You can track any FedEx package at fedex.com/tracking by entering the tracking number, a 12- to 22-digit code found in your shipping confirmation email or on your receipt. Results appear instantly, showing where your package is right now, where it’s been, and when it’s expected to arrive. You can also track by phone, through the FedEx mobile app, or by texting your tracking number to 48773.
Where to Find Your Tracking Number
Your tracking number is the single most useful piece of information for following a package. If someone shipped something to you, the number is usually in the shipping confirmation email or text they (or the retailer) sent. If you shipped it yourself, it’s on your FedEx receipt or in your shipping history at fedex.com.
FedEx tracking numbers are typically 12 to 22 digits long. FedEx Express shipments often start with specific prefixes, while Ground shipments may look different, but you don’t need to know the service type. Just paste the number into the tracker and FedEx figures it out. You can enter up to 30 tracking numbers at once if you’re following multiple shipments.
Tracking Without a Tracking Number
If you don’t have a tracking number, you still have options. FedEx lets you track by reference number, which is a custom identifier the sender may have entered when creating the label. This could be a purchase order number, an invoice number, or any other code the sender chose. To use it, select “Track by Reference” on the FedEx tracking page, enter the reference number along with the destination country and zip code, and the ship date range.
If a FedEx driver left a door tag at your home because you weren’t there for a delivery, you can track using the door tag number. These start with the letters “DT” followed by 12 digits. Enter the door tag number directly into the tracking field just like you would a standard tracking number.
Business customers with FedEx accounts can also use FedEx InSight, a service that provides visibility into all inbound and outbound shipments tied to their account, even without individual tracking numbers.
What the Tracking Statuses Mean
“In Transit” means your package is moving through the FedEx network and is on schedule. “Out for Delivery” means it’s on the truck headed to your address, typically arriving that same day. “Delivered” means FedEx’s system shows the package was dropped off, sometimes with a note about where it was left (front door, signed for, etc.).
“Pending” is less straightforward. It usually means FedEx doesn’t yet have enough information to estimate a delivery date. This can happen early in the shipping process or when a delay has made the original estimate unreliable.
“Delivery Exception” means something unexpected has interrupted the normal delivery process. This is not necessarily alarming, but it does mean your package is paused. Common exception reasons include:
- Customer not available or business closed: Nobody was home or the business was shut when the driver arrived.
- Incorrect address: The address on the label is wrong or incomplete.
- Local delivery restriction: Weather, road closures, or a local regulation blocked delivery.
- No attempt made: The driver couldn’t attempt delivery due to a vehicle, route, or access issue.
- PMX: The package made it back to the delivery station because the driver ran out of time. FedEx will try again the next business day.
If FedEx needs more information from you to complete delivery, the status will say “Awaiting additional delivery information from the recipient.” In that case, check your email or the tracking page for instructions on confirming or updating your delivery details.
Setting Up Delivery Notifications
Rather than refreshing the tracking page repeatedly, you can sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager (free for residential addresses). This service sends you email or text alerts when a package is on its way, out for delivery, or delivered. It also lets you customize deliveries before they arrive. You can request a specific delivery date, ask FedEx to hold the package at a nearby FedEx location for pickup, or provide delivery instructions like “leave at side door.”
If you just want notifications for a single shipment without creating an account, you can set up tracking alerts directly from the tracking results page. Enter your email address or phone number, and FedEx will send updates as the status changes.
Using the FedEx Mobile App
The FedEx app (available for iOS and Android) does everything the website does, with the added convenience of push notifications and barcode scanning. If you have a physical receipt or shipping label, you can scan the barcode with your phone’s camera instead of typing the tracking number. The app also stores your tracking history, so you can check on past shipments without digging through email.
What to Do If Your Package Is Missing
If tracking says “Delivered” but you don’t have the package, start with the basics. Check around your property, including back doors, porches, garages, and with neighbors. Sometimes the driver leaves a package in a spot that isn’t immediately obvious. Give it a few hours, since tracking occasionally updates before the driver finishes the route.
If the package still hasn’t turned up, contact FedEx customer service at 1-800-463-3339. They can initiate a trace to investigate where the package was actually left, sometimes using GPS data from the delivery scan.
If the package remains missing, you can file a claim through the FedEx claims portal at fedex.com. You have nine months from the shipment date to file. Choose “Shipment not received” as the claim type and enter your tracking number. You’ll need to describe the missing items, their value, and your role (receiver, shipper, or third party). Upload any supporting documentation you have: purchase receipts, invoices, expense statements, or photos that verify the value of what was in the package. The more detail you provide, the smoother the process. After submitting, FedEx reviews the claim and follows up, typically by email.
If you bought the item from a retailer, it’s also worth contacting them directly. Many retailers will reship or refund missing orders and handle the FedEx claim on their end, which can be faster than filing yourself.