FedEx tracking status

FedEx “Delivery exception”: what it means

The short answer

Keep an eye on it

Something unexpected stopped FedEx from delivering your package on schedule, such as nobody available to sign, a closed business, an access problem or bad weather. FedEx calls it a temporary delay and says it does not always mean your package will arrive late.

When to act: If tracking shows no new scan or new date after 1 business day, file a complaint and we send it to FedEx.

Also shown as: “Customer not available or business closed” · “Local delivery restriction, delivery not attempted” · “No access to delivery location” · “Returned to facility for inspection” · “Damaged, handling per shipper instructions”

What to do now

Open the travel history on the FedEx tracking page and read the line under 'Delivery exception'. It tells you the actual reason.
If the reason is on your side (nobody home, a gate code, a closed business), add delivery instructions or ask to hold the package at a FedEx location in FedEx Delivery Manager. Some shippers block changes, so not every option will show.
Check your door for a FedEx door tag. Its number lets you track the package and see where it is being held. If it waits at a FedEx location, collect it there before the hold ends.
If the line says the package was damaged or returned to a facility for inspection, the shipper decides whether FedEx sends it on or returns it. Save a screenshot of the travel history and keep your order number.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to FedEx, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “Delivery exception” mean?

A delivery exception is FedEx's general flag for a problem in the last part of the journey. FedEx defines it as a temporary delay caused by circumstances it cannot avoid, such as extreme weather, a natural disaster or a vehicle problem like a flat tire. The actual reason usually sits one line below the status in the travel history, for example 'Customer not available or business closed'.

Many exceptions sort themselves out: the driver tries again on the next delivery day, or the local station holds the package until the problem clears. Some need someone to act, for example a missing signature or an access code for a gated building. In that case FedEx says it may contact the party most likely able to provide the information, which is often the shipper.

Why does FedEx show it?

Nobody was available to sign, or the business was closed
The driver could not get in: a gate, a locked lobby or a security desk
Local restrictions, such as a road closure or an event, stopped the delivery
Severe weather or a natural disaster in your area
A vehicle problem, such as a flat tire or a breakdown
The package was damaged or pulled aside for inspection
A holiday closure at the delivery address

How long does it last?

In most cases FedEx tries again on the next delivery day, and tracking shows a new estimated date once one is set. If a signature was needed and nobody was home, FedEx leaves a door tag and may take the package to a nearby FedEx location, where it is usually held for up to 7 days. The door tag shows the location and how long the package is held. A damaged package or one pulled aside for inspection waits for the shipper's instructions, which can take longer.

Other FedEx statuses

Shipment exceptionKeep an eye on it
Clearance delayKeep an eye on it
DelayKeep an eye on it
Delivered but not receivedTake action
PendingKeep an eye on it
Future delivery requestedKeep an eye on it
Delivery updatedKeep an eye on it
Incorrect addressTake action
On the wayNormal

All FedEx statuses →

Who is responsible for a late or missing package from FedEx?

If you bought it online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered to you. The seller chose FedEx, paid for the shipping and is FedEx's customer, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases for the seller to put right, with a replacement or a refund.

If you sent the package yourself, your contract is with FedEx, under the terms in the FedEx Service Guide. FedEx's standard liability is $100 per package, included in the shipping rate, unless you declared a higher value and paid extra for it when you created the label.

Questions about “Delivery exception”

Will FedEx try to deliver again after a delivery exception?

Usually yes. FedEx says it reattempts the following day, including weekends for many homes. A package needing a signature gets up to three attempts before returning to the sender, but for homes FedEx often moves it to a nearby FedEx location after the first miss.

Does a delivery exception mean my package is lost?

No. FedEx describes it as a temporary delay that does not necessarily mean a late arrival, and your package is still in its network. If tracking shows no new scan or date after 1 business day, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to FedEx.

How do I fix a FedEx delivery exception?

Read the reason line. If it is about access or nobody being home, update your instructions or hold the package at a FedEx location in Delivery Manager. If it is about the address, damage or customs, the shipper usually has to act, and FedEx may ask them for what it needs.

What is the difference between a delivery exception and a shipment exception?

Both mean an unexpected event is slowing the package down. A delivery exception usually points to a problem at or near the delivery address. A shipment exception often points to a problem on the way, such as a replaced label or weather on the route.

Why does FedEx say 'Customer not available or business closed' when I was home?

The driver may not have gotten past a gate or locked lobby, or could not leave a package needing a signature. Some recipients say nobody came. Check tracking for an attempt photo; with no photo and no door tag, save a screenshot for your complaint.

Based on

FedEx: Tracking and managing your deliveries
FedEx: What does the delivery exception status mean?
FedEx Delivery Manager and Hold for Pickup FAQs
FedEx: If I missed a delivery, when will you reattempt?
FedEx: What do I do if I missed my delivery?
FedEx: How do I get support for a delayed package?
FedEx Service Guide
FedEx Canada: Delivery exception
FedEx: What if my customer's package is lost, damaged or missing items?
FedEx: Declared value and limits of liability