One of the biggest challenges people face when moving is what to do with their mail. This is because changing locations sometimes results in missing or lost packages. To avoid this, carriers like FedEx and UPS offer mail forwarding services.
The primary objective of this service is to help people stay connected to their mail, irrespective of location. However, there are procedures to follow for each shipping company.
This guide details whether UPS and FedEx do mail forwarding, how it works for each shipping company, and the pros and cons. You will also learn about other reliable alternatives to mail forwarding.
Do FedEx and UPS Do Mail Forwarding?
FedEx and UPs offer mail forwarding. The former does it via FedEx Delivery Manager, while the latter offers a mail forwarding service called UPS My Choice.
Both options allow users to redirect their mail and parcels to a new address or location before or after relocating. I will explain how both services work and their pros and cons.
How Does FedEx Delivery Manager Work?
To set up a FedEx Delivery Manager:
- You must create an account on the FedEx website first.
- After successfully creating an account, log in to your account and locate the “Delivery Manager” tab.
- Click the button to set up a new address, manage existing deliveries, and customize delivery options.
- When choosing a new delivery address, you can decide to have your package delivered to your new home or office or held at a FedEx location.
- You can also choose to have packages delivered on a specific day or within a specific timeframe
Pros & Cons FedEx Delivery Manager
Pros:
- Customizable delivery options
- Special delivery instructions are available
- Ability to track and manage packages easily
- Real-time notifications about package delivery
Cons:
- Only available for FedEx deliveries
- You need a FedEx account to use the service
How Does UPS My Choice Work?
Setting up UPS My Choice follows a similar process to that of FedEx Delivery Manager. It begins with:
- Owning an existing UPS account or creating one.
- Log in to your account and click the “My Choice” button to set up a new delivery address, manage existing deliveries, and customize delivery options.
- Customization options on this service include having packages delivered to your home, business, and neighbor.
- You can choose when you wish to receive packages or even reschedule delivery.
Pros and Cons of UPS My Choice
Pros:
- Customizable delivery options
- You can track and manage your packages easily
- Allows special delivery instructions
- You can reschedule a delivery to a more convenient time
- Regular updates on package delivery
Cons:
- You also need a UPS account to use the service
- Available for only UPS packages
Are there alternatives to Mail Forwarding?
While mail forwarding services are incredibly beneficial for individuals who travel frequently or RVers, there are other reliable alternatives:
1. PO Box
Renting a PO Box is the traditional and most affordable way of receiving mail. However, this is recommendable for people who travel occasionally, not RVers.
2. Address change
This is the easiest option for mail forwarding, especially if you are moving to a new (permanent) residence or retiring from frequent traveling. You need to visit a post office, change the address, and start receiving mail to the new address.
3. USPS General Delivery
USPS General Delivery is a postal service designed for people constantly moving from one location to another. The service allows you to change your address and receive mail at the nearby post office.
However, this service will only hold your mail for only 30 days.
4. Virtual mailbox
A virtual mailbox allows you to manage all your actions online. You don’t have to plan physical delivery because you can scan and print your mail at home or office. It is the most convenient way to manage and forward mail.
FAQs
How long will UPS hold a package?
UPS My Choice members can expect UPS to hold their package for up to 7 days for free at any UPS store or Access Point.
Why are you not receiving your forwarded mail?
The procedure may take up to 10 to 12 business days, so you must be patient. If the problem persists after waiting up to 3 weeks, check the new info you provided or contact the mailing company.
Can someone else forward your mail?
Yes. However, such a person needs your full name, address, and FedEx or UPS account to be successful.
Conclusion
FedEx and UPS offer mail forwarding services with many user-friendly features with the help of FedEx Delivery Manager and UPS My Choice. These services are best for individuals who move frequently.
They offer similar features and are only available to FedEx and UPS account owners. However, if you do not want to settle for this mode of mail forwarding and management, there are alternatives.
You can opt for a PO Box, a virtual mailbox, USPS General Delivery, or change your address at a post office.
I hope you found this guide helpful. To learn more about how some of the alternatives above work, see how to get a PO Box without a physical address.
Thanks for reading.
