Home → Resource Sharing → Resource Sharing Logistics → FedEx Shipping Information
2.4. FedEx Shipping Information
Last Updated 09/23/2024
Create a Shipment
You can create a shipment at: https://www.fedex.com/shipping/shipEntryAction.do?method=doEntry&link=1&locale=en_US&urlparams=us&sType=F
(you must be logged into your FedEx account to create a shipment)
Alternately, once you are logged into your account at fedex.com, navigate to Shipping on the top menu and select the option "Create a Shipment."
From this page select the "FedEx Ship Manager Login with an Account" option.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT use FedEx Ship Manager Lite.
From there you will be taken to the Ship Manager page.
Legacy Version
As of September 2023, FedEx is still in the process of a phased rollout of its new Ship Manager interface. Both the legacy version and the new version are currently available for use. When you are taken to the Ship Manager page, you may be directed to the legacy version or the new version. You will have the option to switch between the two.
FedEx has instructed libraries to use the new version if they are able. However, if there are any features missing from the new version that prevent libraries from being able to create shipments, then the legacy version should be used instead. A list of the currently missing features can be found here (if you are not already logged in, you may need to log in first to view it). None of the features listed should be relevant to us, but they are worth keeping in mind.
FedEx estimates that there should be full feature parity between the legacy version and the new one by June of 2024. The legacy version should remain available for use until then.
The below example screenshot shows what a package shipped from NC Cardinal to Alexander would look like using the legacy version.
New Version
The below example screenshot shows what a package shipped from NC Cardinal to Wayne would look like using the new version.
Creating a Shipment in the New Version
First, in the "Ship from" section, do NOT check any of these boxes:
This section should automatically populate the fields with your address already, so the "Save as default sender details" option is redundant.
Similarly, in the "Deliver to" section, do NOT check any of these boxes:
You will also notice that when you enter an address into the "Deliver to" section, the "Save as new recipient in address book" option disappears, and is instead replaced with the following:
Do NOT change this.
In the "Package details" section, you should only have the option to select "Your Packaging" in the Packaging dropdown menu. It should automatically be selected. If, however, you see other options in the dropdown menu, do NOT select them. Only select "Your Packaging."
Additionally, do NOT check either of these boxes in the "Package details" section:
As with the previous version of the ship manager, the dimensions field is optional, and it is recommended that you do not fill it out.
In the "Service" section, you should only have the option to select "FedEx Ground" in the "Service" dropdown menu (it should also automatically be selected). If, however, you see other options in the dropdown menu, do NOT select them. Only select "FedEx Ground."
Do NOT select any of these service options:
Additionally, you do not need to select any of these Additional options (though the "Add references" box will likely be automatically checked):
In the "Pickup/drop off" section, "Use an already scheduled pickup at my location" should automatically be selected. Leave it as is.
Similarly, in the "Billing and Tax IDs" section, "My account" should automatically be selected. Leave this as is, as well.
Switching Back to the Legacy Version from the New Version
To switch back from the new version to the legacy version, click "Views" in the top righthand corner of the "Create Shipment" page in the new interface:
In the window that appears, click the "Return to legacy view" link:
In the popup window that appears, click the "Return to Legacy View" button (you do not need to provide a reason for why you would like to change back). If you check the box next to "Keep using legacy view for 30 more days," it *should* default you to the legacy view each time you log in for the next 30 days. (As a reminder, the legacy view should be available for use until at least June of 2024.)
Package and Shipment Details
The ship date should reflect the day your shipment will be picked up. If you prepare the labels prior to your pickup day, it should be changed to the pickup day, otherwise the package will have to be relabeled (by FedEx). The package will still be picked up on your scheduled day, so it's not the end of the world to forget, but certainly best practice as the ship date is embedded into information the barcode provides.
You do not need to select anything under Pickup/Drop-off (optional) section when creating your shipments. Your regularly scheduled pickup days are set up in your account. To change these days/times, see the section below.
Changes to Scheduled Pickup Days/Times with FedEx
Pickup days must be updated by our FedEx representative. To submit requested changes to your scheduled pickup days and times, please email Will Szwagiel at william.szwagiel@dncr.nc.gov with your request.
FedEx Tips & Tricks
- Weight is required, dimensions are optional - see Dimensions Factor section below.
- Declared Value: do not add this while creating a shipment. We'll have the same base coverage of $100 per shipment and are trying to avoid additional fees.
- Rates & transit times is an optional section, but will give estimated shipment times
- Shipping multiple packages bundled together will result in a shipment rate discount
- You may tape labels to boxes if you do not have pouches, but do not cover barcode w/tape
- Their 6x4 labels will print to any kind of printer. Other label options will only support Zebra compatible printers
- Pickup and deliveries are done by different drivers
Dimension Factor
- You can find your dimension factor for a package with this formula: LxWxH / DIM factor
- NC Dimension Factor: 166
- Example: you have a box with 15x15x15 dimensions
- 15x15x15/166= The factor will yield a 20.33 lb. rate, which always rounds up, so 21 lb. in this example
- If you only fill the box with 10 lb., it will be invoiced as if it's a 21 lb. package
- If you use that box and put 40, cost is invoiced at 40 lb.
- Entering the dimension factor doesn't lessen or increase dollar amount.
- The higher cost is chosen between dimension factor or actual weight for invoice purposes. Ultimately, there is no real benefit to measuring your boxes. FedEx will be scanning the dimensions and weighing them for invoicing either way!
FedEx Packing Instructions
Below is a link to a useful printout from the FedEx website on how to properly package and tape a shipment. This can be helpful for situations where you receive poorly taped boxes. The instructions show how to use the H method for better secured packages.
If the link doesn't work it is on the website:
Under Shipping supplies > Learn Packing Tips > Download Step by Step Instructions
FedEx Closed Dates
There is no need to submit your individual system's closed dates.
- FedEx will be closed:
- New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
- or, the Friday/Monday around those dates if they occur on the weekend
- This will be a situation similar to UPS where you develop a relationship with your driver/s and discuss this more organically. As it stands, we do not need to submit structured, separate closed dates by system ahead of time.
Incident Reporting
If for some reason a pickup does not happen on your regularly scheduled pickup day, you may book a pickup online or call it in. We will not incur any extra charges for this. However, if you have a repeated pickup issue, please inform us.
Incidents may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Damaged Package(s)
- Behavioral / Attitude Concern
- Pickups not occurring
- Pickup window is too late