FedEx tracking status
FedEx “Shipment exception”: what it means
The short answer
Keep an eye on itAn unexpected event is holding up your package somewhere in the FedEx network, such as bad weather on the route, an unreadable label or trouble finding the recipient. The reason line under the status tells you which, and many clear without anyone doing anything.
When to act: If there is no new scan 2 business days after the exception, or the reason mentions your address or the recipient, file a complaint and we send it to FedEx.
Also shown as: “Barcode label unreadable and replaced” · “Weather delay” · “Unable to deliver” · “Cannot locate recipient”
What to do now
- 1
Read the line under 'Shipment exception' in the travel history. It tells you whether anything is needed.
- 2
For 'Barcode label unreadable and replaced' or 'Weather delay', wait for the next scan. You do not need to do anything.
- 3
For 'Cannot locate recipient' or 'Unable to deliver', check the address in your order confirmation, including the apartment number and ZIP code, and your cell number.
- 4
If the shipper allows changes, check FedEx Delivery Manager for options such as holding the package at a FedEx location.
- 5
If the exception mentions damage, save a screenshot of the travel history and keep your order number. The shipper decides whether FedEx sends the package on or returns it.
- 6
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.
What does “Shipment exception” mean?
FedEx uses 'exception' for any unexpected event that delays a package. Its own examples are customs delays, holidays, strikes, bad weather, nobody there to receive the package, missing documents and security restrictions. In practice 'Shipment exception' often appears while the package is still moving between facilities, so it tends to affect the route rather than your doorstep.
The detail line matters more than the headline. 'Barcode label unreadable and replaced' means FedEx printed a new label and the package carries on, often with little or no delay. 'Weather delay' means a route is blocked for now. 'Cannot locate recipient' or 'Unable to deliver' means FedEx needs better address or contact details, which usually have to come from the shipper or from you.
Why does FedEx show it?
- Severe weather along the route
- A torn, wet or unreadable label that FedEx had to replace
- A missing or wrong address, name or phone number
- A holiday or a strike affecting a facility
- Missing documents on an international package
- Security checks or restrictions
- Damage found during handling
How long does it last?
If the label was replaced, the package usually moves on with the next scan. Weather delays clear once routes reopen, often within a few days. Address and contact problems wait until FedEx gets better details, then FedEx retries and tracking shows a new date.
Other FedEx statuses
- Delivery 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
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 “Shipment exception”
How long does a FedEx shipment exception last?
It depends on the reason. A replaced label usually costs little or no time, while a weather delay lasts until roads and airports reopen. FedEx gives no fixed time, so watch for the next scan or a new delivery date.
What does 'Barcode label unreadable and replaced' mean?
The original label could not be scanned, so FedEx printed and attached a new one. The package keeps moving, usually under the same tracking number, and in most cases nothing else changes.
Is a shipment exception the same as a delivery exception?
They are close. Both flag an unexpected event. A shipment exception often happens on the way, such as weather or a label problem, while a delivery exception usually happens at or near the delivery address.
Do I need to do anything about a shipment exception?
Usually not. Act only if the reason line mentions your address, a missing document or a payment, or if tracking stops changing for a couple of business days.
Based on
- FedEx: Tracking and managing your deliveries
- FedEx: What does the status Exception mean?
- FedEx Canada: Weather delay
- FedEx Delivery Manager and Hold for Pickup FAQs
- FedEx: How do I get support for a delayed package?
- Paketda: FedEx tracking statuses explained (German)
- FedEx: What if my customer's package is lost, damaged or missing items?
- FedEx Service Guide
- FedEx: Declared value and limits of liability