Fedex Smartpost - USPS Dropoff?

[auroraflix]

I haven't used Fedex Smartpost often so I am a little confused as to the process of where to drop the package I just printed out a label for.

When I called Fedex to check, they said the package should be given to my postal carrier or brought to the post office...so I was wondering when this changed, seeing as all the articles I've looked up online said the exact opposite!

Also, it certainly looks like a USPS label. Has a USPS tracking # and "Parcel Select, U.S. Postage paid" in the top right corner, etc. with an "S" on it. There's also no Fedex bar code, so I'm guessing this SHOULD go to the post office (there's a small bar code under the USPS Tracking but it's not a typical Fedex bar code). 

Anyone use this recently and know for sure? 

[greatmidwestcoin]

Call or take it to your local Post Office. Real simple.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

I would double check with your post office before using a drop box. I remember a post where a seller dropped a smart post off at their post office and while the item was in transit there was no tracking updates.  I went to FedEx 's website and searched for drop locations. None of the post offices in my area showed on their lists. From my understanding with the smart post FedEx is responsible for the shipping of the item to the buyers area. Then after the item reaches their area it is transferred to the post office just for delivery. The FedEx rep may be wrong.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/fedex-smartpost.html

[auroraflix]

Thanks -- though after I looked at the shipping options I totally overlooked Fedex 2-day was only $1 more! I'll just toss the Smartpost label and use the 2-day Express instead. I'm sure the buyer will appreciate it!

Don't know how I missed it, these Fedex rates are ridiculously inexpensive on Ebay. 

[lightlily_arts]

I have always dropped mine off at Fedex or one of their drop off locations.

[lja440]

I work for USPS. When we get SmartPost or other FedEx packages (UPS packages too) in our drop off a notice is sent to the customer to come in and collect their package. They are then told to take it to a FedEx (or UPS) location. 

Personally I avoid FedEx (like the plague), but if I do have to have FedEx (and note I will do back flips to avoid them) I at least want SmartPost. That way I know it will be delivered by my mail carrier and put in a proper place, my mailbox or garage, and not thrown out at the end of the driveway or tossed in the bed of the old farm truck (with the spray on liner it holds rainwater very well). Or more often a door tag is slapped on the front of my mailbox and no attempt is made (I work 40 minutes south of my home and FedEx terminal is over a hour north of my home).

[dtexley3]

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@auroraflix wrote:

I haven't used Fedex Smartpost often so I am a little confused as to the process of where to drop the package I just printed out a label for.

When I called Fedex to check, they said the package should be given to my postal carrier or brought to the post office...so I was wondering when this changed, seeing as all the articles I've looked up online said the exact opposite!

Also, it certainly looks like a USPS label. Has a USPS tracking # and "Parcel Select, U.S. Postage paid" in the top right corner, etc. with an "S" on it. There's also no Fedex bar code, so I'm guessing this SHOULD go to the post office (there's a small bar code under the USPS Tracking but it's not a typical Fedex bar code). 

Anyone use this recently and know for sure? 

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When you print a SmartPost label on eBay it explicitly states on the screen that the package MUST be taken to a FedEx drop site.  Some USPS POs will transfer a SmartPost package back to FedEx, but other's will make you come pick it up.

For the FedEx 2day, if your package has an actual weight or dimensional weight of 10lb or under there's a steep discount making it a very affordable alternative.  The max package size is about 12 x 12 x 11 or 1584 cubic inches. Actual limit is 1660 cu inches but 12x12x11 is about as close as you can get with standard packaging.