and ship your packages. Ground Service Maps display a color-coded map of transit times in your geographical area. Use the FedEx U.S. Airbill for all packages that you're shipping within the U.S.

Expedite shipping with rush FedEx Express package or FedEx Express freight services

No matter the size of your shipment or the time-sensitive deadline, FedEx Express freight services and other expedited services will get it there on time.

I recommend: Rush your urgent, critical and freight shipment to its location by using FedEx's Expedited Services. FedEx Same Day, one of several FedEx Express shipping services, delivers packages door to door seven days a week through 50 states. For shipments weighing more than 151 pounds, use FedEx Same Day Freight.

Keep an eye on shipments with FedEx Express tracking tools

Even though FedEx Express courier service guarantees your shipment will arrive by the designated time, you may want to track time-sensitive packages.

I recommend: Register for FedEx Insight, a tool which allows you to track your shipments without a tracking number or reference number. Tracking Custom Critical shipments requires a user ID and password. You can get a FedEx Express proof of delivery letter from anywhere delivered to destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Call Federal Express expedited freight services if you have short-term logistics projects that may require numerous modes of shipping.
• •  Federal Express can also help when you need to accelerate a shipment or rescue it once it's en route to its destination.

FedEx Express services provide a quick and versatile means of delivering time-sensitive letters and packages in one to three days. FedEx Express is one of several specialized FedEx companies.

You can use FedEx Express shipping services for a variety of needs. FedEx Express provides overnight delivery, weekend delivery, freight services and even emergency courier services.

Find a pickup site by using the store locator tool, check pricing with the rate tool or keep tabs on a package's progress through the FedEx Express tracking system, three of many easy-to-use, interactive tools you will find at the FedEx website. Use these tools to maintain control of your deliveries and to monitor for problems.

1. Use standard FedEx Express services for mailing letters and small packages in one to three days.

2. Ship items weighing more than 150 pounds through FedEx Express Freight services.

3. Contact the FedEx Express courier service for emergency deliveries.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get familiar with FedEx Express services

FedEx offers many solutions for your company's mailing and printing needs. Visit the FedEx Business Solutions site to narrow down your choices.

I recommend: FedEx Business Solutions supports companies of all sizes by providing a centralized link to FedEx resources, including the FedEx Small Business Center. Here you can compare services, set up an account or take advantage of special promotions.

Handle all your mailing needs quickly with FedEx Express services

FedEx Express services include a standard and expedited option for small packages or freight. Send packages weighing up to 150 pounds by the 2Day or FedEx Express Saver options if you have more time and want to save money. Expect the FedEx Express courier service rate applied to same-day deliveries to come at a premium.

I recommend: FedEx offers many delivery options. Send packages of up to 150 pounds by FedEx Standard or Priority Overnight for next business-day delivery. In emergencies, try FedEx Expedited Services. A courier comes to your business, picks up the delivery, boards a plane and personally delivers the package the same day. Send items from 151 to 2200 pounds to all 50 states through FedEx Express Freight Services or to more than 50 countries through FedEx Express Freight International.

Use interactive tools with Federal Express to save time and money

Now that you have found the right FedEx Express service for your business needs, take advantage of FedEx interactive tools such as an easy-to-use rate tool, store locator and tracking system.

I recommend: To find the best price and mode of delivery for your needs, check out the rate tool. Use the location tool to find a FedEx near you. Type in either a ZIP code, address or phone number. FedEx returns a list of nearby stores and pickup sites, including addresses, services provided by each site and FedEx Express pickup times. Once the package is gone, follow its progress by using the tracking tool. Simply type the FedEx Express tracking number found on your mailing label to view the pickup time and to find out if the package is en route or what time it was delivered. Use the built-in email option to forward delivery details to staff or clients.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before dropping off packages at a FedEx store, call first to be sure you have the latest information regarding pickup times, store closures or services. Use the FedEx store locator tool to find the phone number.
• •  The store locator tool will also provide you with driving directions and a map to help you find your FedEx Express pickup site.

The pricing and costs of FedEx Express services depends on the size of your shipment and how fast it needs to get to the destination. FedEx Express freight services allows you to send large shipments in one day, two days or three or four days, depending on your needs. The one day option is called the FedEx Express Services SameDay program. It offers your company rush delivery service to get the most important packages to their destination quickly within the United States. This is perfect for packages that weigh less than 70 pounds.

Basically, FedEx Express Services gets critical shipments to their destinations in the fastest way possible. Federal Express has a reputation of safety and security, so they can be trusted with even your most important shipment needs. When looking at the pricing and costs of FedEx Express Services, you should try to:

1. Get discounts by registering for FedEx express shipping services.

2. View and pay FedEx Express bills online to eliminate paper waste.

3. Use FedEx Express pickup or drop off to ship small and large packages.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ways to save on FedEex Express freight services and package services

Get a discount by preparing labels through the FedEx Express website. The company offers a 15 percent discount in the first four months and 10 percent off after that period.

I recommend: Read through the FedEx Online Express Savings Program Agreement for the details on the savings program. Check out Shipping Sidekick to compare FedEx to other shipping companies, to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Package shipments and handle all billing through the FedEx Express Service website

The Federal Express website allows you to view and pay all bills, access details about the FedEx Express courier service and freight service and learn how to properly package your products to speed up the process. You can even have a bill emailed to several employees at once.

I recommend: Look over the FedEx packaging guidelines to learn how to package, seal and address FedEx Express shipments. Packaging can especially influence the pricing and costs of shipping an item. Small Business Shipping addresses the basics of FedEx and other companies--packaging guidelines, services and package pickup arrangements--so you can make an educated decision about whether to use FedEx Express freight services or another company for your small business needs.

Make the most of FedEx Express shipping by getting the lowest pricing

FedEx Express courier service has a policy called multiweight pricing. It's available for shipments containing multiple packages going to the same destination at the same time. These packages must total 100 pounds or more for FedEx Express and more than 200 pounds for Ground Multiweight pricing. Business people should also combine their FedEx needs with their next trip to the post office, to save on time and effort.

I recommend: Contact FedEx customer support to find rate information, including delivery dates and times for single shipments and to arrange for FedEx Express tracking. Make the most of your time by dropping off FedEx boxes at a U.S. Postal Service office. Due to an alliance with FedEx, many post offices have drop boxes for your convenience.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Set up the FedEx Express tracking tool to email you with notifications, so you know where your shipment is at throughout its transit.

FedEx Express offers its customers several ways to wisely manage and speed shipments to their destinations. Those that are comfortable using FedEx's innovative technology tools will appreciate the convenience of on-the-go package management and tracking. FedEx has shipping options for every degree of urgency. Learning more about FedEx Express services helps ensure that your business can take full advantage of the shipping options that will serve you best.

Here are some key terms that you may find helpful as you explore the many options offered by FedEx Express:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

FedEx Mobile for iPhone

This iPhone app lets you track FedEx shipments from anywhere. It also makes it easy to print shipping labels and find the nearest FedEx location. To download this handy app just search for 'FedEx Mobile for iPhone' using the AppStore icon on your iPhone.

I recommend: Learn more about FedEx Mobile for iPhone at the FedEx and Apple websites.

InSight

With InSight, you can track express packages without a tracking number. This application also notifies you should a problem arise with your shipment.

I recommend: There is an InSight FAQ on the FedEx website.

Ancillary clearance fees

International shipments can involve customs clearance issues and service fees. The need for special processing or further review by a regulatory agency can add to the price of the shipment. While these fees are subject to change, it can be helpful to plan ahead for these additional costs.

I recommend: You can review ancillary clearance fees at the FedEx website.

Compatible Solutions Program software

Compatible Solutions Program software allows you to integrate FedEx with programs you already use every day. These include QuickBooks, Zoovy, ShipLinx, ProductCart, SendSuite and dozens of others. This convenient integration gives you the most efficient shipping possible.

I recommend: Learn about Compatible Solutions Program software at the FedEx website.

FedEx Express Saver

FedEx Express Saver is the most economical way to ship goods that weigh 150 pounds or less. It is a good choice when shipments are not urgent. Options include Saturday service, C.O.D. and shipment for dangerous goods.

I recommend: The FedEx website provides the details about FedEx Express Saver.

SameDay Freight

FedEx SameDay Freight is your solution when you have an urgent need to ship goods that weight 151 pounds or more. It is available 7 days a week in all states. SameDay freight offers a money-back guarantee.

I recommend: Find out more about FedEx SameDay Freight at the FedEx website.