FedEx tracking status

FedEx “Future delivery requested”: what it means

The short answer

Keep an eye on it

FedEx has moved your delivery to a later day instead of attempting it now. Someone may have asked for a later date, but it also appears when the address is a business that is closed that day or when the local station reschedules the package.

When to act: If the new date passes with no delivery, or no new date appears after 1 business day, file a complaint and we send it to FedEx.

What to do now

Check the estimated delivery date in tracking. If it shows a date, wait for that day.
If you did not ask for a later date and need the package sooner, check FedEx Delivery Manager. You may be able to hold it at a FedEx location for pickup, but some options cost extra and some shippers block changes.
If the address is a business, make sure someone can receive packages on the new date.
If you did not ask for a later date, save a screenshot of the tracking with this line and the original date. It shows the delay was not your request.
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 “Future delivery requested” mean?

'Future delivery requested' is a reason line under a FedEx delivery exception. The wording suggests someone asked for a later date, and sometimes that is exactly what happened: the recipient picked another day in FedEx Delivery Manager, or the shipper booked a specific delivery date.

Often, though, nobody asked. FedEx does not define this line on its help pages, but its terms say it may hold off a delivery when the shipper or the recipient asked for a later delivery, or told FedEx the delivery address is closed. That fits what recipients see when the address is a business that is closed that day. Some recipients also see it when the local station moved the package to another day. Treat the new estimated date in tracking as the real signal.

Why does FedEx show it?

You or someone at the address chose a later date in FedEx Delivery Manager
The shipper scheduled delivery for a specific day
The delivery address is a business that is closed that day
The package reached the local station too late for that day's route
The station rescheduled after a missed or blocked attempt

How long does it last?

In most cases the package is delivered on the next delivery day or on the new date shown in tracking. If the address is a business that only receives on weekdays, expect delivery on the next business day.

Other FedEx statuses

Delivery exceptionKeep an eye on it
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
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 “Future delivery requested”

Why does FedEx say future delivery requested when I didn't request it?

Often nobody did. FedEx's terms say it may hold off a delivery when someone asked for a later date or told FedEx the address is closed, such as a business shut that day. The new date in tracking is what counts.

Can I get my package sooner?

Sometimes. In FedEx Delivery Manager you may be able to hold the package at a FedEx location and collect it. Some options cost extra, and some shippers do not allow changes once a package is in transit.

Will FedEx deliver on the weekend?

FedEx says it generally delivers to homes on Saturday and Sunday as well as on weekdays, but weekend delivery is not available in every area. Businesses usually receive only on weekdays, so a business address may move to the next business day.

Based on

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: Tracking and managing your deliveries
FedEx Service Guide
FedEx: What if my customer's package is lost, damaged or missing items?
FedEx: Declared value and limits of liability