If you’re waiting for a FedEx delivery, you might have received a FedEx operational delay tracking update. But what does that mean and when can you expect to receive your parcel?
In short, an operational delay means that FedEx is experiencing a temporary issue that is impacting deliveries. This could be due to severe weather, a mechanical issue with a plane, or something else entirely. Whatever the cause, operational delays can cause your FedEx package to be delayed by a day or more.
In this article, we’ll discuss what an operational delay is, what causes them, and how it can impact your FedEx delivery.
What Is An Operational Delay With FedEx?
Operational delays are not uncommon for FedEx. In fact, the company experiences them on a fairly regular basis. However, they are usually not severe enough to cause major disruptions in service.
The most common cause of operational delays is severe weather. FedEx has to adjust its routes and schedules regularly to account for weather conditions. This can sometimes cause delays, especially if a plane is delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.
Other causes of operational delays can include mechanical issues with a plane, staffing issues, or even problems at your local FedEx depot.
Examples Of Operational Delay FedEx
As we’ve discussed, there are many different causes of FedEx operational delay, throughout the delivery journey, and it’s difficult to know which of these will apply to your individual case.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of operational delays in more detail.
Bad Weather
Bad weather is one of the most common causes of operational delays.
As with any shipping company, FedEx has to adjust its routes and schedules regularly to account for weather conditions. This can sometimes cause delays, especially if a plane is delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.
Mechanical Issues
Another common cause of operational delays is mechanical issues with FedEx’s delivery infrastructure. This could involve a plane, a delivery vehicle or even at the sorting facility.
For example, if a plane experiences a mechanical issue, it will have to be taken out of service for repairs. This can cause significant delays, especially if there are no other planes available to take its place.
The same is true for delivery vehicles and sorting facilities. If there is a problem with the machinery, it will need to be fixed before packages can be processed and delivered.
Staffing Issues
A sorting facility requires adequate staffing levels in order to function properly. If there are not enough workers available, it can lead to delays in processing and shipping packages. This was a particular issue during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many staff members were out sick.
Your parcel can also only be delivered when a local courier is available. If there is no one available to deliver parcels in your local area as a result of illness or record breaking shipment volumes, you’ll need to wait for a local courier to become available.
Problems At The Depot
Depot problems can include anything from a power outage to a water main break. These types of issues can severely impact FedEx’s ability to ship packages on time.
Port Congestion
Port congestion is another common cause of delays. This occurs when there are too many ships trying to enter or exit a port at the same time. This can cause delays in loading and unloading, which can impact the timely delivery of packages.
Customs Delays
Customs delays are relatively rare but can occasionally happen if there is a problem with the documentation or the package itself. This may delay the shipping journey.
What Should You Do If You Receive An Operational Delay Tracking Update?
If you receive an operational delay tracking update, it means that your package is being held at a FedEx facility until the issue is resolved.
You will need to wait until FedEx resumes operations before your package can be shipped. You can check the status of your package on the FedEx website or by calling customer service.
How Does An Operational Delay Impact My Delivery?
Operational delays can cause your package to be delayed by a day or more. In some cases, it may even take several days for your package to arrive.
If you’re tracking a FedEx delivery, you can check for any operational delays by visiting the company’s website or app. Simply enter your tracking details and click on the “Track” button.
If there is an operational delay, it will be listed under the “Expected Delivery” section. The company will also provide an estimate of when your package will be delivered.
It’s important to note that operational delays are usually not severe enough to cause a complete shutdown of service. In most cases, FedEx is still able to deliver packages, albeit with some delays.
What Should I Do If My Package Is Delayed?
If your package is delayed due to an operational delay, there’s not much you can do. You’ll just have to wait for FedEx to resolve the issue and deliver your package.
In some cases, you may be able to contact customer service and ask for a refund or credit. However, this is not guaranteed and you’ll likely only be able to get a refund if the delay was significant.
If your parcel has been delayed for more than ten days, you can also file a claim with FedEx. You may be eligible for a refund or credit if your package is lost or damaged as a result of the delay.
Operational delays are unfortunately a common occurrence in the shipping industry. While they can be frustrating, there’s usually not much you can do about them. The best thing you can do is wait patiently for your package to arrive and keep checking your tracking information for an update.
How Long Does It Take For FedEx To Resolve An Operational Issue?
It is extremely frustrating when you’re waiting for a delivery which is experiencing an operational delay. You need to know when you can expect your parcel to be delivered so that you can make plans.
Unfortunately, how long it will take for FedEx to resolve their operational issue will depend on the issue. Some operational issues can be resolved quickly, while others may take several days to fix.
If you’re tracking a FedEx delivery, you can check for any operational delays by visiting the company’s website or app. Simply enter your tracking details and click on the “Track” button.
If there is an operational delay, it will be listed under the “Expected Delivery” section. The delivery service will also provide an estimate of when your package will be delivered.
Alternatively, you can contact FedEx customer services for an update. Whilst they won’t be able to tell you what is causing the delay, they will be able to help you track your parcel and give you a clearer idea of when you can expect your delivery to arrive.
How To Contact FedEx Customer Service UK
If you need to contact FedEx customer service, you can do so by visiting the company’s website or app. Simply enter your tracking number and click on the “Contact Us” button.
You can also reach customer service by calling 0345 607 0809, or by using the online chat option on the FedEx website.
Can I Collect A Package From FedEx Depot?
Some FedEx depots allow collection once your package has arrived with them. This can help you to receive your parcel sooner if there is a delay at the depot, for example if there are no couriers available to make the delivery.
However, it’s important to note that not every depot allows collections. So, you’ll need to contact your local depot to find out whether this is an option for you.
How Often Do Operational Delays Happen With FedEx?
Luckily, it isn’t often that FedEx experiences operational delays. In the majority of cases, FedEx delivers its packages on time to its customers.
However, as with any delivery company, FedEx occasionally has unavoidable delays which lead to a hold up delivering parcels. This can lead to customers thinking that their package is stuck in the system.
If you’re tracking a FedEx delivery and you think it’s stuck, the first thing you should do is check for any operational delays. You can do this by visiting the company’s website or app and entering your tracking number.
If there is an operational delay, it will be listed under the “Expected Delivery” section along with an estimate of when your package will be delivered.
If you don’t see any operational delays listed, it’s possible that there is a problem with the tracking information. In this case, you can contact FedEx customer service for help.
In Summary
It can be frustrating when you learn that your FedEx package is delayed due to operational reasons. However, it may reassure you to learn hat most operational delays are resolved quickly, so in most cases your package will still be delivered within a few days.
Delays happen even with the best of logistics networks, so bear in mind that it may be a situation that is out of FedEx’s control. In most cases, FedEx will try and ensure that the situation is resolved ASAP, so that your package can be delivered to you without any further delays.
If you need further information about your FedEx operational delay, or if you need to contact customer service, you can do so by visiting the company’s website or app. You can also reach customer service by calling 0345 607 0809, or by using the online chat option on the FedEx website. Make sure you have your FedEx tracking information to hand before you call, so that your query can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.