FedEx SmartPost is a shipping service offered by a joint venture between FedEx, and the United States Postal Service. The delivery initiates with FedEx, who takes SmartPost packages to the USPS facility nearest the delivery address. The USPS then handles the last mile delivery.
For your customers who are looking to save money on shipping, FedEx SmartPost is a great option. The rates can be significantly lower than other shipping options available. There are some challenges, though. Delivery timelines are more of a rough estimate. Packages can be delivered in as little as two days, or as much as two weeks. Furthermore, the FedEx tracking number is active until the point the package is handed off to the USPS, which is the last location to which it can be tracked.
Once the hand-off takes place, there is no way to tell when it will arrive.
Additionally, if you purchase FedEx shipping insurance with SmartPost, that insurance is only valid while the package is still in the custody of FedEx. When the handoff to the USPS takes place, the package is no longer insured. Fortunately, the chance of loss or damage is mitigated by the fact that the long haul portion of the delivery process has already passed --- but most people who buy insurance expect an end-to-end solution.
We offer an end-to-end solution. Insuring your packages with U-PIC, and shipping with SmartPost gives you complete coverage from the moment the package leaves your facility, to the moment it is delivered to your customer. It does so for a fraction of the price, too.
Contact an agent today to learn about how we can help beef up security with your FedEx SmartPost packages. Call us at 800-955-4623 or email us at sales@u-pic.com.