delivery to U P S, D H L, & USPS. Save big by comparing rates, Try It
ShippingSideKick.Com/FedExService
delivery to U P S, D H L, & USPS. Save big by comparing rates, Try It
ShippingSideKick.Com/FedExService
Guide to FedEx Ground Services Basics
Make the most of business shipping by knowing the FedEx Ground Services basics
By Kelly Shetsky
FedEx Ground Service handles 3.3 million packages on average every day. The company specializes in shipping small packages in a cost-effective, dependable manner. Small-package delivery takes one to five business days in 48 states and three to seven days to Hawaii and Alaska. FedEx Home Delivery will bring your company's packages to homes across America on evenings, Saturdays or by appointment.
1. Use FedEx Ground Services' online tools to find locations to drop off or have packages picked up.
2. Handle FedEx Ground billing and payments through email.
3. Know where packages are by using one of the FedEx Ground Service tracking tools.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Know Federal Express Ground operates with speed and reliability in mind
Ground FedEx services does business differently than other package shipping businesses. The FedEx Ground business plan includes independent contractors and high speed software systems.
I recommend: Braun Consulting Group examines the difference between Federal Express Ground Service and UPS, because FedEx Ground uses an independent contractor model while UPS doesn't. In 2007, Federal Express Ground deployed use of an IBM operating system to increase its speed and efficiency services businesses throughout the world.
Make shipping with Federal Express Ground service more convenient
FedEx Ground will send packages from one of its locations or pick up boxes directly at your place of business. When you're using FedEx Ground shipping, it's a good idea to find out how much something is going to cost you before you ship. If your business ships the same products on a constant basis, you'll be able to create a shipping budget.
I recommend: Use the FedEx Drop Off page to find out where you can bring your packages. Federal Express Ground services will also calculate shipping cost with their FedEx Rate Finder. Simply enter the countries and zip codes, along with the number of packages and weight to get transit time or a quote. If shipping internationally, use the online services to determine taxes and duties.
Use FedEx Ground tracking to determine exactly when your package gets to its destination
Federal Express Ground tracking can be handled with the click of a mouse. Whether it's through email or by logging on to your personal account, FedEx Ground allows you to keep track of your shipments.
I recommend: FedEx Ground tracking can be accomplished using several systems. Simply enter a tracking number in the box provided on the FedEx track webpage. You can also use FedEx Track Via Email to find out where 30 shipments are at once.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Obtain other FedEx Ground information online such as viewing and paying bills, getting bills emailed directly to several people at your company or ordering shipping supplies.
Federal Express Ground didn't always have the best reputation for reliability and customer service, in part because it inherited outdated routing and package management systems from RPS, the Pennsylvania shipper FedEx took over in order to move into the lucrative small-package business. Those bugs appear to have sorted themselves out with the adoption of new IBM management systems, however, and Federal Express Ground shipping claims a 70% improvement in efficiency and satisfaction since the upgrade.
Use FedEx Ground services if:
1. You regularly ship small packages, the specialty of FedEx Ground, to business or home customers.
2. Your delivery schedules fit Federal Express Ground's Tuesday through Saturday window.
3. You could use the convenience of FedEx Ground shipping software to manage your deliveries.
4. You need Federal Express Ground's budget-conscious options.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Establish your FedEx Ground services account
Although you can use FedEx Ground services without establishing an account, you should sign up if you'll be using Federal Express Ground on a regular basis and you don't already have a FedEx account. With a FedEx.com login your business can utilize such tools as FedEx billing online, package pickup, shipping manager, rates and supplies, all with just a few clicks of the mouse.
I recommend: FedEx Online Account Registration allows you to choose which type of account is best for your business. You can also get a quick quote for rates and transit times.
Explore Federal Express Ground shipping options
FedEx Ground began as a B2B service, and it still offers great business services, including more overnight options. For the growing home delivery market, Federal Express offers in-depth residential delivery services to addresses throughout the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. You can even ship C.O.D. (cash on delivery) through Federal Express Ground service.
I recommend: Check out FedEx Ground delivery maps for your B2B shipping needs. To ship to residential customers, choose FedEx Ground Home Delivery (with delivery options as late as 8 p.m.), and C.O.D. services. An economical option is FedEx Ground SmartPost, which acts as a consolidator. FedEx Ground SmartPost collects and sorts your packages for delivery through the US Postal Service's more inexpensive parcel post system.
Manage and track your FedEx Ground shipping
The dealmaker for many Federal Express Ground service business customers is FedEx's Ship Manager tool, available online or through software compatible with most office applications. There's no learning curve for employees when mastering delivery software. FedEx Ground tracking options have improved in recent years, too, with 3 levels of signature confirmation available at reasonable fees for most deliveries.
I recommend: Explore Federal Express Ground Ship Manager online, or check out the QuikShip software plugin, now compatible with Microsoft Outlook. Do your FedEx Ground tracking online. Get FedEx Ground information on all 3 signature options and other proof-of-delivery (P.O.D.) possibilities, including FedEx Ground P.O.D. Advantage, which provides to regular delivery reports.
Compare FedEx Ground Services to other small package delivery services
Federal Express is a well-trusted name in package delivery, but always read customer reviews and look into other information before deciding to do business with any company you will entrust with your package delivery.
I recommend: Epinions has several reviews on FedEx Ground service.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • FedEx Ground service does not deliver to post office boxes, and Saturday Home Delivery is restricted in some areas. Extra delivery charges apply to rural areas in Alaska, Hawaii and northern Canada, as well as to congested urban areas.
- • Unlike UPS rates, Federal Express Ground shipping base rates do not include insurance, so be sure to factor coverage in when comparing rates.
Guide to Pricing and Costs of FedEx Ground Services
Pricing and costs of FedEx Ground Services range depending on weight and destination
By Kelly Shetsky
FedEx Ground Service will deliver to every address in the United States. They promise it'll get to the Continental U.S. in one to five days as to Hawaii and Alaska in three to seven business days. In addition Federal Express Ground freight has another program called FedEx SmartPost. It consolidates high volumes of less time-sensitive packages and ships them from businesses to residential homes. The final stage of delivery is handled by the USPS.
1. Save money with FedEx Ground Services when shipping or printing.
2. Use online tools to determine Federal Express Ground Service shipping rates.
3. Allow customers to return merchandise free of charge.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Enroll with FedEx Ground to save your company money
When you open a FedEx Ground account, your company will save 15% on every shipping order for the first four months. The enrollment process also includes importing existing addresses and viewing a FedEx Ground shipping demonstration.
I recommend: Use the FedEx Online Account Registration to get a discount on FedEx ground freight shipments. FedEx Office Direct Mail Services will also help you arrange a direct mail campaign to reach prospects and raise awareness of your company's services and products. Find a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center close to you.
Find FedEx Ground Service delivery times and rates
Federal Express Ground Service varies in price depending on the weight of packages and their destination. For instance, shipping a 10 pound package from Upstate New York to Canton, Ohio will cost about $10 for FedEx Home Delivery, which takes two days. It increases in cost depending on how fast you want it to arrive at its destination. Priority Overnight will cost close to $50.
I recommend: Go to the FedEx Rate Tool page for all the options for rates for your shipments. Log-on to FedEx Insight to keep track of your shipments without a reference or tracking number.
Give customers an opportunity to save money by using Federal Express Ground shipping
FedEx Ground has a program called Consolidated Return Service. It cuts the cost to return items and makes it easier for clients to do so. They can combine multiple products to help streamline the processing of returns.
I recommend: As AllBusiness.com, Inc. explains, if your clients need to return merchandise to your company, FedEx Ground shipping offers return packaging and drop-off locations. Under the FedEx Return System, all you have to do is give clients the Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. Shipping merchandise back to you won't cost them anything.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • If you need to update your records, FedEx Ground tracking will allow you to find any shipments within the past 90 days.
