Is FedEx Open?

Anish

March 16, 2024

FedEx (Federal Express) is one of the giant shipping companies catering to the delivery needs of millions of Americans. However, the United States has several holidays throughout the year, during which FedEx, like most companies, closes shop and ceases business operations. 

So, what happens to FedEx services during holiday closures? Are there any FedEx shipping options available? Is FedEx open during federal holidays? 

This article tackles the different services available in the United States during federal holidays. It provides information on the various holidays in the United States and how FedEx operates during these special occasions. 

Furthermore, this write-up provides tips on FedEx services that remain open even during holidays, allowing you to ship time-sensitive parcels. 

FedEx and the United States Postal Service collaborate on providing shipping services to the U.S. population. One example of this joint effort is the FedEx Ground Economy service, where USPS handles the last-mile delivery. 

If you’ve purchased this service, it’s best to have a handy website to look for the nearest post office in your area. Visit FindPostOffice.org and access over 31,330 USPS retail offices nationwide. 

You can better manage last-mile USPS deliveries if you know where your package is delivered before reaching your home. 

Ship on Schedule Throughout the Holidays

FedEx doesn’t completely close during any holiday in the United States. Unlike USPS, where federal holidays require the company to close, FedEx provides limited courier service even on big holidays yearly. 

FedEx Holiday Service Schedule: The Dates You Need to Know

The United States has a list of holidays when businesses usually close. However, FedEx provides shipping services during these holidays, though in some cases, in limited operation status. 

New Year’s Day: January 1

The first day of the year, New Year’s Day, is a widely celebrated holiday in most countries. 

Most of FedEx’s services are closed during this holiday. However, FedEx SameDay deliveries may still be available for urgent or emergencies. 

FedEx starts the New Year’s company retreat the night before, on December 31. The only service operating on New Year’s Eve is FedEx Home Delivery. 

Valentine’s Day: February 14

In this day of hearts, FedEx remains in operation, with all services open for business. Valentine’s Day is not a federal holiday, so companies are not obligated to close shop on this date. 

You can quickly send the perfect gift to your romantic loved one during this holiday. 

President’s Day: February 21

FedEx operations remain open on President’s Day. However, FedEx Ground shipments will be modified. 

President’s Day, or General George Washington’s birthday, is a federal holiday typically celebrated on the third Monday of February. 

Good Friday: April 15

Good Friday is a Catholic holiday observed by many religious faithful in the United States. However, this date is not an official federal holiday. As a result, FedEx package delivery services are open during Good Friday. 

On the other hand, services like FedEx Freight and Economy FedEx Freight will have modified operations.

Memorial Day: May 30

Memorial Day is an American holiday honoring the men and women who laid down their lives serving in the U.S. military. During this federal holiday, FedEx joins in honoring those who served in protecting the country’s freedom. 

The company closes all shipping services during this holiday. Customers should plan and ship their packages early in anticipation of this holiday. 

Independence Day: July 4

The U.S. Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the country’s freedom from the British Empire. 

FedEx joins the celebration, closes most shipping services, and modifies FedEx SameDay City and FedEx Office services. Regular services resume on July 5th. 

Labor Day: September 5

Labor Day is a day to celebrate the labor force that built the United States. It is one of the federal holidays, and many government offices are closed. 

FedEx won’t generally be operating or have modified service on Labor Day. Services like FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, and FedEx SmartPost won’t be available. 

Columbus Day: October 10

Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America. FedEx provides modified services for FedEx Ground Economy and FedEx Express during this holiday. However, the other FedEx services will be fully operational like any other day. 

Veterans Day: November 11

Veterans Day is a day honoring the men and women of the military, past and present. FedEx continues to provide delivery services during the holiday, except for FedEx SmartPost, which will operate with modified service. 

Thanksgiving: November 24

Thanksgiving Day is one of the American holidays that’s both traditional and federal at the same time. This holiday is originally a festive feast, giving thanks for the autumn harvest. 

FedEx closes its offices during this holiday, and no regular mailing service is operational. It’s best to ship ahead to avoid delays during this holiday. 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not official holidays. However, the “day after thanksgiving” is a holiday in over 20 states. 

These two days are peak days for online shopping, which can flood the shipping services. 

Some FedEx Express will have modified service during the 25th, but FedEx Ground won’t be operating. FedEx will be operational on the Monday following Thanksgiving (Cyber Monday). 

Christmas Day: December 25

Christmas Day has become a holiday celebrated by most Americans. Christmas is a federal holiday, and non-essential government offices are typically closed. FedEx joins the holiday spirit and closes all FedEx services throughout the day.  

FedEx Express Holidays

The following is a list of holidays observed by each FedEx service operating in the United States. Customers can use this list to plan their shipping schedules during holidays. 

FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground is an affordable shipping service that provides fast delivery services for businesses to addresses in the United States. Under FedEx Ground is FedEx Home Delivery, which delivers daily to residential addresses. 

FedEx Ground Holidays

Here are the holidays when FedEx Ground is closed:

  • Day before Easter
  • Easter Sunday
  • Saturday before Memorial Day
  • Sunday before Memorial Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Saturday before Independence Day
  • The day before Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Saturday before Labor Day
  • Sunday before Labor Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • The weekend after Thanksgiving Day
  • Weekend before Christmas
  • The day before Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • Monday-Friday after Christmas
  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day
  • Day after New Year’s

FedEx Home Delivery

FedEx Home Delivery is a service under FedEx Ground. This delivery service focuses on shipping packages to residential areas. FedEx Home Delivery can help customers in need of shipping during some holidays. 

FedEx Home Delivery Holidays

The FedEx Home Delivery services observe other holidays but not all. The following list is the roster of holidays where FedEx Home Delivery services are closed. 

  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Day

FedEx Ground Economy

FedEx Ground Economy, formerly known as FedEx SmartPost, gives customers a package option for light, nonurgent, high-volume shipments. FedEx Ground Economy uses the entire FedEx Ground network to ensure quick deliveries. 

FedEx Ground Economy Holidays

‘ The following are holidays where FedEx Ground Economy is closed:

  • Day before Easter
  • Easter Sunday
  • The weekend before Memorial Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Saturday before Independence Day
  • The day before Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • The weekend before Labor Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • The weekend after Thanksgiving Day
  • Weekend before Christmas
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day

FedEx Freight

FedEx provides a shipping service for heavy items classified as freight (weighing over 150lbs). FedEx Freight delivers via trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes.

FedEx Freight Holidays

The following are holidays where FedEx Freight is not operational: 

  • Day before Easter
  • Easter Sunday
  • The weekend before Memorial Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Saturday before Independence Day
  • The day before Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • The weekend before Labor Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • The weekend after Thanksgiving Day
  • The weekend before Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • Monday after Christmas
  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day
  • Day after New Year’s

FedEx Office

FedEx Office provides customers a one-stop shop for printing products for FedEx shipping needs. 

FedEx Office Holidays

The following are holidays when the FedEx Office is closed: 

  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day
  • The day after New Year’s

FedEx Custom Critical

FedEx provides a specialized service for same-day deliveries of essential goods via FedEx Custom Critical. This service includes ground control, temperature monitoring, and enhanced security. FedEx Custom Critical is always open no matter the holiday. 

FedEx Trade Networks

FedEx provides international freight forwarding services using state-of-the-art transport facilities via Trade Networks. This service provides air and ocean freight forwarding, customs declaration, trade and customs advisory services, and other services needed for this type of shipment. 

FedEx Trade Networks Holidays

Here are the holidays when FedEx Trade Networks are closed:

  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Day

FedEx Shipping Deadlines: Take Notes

It’s crucial that you know the shipping deadlines so that you won’t get delayed during holidays. Shipping a few days before an expected federal holiday is best to avoid problems.

How Late Does FedEx Deliver?

Usually, FedEx deliveries are completed before 8:00 PM. The typical hours of operation in any FedEx office location are 8:00 A.M to 8:00 PM. 

Suppose a customer receives a message informing them that their deliveries will arrive on that day. In that case, they will arrive before 8:00 PM. 

What About Specialty FedEx Delivery Options?

Here are some “specialty” FedEx services with specific delivery options to cater to customers’ needs in the United States. 

FedEx SameDay

As the name suggests, FedEx SameDay service strives to deliver packages to the recipient on the same day the shipper has mailed the package. 

FedEx SameDay City

This FedEx service provides crosstown deliveries within several major U.S. cities. The recipients typically get their packages just hours after mailing, depending on the availability of the carriers, in the selected ZIP (zone improvement plan) codes. 

FedEx First Overnight

FedEx First Overnight is a shipping service for heavy packages where items are shipped via air freight and the recipient receives their parcel from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM of the next business day to primary service area ZIP codes.

FedEx Priority Overnight

Priority Overnight services offer next-day shipping for package and freight deliveries in the United States. When the shipper drops a package at a FedEx shipping center, the package will be delivered the next business day. 

FedEx Standard Overnight

A FedEx Standard Overnight provides next-business-day delivery to U.S. addresses. The recipient usually receives the package by 3:00 PM in most U.S. business addresses and by 8:00 PM for residential areas. 

FedEx 2Day and 2Day AM

FedEx 2Day shipping delivers packages within two business days to addresses in the United States. The FedEx 2Day AM means the delivery is completed on the morning of the second business day. 

On the other hand, FedEx 2Day completes the delivery by 5:00 PM to most areas and by 8:00 PM for residential locations on the second day.

FedEx Express Saver

FedEx provides a three-day shipping option via FedEx Express Saver. Packages sent via this service get to the intended destination within three days of the shipping date. 

FedEx Delivery Times for Home Delivery Services

In most cases, the standard delivery time for residential areas via FedEx Home Delivery is 8:00 PM. Customers can follow up on this delivery schedule through the tracking system provided by FedEx. 

FedEx Evening Home Delivery

An evening home delivery guarantees the recipient that their package will arrive between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Mondays through Sundays. 

FedEx Appointment Home Delivery

The FedEx Appointment Home Delivery allows you to choose when the package arrives, so long as it’s between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Mondays through Sundays. 

Things to Consider

One thing to consider is that FedEx offers a money-back guarantee when the packages are not delivered on time. However, if the delay happens due to a federal holiday, this guarantee doesn’t apply. 

On What Other Holidays Does FedEx Close?

Some FedEx office locations may be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated on the third Monday of January.

Also, in some areas, FedEx may have modified service during Easter Sunday. Still, FedEx Home Delivery ships packages during this occasion.  

You should contact your local FedEx office to know whether they’re open during these occasions. 

Check Store Hours and Pickup and Drop-Off Times

You can always check the holiday schedule provided by FedEx.com or through this article to better plan your deliveries every year. You can deposit your packages via a nearby FedEx drop box when needed. 

If you need access to contact information for a local post office when you want to send packages using FedEx service with USPS handling last-mile deliveries, visit FindPostOffice.org. You can access over 31,330 USPS retail offices, including military post offices, in various installations worldwide. 

FedEx Holiday Schedule FAQ

  1. Does FedEx operate on weekends?

Yes, they do. FedEx operates and delivers on Saturdays and Sundays. An example of a service that provides daily deliveries is FedEx Home Delivery. 

  1. Does FedEx observe all the holidays?

FedEx observes all holidays, but they don’t close on every holiday. Customers can check the FedEx holiday schedule to learn more about services available during these federal holidays. 

  1. Does FedEx observe local and regional holidays?

A particular local FedEx office may observe a local or regional holiday. However, it’s the discretion of the store manager whether to observe the celebrations and close shop. 

  1. What holidays do FedEx employees get off?

Typically, FedEx employees get breaks during federal holidays. The United States has 12 federal holidays, and on most occasions, FedEx services are closed. 

  1. Do FedEx employees get Christmas off?

Yes, they do. FedEx services are generally closed during Christmas. 

  1. Does FedEx deliver on federal holidays?

Yes, services like FedEx Custom Critical continue to deliver time-sensitive parcels during holidays. 

  1. Is Sunday a holiday for FedEx?

FedEx provides everyday service, so deliveries will still be made even on Sundays. 

  1. Does FedEx work on weekends?

Yes, they do. FedEx shipping service works even on Saturdays and Sundays. 

  1. Will FedEx deliver on Christmas Day?

Most FedEx services are closed on Christmas Day, except for specific services like FedEx Custom Critical. 

  1. Does FedEx deliver on Christmas Eve?

In some cases, FedEx provides deliveries on Christmas Eve. However, most services are already closed by that time. 

  1. Does FedEx pay extra for holidays?

FedEx’s employee payment during holidays aligns with the labor code of the United States. 

  1. Does FedEx deliver on federal holidays?

Most FedEx services are closed during federal holidays, except for services like FedEx Custom Critical. 

  1. Does FedEx work on Presidents Day?

FedEx does deliver during Presidents Day, despite it being a federal holiday. All FedEx services remain open except for modified services for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy during this holiday.  

  1. Does FedEx work on MLK Day?

Despite being a federal holiday, most FedEx services are open during Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day, except for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy, which will be on modified service.

References

  1. The History of Labor Day
    https://www.investopedia.com/news/history-labor-day/
  2. Columbus Day 2023 – Federal Holidays
    https://www.federalpay.org/holidays/columbus-day
  3. What is FedEx Ground shipping?
    https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/ground.html
  4. 2023 FedEx holiday service schedule
    https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/FedEx-Holiday-Schedule.pdf
  5. FedEx Ground® Economy Guide
    https://www.fedex.com/us/developer/downloads/pdf/2022/FedEx_Ground_Economy_Guide.pdf
  6. Freight shipping
    https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/freight.html
  7. FedEx delivery times and store hours
    https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/guide-for-tracking-managing-deliveries.html
  8. FedEx 2 day shipping
    https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/2-day-shipping.html
  9. American holidays
    https://www.usa.gov/holidays