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FedEx Platform Account FAQ

Updated

Index:

Which service levels will users have access to via the FedEx Platform Account program? 

Customers can access the following service levels: FedEx Ground Economy (FGE), FedEx Ground Returns, and FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP). Please note that these services are only available for shipments originating from the United States.

 

Who is eligible to receive the FedEx discounted rates?

New and existing EasyPost users are eligible to receive the FedEx discounted rates. 

 

Do you need to make a FedEx account through EasyPost when buying labels under the Platform Account?

No, you do not need to create a FedEx account.

 

How can I access these discounted FedEx rates?

The discounted FedEx rates will appear when you are purchasing a label through the EasyPost API or logged in experience through our UI Dashboard. If you already have your own FedEx account, you will see your own account rates as well as the Platform Account rates when you are purchasing a label.

 

Does FedEx Platform Account support API?

Yes! Simply add your API credentials to this curl

curl --location --request POST 'https://api.easypost.com/v2/carrier_accounts/open' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --user YOUR_API_KEY_HERE_KEEP_COLON: \
  --data-raw '{
      "carrier_account": {
          "type": "FedexDefaultAccount",
          "name": "Gummi Bear",
          "street1": "27 S 7th St 6",
          "city": "Minneapolis",
          "state": "MN",
          "postal_code": "55402",
          "country": "US",
          "phone": "123456789",
          "email": "tester@testing.com"
      }
  }'

 

What is FedEx Ground Economy?

FedEx Ground Economy (formerly known as FedEx SmartPost) is a cost-effective solution for shipping low-value, low-weight, and non-urgent orders. Commodities such as apparel, accessories, toys, games, or any product weighing between 1-10 pounds would be ideal for this service level. 

Merchants can ship packages weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring up to 130 inches in length plus girth with FedEx Ground Economy. This particular service level usually takes packages 2-7 business days to arrive at the end consumer’s door.

Please note: Signature confirmation, Multi-Shipment, Dangerous Goods/Hazmat features are not available for FedEx Ground Economy shipments.

Please be aware that packages must have minimum dimensions of 6 in x 4 in x 1 in for FedEx Ground Economy otherwise the following error will return:

 "message":"FedEx returned error: Package - Minimum dimensions of x x must be entered for SmartPost."

 

What are the benefits of FedEx Ground Economy?

  • Reliable, cost-effective way to ship low-weight packages to US Residential customers
  • 100% discount on residential surcharges
  • 100% discount on fuel surcharges
  • Ability to use your own custom shipping boxes
  • Monday through Sunday* shipping (*Sunday deliveries not available to all areas)
  • 24-hour visibility for packages with FedEx Tracking
  • Liability of up to $100

What is the DIM Divisor For FedEx Ground Economy?

The DIM Divisor for FedEx Ground Economy is 139 for any parcel over 1 cubic foot. Any parcel under 1 cubic foot will not be impacted by DIM weight.

 

What is FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP)?

FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) is a shipping service that provides a balance between timely deliveries and cost efficiency for international shipments.

With FICP, you can ship to over 190 countries across the globe, covering 95% of the global GDP within an average delivery time of 2-7 business days. Merchants shipping to popular international markets can average transit windows such as:

  • U.S to Canada: 2-3 days
  • U.S. to U.K.: 3-5 days
  • U.S. to China: 3-5 days
  • 2 to 5 days to other global e-commerce markets

Packages sent through this service level can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure 130 inches in length plus girth. FedEx International Connect Plus is a great option for merchants who ship smaller items and need to reach their customers worldwide in a timely and cost-effective manner.

 

What are the benefits of FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP)?

  • Timely and cost-effective option for international shipments
  • Day-definite service so customers can plan ahead to receive shipments
  • 24-hour shipment tracking for ultimate visibility
  • 100% discount on residential surcharges
  • Customs clearance is included when creating a FedEx shipping label

What are FedEx Ground Returns?

FedEx Ground Returns is an affordable delivery option that allows shippers to receive back their products in 1-5 days to reduce customer friction, process customer refunds quickly, save on return shipping costs, and streamline your process.

This service is only available for non-residential addresses across the US. There is a $5.50 surcharge for returns requested for residential shipments.

 

How do I access FedEx Ground Returns through the API?

  • Set the is_return parameter to true
  • Service level is set to FEDEX_GROUND
  • Confirm the To and From addresses

 

Do I have to use FedEx packaging?

No, you can use your own packaging.

 

Are there any prohibited items when using these service levels?

Yes, you can find the full lists of prohibited items on FedEx's website.

 

Is package pickup offered for these services?

At the moment, package pickup is not available through FedEx Platform Account via EasyPost API. Shippers with existing FedEx accounts can schedule pickups with their separate account.

You can drop off packages at a FedEx Office or at a certified FedEx drop-off location (e.g. Dollar General). There are over 59,000 FedEx locations to choose from, so dropping off packages and beginning the delivery process is easy and convenient!

 

Can I ship a package to a FedEx Office or retail location for my customer to pick up?

FedEx “Hold at Location" service is available for FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) shipments only. It is not available for FedEx Ground Economy (FGE) shipments.

 

What is the process for filing claims?

  • Claims must be filed within 90 days of shipment delivery for damaged or missing contents. 21 days for international shipments.
  • The default liability is $100. Customers can purchase additional liability, based on the value of the shipment
  • Yes, you can purchase parcel insurance with EasyPost. Learn more here.
  • A claims payout time frame will close out within 4-6 weeks.
  • To begin the claims process with our Support team, please reach out to support@easypost.com

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