FedEx returned a simple package sent from MN to GA with a "customs rejected" label. Why?

[prelude_b20a5]

Hi, I hope I'm in the right place for this question!

I sold a simple Honda part to a car parts business in Georgia: package was sent from Duluth, MN to Buford, GA and tracking listed three things on the day of delivery: Delivered, Package exception, and Package exception -- all stamped with the same date and exact time (8/26 at 11:19am). 

I receive the returned package with two labels, one says: "RETURN REASON: ENTRY REJECTED BY CUSTOMS" and another sticker saying: UNASSIGNED ZIPCODE 30518. 

I plan on calling FedEx tomorrow, hoping they can give me answers. I have messaged the buyer explaining the situation and asked them to confirm address. And I am *guessing* I have to pay out of pocket to re-send the package once more? Then what happens if it gets sent back to me in the same manner?

Anybody have any insight or ideas why this happened? The zip code does match Buford, GA

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

That's an odd situation, and one I would address with the carrier. Physically bring the package to a FedEx location. To me, this looks like a FedEx error and they should re-ship using the original label and postage paid.

[friskya]

Looks like Buford is part of the Atlanta metro area. For whatever it may be worth to you, the FedEx facebook community page is chock-full of people complaining specifically about their Atlanta area service in general. 

Even if you are able to get FedEx to admit the error, your buyer still may not get their item. Seems one of the major complaints is parcels disappearing into their distribution center and never being seen again.

[friskya]

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/some-georgia-business-owners-say-they-are-fed-up-with-fedex is the most recent story I could find about FedEx and the Atlanta area problems.

[prelude_b20a5]

Thank you, all is well now -- FedEx manager had no idea why the 'customs reject' label was used, nor why the zipcode unassigned label was used -- but the markings on the package indicated the delivery driver coded it for 'package refused, reason: late package' even though buyer paid on 21st and was delivered on the 26th.  Manager said they could send it back once more without charge but suggested I contact customer first. I called customer and they said they refused the package because they bought another part locally due to customer time constraints. Asked for a full refund and I did, I lost out on postage paid - oh well.

Thanks again!

[prelude_b20a5]

And thanks to you as well, Friskya. I told the FedEx warehouse manager about what you said and he just shook his head and said he doesn't know **bleep** they're doing down there, but he's well aware of the turmoil in the ATL area. So he already knew haha

[haha-607197]

 

The USPS Mail Recovery Center is also in Atlanta.

[pjcdn2005]

Normally if a buyer refuses a package, the seller can give them a partial refund less shipping cost and fees.  I don't know if that would work in this case if the tracking didn't show that the package was actually refused.