Can FedEx Deliver to a PO Box? Your Complete Shipping Guide
Sending a package can sometimes feel like a puzzle, especially when you are staring at a shipping label and wondering if your carrier of choice can actually reach a Post Office box. If you have ever asked, "Can FedEx deliver to a PO box?" you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions for small business owners, online shoppers, and anyone trying to send a gift to a friend who prefers the security of a post office box.
The short answer is: It depends on the service you choose. While standard FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services typically require a physical street address, there are specific workarounds and specialized services designed to bridge the gap between private carriers and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
In this guide, we will break down exactly how you can get your FedEx packages into a PO box, the specific services that make it possible, and the pro tips you need to ensure your delivery arrives without a "return to sender" stamp.
The Core Problem: Private Carriers vs. The Postal Service
To understand why FedEx cannot simply drop a package into a PO box like a regular letter, you have to look at federal law. By default, only the United States Postal Service has the legal authority to access and deliver mail into a PO box.
Because FedEx is a private courier, their drivers do not have keys to the postal nest or the authority to place items inside those secure boxes. If you try to ship via FedEx Overnight or FedEx Ground using a standard PO box address, the system might flag it as an invalid address, or worse, the package might be held at a local station, leading to significant delays.
How to Successfully Ship FedEx to a PO Box
Even with the restrictions mentioned above, you have several reliable options to ensure your package reaches its destination.
1. Use FedEx Ground Economy (Formerly SmartPost)
If you are looking for the most direct way to ship to a PO box, FedEx Ground Economy is your best friend. This service is a partnership between FedEx and the USPS specifically designed for lightweight, low-value residential shipments.
How it works: FedEx handles the long-haul transportation of the package. Once it reaches the destination city, FedEx hands the package over to the local Post Office.
Final Delivery: Since the USPS handles the "last mile," they can legally place the package directly into the recipient's PO box or leave a notification slip.
Best for: E-commerce businesses and individuals who aren't in a massive rush, as this service can take a few extra days compared to standard ground shipping.
2. Leverage USPS Street Addressing (The Pro Workaround)
Did you know that many Post Office locations now offer a "Street Addressing" service for their PO box customers? This is an absolute game-changer for FedEx deliveries.
If the recipient has signed a Customer Agreement for Premium PO Box Service Features, they can use the physical street address of the Post Office building followed by their box number (often formatted as a "Unit" or "Suite" number).
Example Address Format:
John Doe
123 Main St. Unit 500 (Where 123 Main St. is the Post Office and 500 is the PO box)
Anytown, ST 12345
When addressed this way, FedEx can deliver the package to the Post Office counter, and the postal staff will then place it in the recipient's box or parcel locker. Always confirm with the local postmaster before using this method to ensure that specific branch participates in the program.
3. FedEx Hold at Location (HAL)
If you cannot ship to a PO box and the recipient isn't comfortable leaving a package on a porch, the FedEx Hold at Location service is a fantastic alternative. Instead of a PO box, you can have the package delivered to a secure, staffed FedEx location.
Locations: This includes FedEx Office centers, Walgreens, Dollar General, and various grocery stores.
Security: The recipient receives a notification and must show a valid ID to pick up the package.
Convenience: Many of these locations have much longer hours than a standard Post Office, making it easier for people with busy schedules.
Comparison of FedEx Services for PO Box Destinations
| Service Name | Can Deliver to PO Box? | Delivery Speed | Best Use Case |
| FedEx Ground Economy | Yes | 2–7 Business Days | Budget-friendly shipping for small items. |
| FedEx Ground | No (unless using Street Addressing) | 1–5 Business Days | Standard business or residential deliveries. |
| FedEx Express | No (unless using Street Addressing) | Overnight / 2-Day | Urgent documents or high-value goods. |
| International Services | Varies | 1–5 Days | Check specific country regulations. |
Troubleshooting Common Delivery Issues
What happens if I use a PO box address by mistake?
If you enter a PO box address for a service like FedEx Home Delivery, the package will likely be flagged at the local sorting facility. FedEx will typically attempt to contact the shipper or the recipient to obtain a physical street address. If they cannot reach anyone, the package will be returned to the sender at the sender's expense.
Shipping to APO/FPO/DPO Addresses
Military addresses (Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, and Diplomatic Post Office) are handled similarly to PO boxes. FedEx Ground Economy is generally the only FedEx service that can reach these locations because the final delivery must be made by the military postal service.
Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience
To avoid the headache of a "Delivery Exception" or a lost package, keep these best practices in mind:
Double-Check the Address Type: Before printing your label, verify if the destination is a physical residence or a post office.
Include a Phone Number: Always provide the recipient's phone number. If there is an issue with the PO box delivery, the FedEx driver or customer service agent can call to resolve it quickly.
Consider a Private Mailbox (PMB): If you frequently receive FedEx and UPS packages but want the security of a PO box, consider renting a mailbox at a FedEx Office or a The UPS Store. Unlike USPS boxes, these private mailboxes have a physical street address and can accept packages from all carriers without any special workarounds.
Summary
While the traditional answer to "Does FedEx deliver to PO boxes?" is often a "no," the modern shipping landscape offers plenty of solutions. Whether you choose FedEx Ground Economy for its seamless integration with the USPS or utilize the Street Addressing feature of a premium PO box, you can get your items where they need to go.
By choosing the right service and formatting your address correctly, you can enjoy the speed and tracking of FedEx with the security and convenience of a Post Office box.