The 5 W's of FedEx Return Labels: Why, When, What, Who, and How?

Introduction

FedEx Return Label is a communication optimised data tool developed by Tennessee-based FedEx Corporation, formerly known as Federal Express Corporation. With its main hub at the Memphis International Airport, the busiest cargo airport in the world, FedEx operates in Express mode, Ground mode and Freight mode, and offers other value-added services. 

FedEx’s slogans- The World on Time, We Live to Deliver, We Understand, and Where Now meets Next, emphasize the importance this logistics provider places on the timely and accurate connection of goods across the globe.

While the onus of shipping costs falls squarely on the merchant, FedEx has taken a massive leap in innovating their FedEx Return Label operations by incorporating small tweaks and modifications to help provide a comfortable return experience to both businesses and consumers, which sets them a world apart from their competition.

With a variety of shipping modes, FedEx offers package-specific and industry-specific shipping solutions. Truly bespoke, FedEx eCommerce return label solutions allow you to customize your shipping plans.

What is a FedEx Return Label?

Forged with data that is readable by humans and scanner machines, a FedEx Return Label sticker is plugged in with information required for return of shipment in the form of a scannable barcode and text.

With your company’s address under the “Return Package To” tab, and the customer’s contact details, including name, address and phone number under the “Return Package From” tab, FedEx also saves your package type, package details as well as the chosen delivery mode on the FedEx Return Label.

How does a FedEx Return Label work?

FedEx offers curated shipping solutions and services for some of the top industries around the world.

While at its heart, the FedEx Return label remains a tool for tracking and planning the complex operations of returns, FedEx has managed to isolate the key features that drive the returns needs of various industries.

Their advanced package tracking, shipping, reporting and monitoring tools encompassing regional and international logistics by ocean, air, road, express and charter place them as industry leads with a solid hold on cutting-edge innovations.

FedEx helps manage reverse logistics through investigation and analysis, repacking and recycling, aimed at minimizing wastage, maintaining margins and optimizing resale.

In fact, FedEx has broadly divided its industry-specific services into Aerospace & Aviation, Fashion & Luxury Goods, Automotive, High-Tech, Healthcare & Life Sciences as well as FedEx Supply Chain Services.

As an airline operator, Aerospace & Aviation have a strong presence in FedEx’s soul. FedEx Return Labels promises to move electronics and equipment related to aerospace and aviation with good service, quick time, and advice on customs clearance, imp/exp regulations, tariffs and documentation to help you avoid steep fees and save yourself some money.

For the Fashion & Luxury Goods industry, FedEx return labels place emphasis on visibility and inventory management helping these businesses meet the critical demands of merchandise flow for repositioning and fulfilment.

FedEx return labels for the Automotive industry align itself with the importance of time frames throughout the process with expedited clearance in customs through accurate documentation and labeling.

For High Tech goods that are often high value as well, FedEx’s well-connected network covers the complexity of synchronizing logistics operations in multiple countries with speed.

With tech expert teams driving the process, FedEx return labels for this category cover competent custom clearance, special handling, and regulatory compliance.

Healthcare businesses often require specialized packaging, interventions in real-time and proactive monitoring in clinical research, pharma, biotech, medical equipment and diagnostics.

FedEx return labels provide temperature-controlled environments in a variety of shipping modes to suit the purpose of these businesses.

Lastly, FedEx Supply Chain helps businesses increase efficiency, improve savings, better customer satisfaction and control reverse logistics operations.

How can you use FedEx Return Labels?

FedEx Global returns offer multiple options to provide a FedEx return label to your customer. By linking the FedEx return label to the reverse shipment, both the customer and the business benefit from improved visibility on the package.

1) FedEx Return Label Included

By including the FedEx return label in the package to your customer, you can provide them with options for pickup or drop off.

With the ability to top up the FedEx return label with special services required by your merchandise in case a return service is required, you can just as easily save money by avoiding charges if the label is not used.

2) Email to Customer

By sending your customers a link to edit return labels, you can reduce your workload by avoiding queries for edits and customization all while giving your customer the power to edit or adjust product data such as quantity or weight on the FedEx return labels.

With links to help customers look up and request pickup or drop-off information, you can set deadlines for the use of the FedEx return label and avoid charges when they remain unused by the date of expiry.

3) Make your Own

If you haven't been able to issue a physical copy of the FedEx Return Label to your customer, and you don’t have the QR or barcode of the FedEx Return Label, you can create one in a jiffy on the FedEx website or mobile app.

In a few simple steps, by entering data that is already at hand, your FedEx return label will be generated and raring to go save the day!

4) Generate without Printer Access

Customers who do not have access to a printer to generate the FedEx return label need not panic. Returning a package without a FedEx return label is as simple as walking into the FedEx drop-off location that accepts either the QR Code or the Barcode the customer received from you by mail to be used in case of returns. The FedEx team will print the FedEx return label for the customer and fix it to their sealed package.

What services facilitate the need for FedEx Return Labels?

FedEx Global Returns offers services that facilitate the need for FedEx return labels based on the nature, size, and time sensitivity of your shipment’s return. With FedEx return labels, seize control of the speed and destination of your reverse logistics operations, with total visibility through tracking, monitoring and reporting.

1) FedEx International First

FedEx International First prioritizes early morning delivery service to all major countries around the globe for packages under 68 kgs. This service caters to Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, China, Japan, and Singapore.

2) FedEx International Priority

Another service targeting packages under 68 kgs, FedEx International Priority promises time-definite delivery in over 220 countries and territories. With delivery times ranging from 1-3 business days, and next business day deliveries to the US, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean from most source ports, packages typically reach major European cities in two business days.

3) FedEx International Economy

For goods that are under 68 kg and do not fall under the time-sensitive category, FedEx International Economy offers reliable delivery without having to pay for the express service.

Accompanied by the customs clearance service, packages under this category are delivered between 4-6 business days across 200 countries and territories.

4) FedEx International Priority Freight

FedEx International Priority Freight focuses on the delivery of goods over 68 kgs, overnight or within 3 business days, around the world. They offer Airport to Airport, Airport to Door, Door to Door and Door to Airport options under this banner.

5) FedEx International Economy Freight

Another service for packages exceeding 68 kgs, FedEx International Economy Freight offers you reliable delivery on shipments where time is not of the essence. They offer Airport to Airport, Airport to Door, Door to Door and Door to Airport options under this banner.

Value Added Services Associated with FedEx Return Labels

FedEx offers multiple value-added services or services of note that enhance the performance of FedEx return labels.

1) Return Type

This service details the reason for the return of the package for purposes of customs clearance. By aiding customs while processing paperwork, you can avoid or reclaim taxes and duties associated with the return of goods.

1) Courtesy Return Label

This FedEx return label is perfect for rejected merchandise. Included in your shipment to the customer, this FedEx return label is a preemptive measure that does not signify anticipation of return.

2) For Exhibition/ Trade Show

This FedEx return label works well when you are shipping goods that are returnable after an exhibition, show or event. This works particularly well for the art and apparel industry.

3) Item for Loan

This FedEx return label is meant to be used for goods that will be returned to you without alteration or any modification.

4) Items for Use in a Trial

This FedEx return label is used for goods that have been shipped for a trial and will be returned.

5) Replacement

This FedEx return label covers incidents where a replacement item is being shipped and the faulty item will be returned.

6) Temporary Export - Other

This FedEx return label will be applied when you have your own reasons for return that aren’t mentioned otherwise.

7) For Repair/Processing

This FedEx return label works for goods that are returned after repair work and this process might include modifications or treatment to the goods.

8) Following Repairs/ Processing

This FedEx return label works when the original recipient sent you the item through another shipping company.

2) Reusable Packaging

FedEx has reusable packaging on offer. The package reads “reusable” on the front and has two adhesive strips - one to be used by you and the other unused strip will be used by the customer in case of returns. This is a thoughtful way to reduce packaging waste.

3) Extensive Drop Options

Services that use FedEx return labels allow the package to be dropped off at FedEx offices, Walgreens, Dollar General, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Walmart, Postnet, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Jewel- Osco, Randalls, Safeway, Vons, Postal Annex and Pakmail. Dropping off returns is as simple as choosing the closest location to you.

Conclusion

FedEx has armed the FedEx return labels with a plethora of tools to aid the reverse logistics process as the package makes its way back home. With services curated by industry type and package type with multiple speed options, you can choose the right shipment mode for your package based on value and time-sensitivity. FedEx return labels makes the returning process easy for you and your customer.

FAQ

1) Can I print the FedEx return label at FedEx?

FedEx Return Labels can be printed at FedEx or any participating retail outlet by showing your QR or barcode that a FedEx team member will scan and print for you.

2) How much is a FedEx return label?

Surcharges on FedEx return labels will be applied only once the return shipment has been received by FedEx. In case the label remains unused, no surcharge will be applied.

3) What FedEx electronic shipping solutions support FedEx return labels?

FedEx Ship Manager Software, FedEx Ship Manager Server, FedEx Web Services and FedEx Ship Manager on the FedEx websites support FedEx return labels. 

4) Can I track the status of my return packages?

All return packages can be tracked using the tracking tool on the FedEx website. By logging in and exporting the data, FedEx reports will display a list of your return shipments in transit, those delivered, and those with return labels that have not been utilized yet.

5) How to create a FedEx return label?

Once you sign into your account on the FedEx website, choose “Create Shipment” > “Create Return Shipment”. Enter the required information. Click “Create Return Label Shipment”. From your redirected “Package & Shipment” page you can print the label or email it to the recipient.