Return shipping labels

Create a shipping label for a single package or envelope. When you ship as a guest, you can:

• Create a label without a FedEx account using a credit card
• Email a label to yourself or your recipient

Create multiple shipping labels for yourself or for a business. When you create an account, you can:

• Get discounts on shipping
• Store and manage address info for fast label creation
• Create multiple labels at once

It’s simple and quick to create a label from our mobile app. In just a few taps, you’ll have a QR code on your screen. Show that code to a team member, and they’ll take care of printing. You can also print the label on your home printer directly from the app. Learn more about our mobile app or download it today.

Bulk label creation

Can you create shipping labels in bulk?

Yes! We have bulk label options. We can help by printing and delivering time-sensitive shipping labels for bulk shipments right to your fulfillment or distribution center ready for you to place on your shipments.  

Contact your account representative or get more information on bulk labels

Labels for special shipping needs

What types of labels are best for recycled boxes?

Hot-melt adhesives work best because they bond well with the shorter corrugated box fibers of recycled content. To request our label developed specifically for recycled boxes, contact packagingservices@fedex.com. Or you can use a tire/crate label, which also contains a hot-melt adhesive.  

How do I label an unboxed item, such as luggage, or a tire or rug?

It depends on the item. If it has a rubber, wood, or plastic surface, you need a tire/crate label. It has a special adhesive that is designed to stick to non-corrugated box applications. A tire/crate label is a smart choice for rolled goods, such as rugs or fabric, that are wrapped in heavy-duty plastic.

For other shipments, such as auto parts, luggage, and transit cases, you can use a tie-on tag. Wrap the tag around the item, or a handle on the item, and secure it with a provided zip tie. Then attach your label or pouch to the tag.

What label is best for wooden crates or plastic totes?

If you’re shipping a wooden crate or plastic tote, use a tire/crate label. It has a special adhesive that’s made for non-corrugated box surfaces.

Do temperature-sensitive shipments require special labels?

Yes. If your perishable shipment contains dry ice, gel packs, or wet ice, you’ll need a moisture-resistant poly label. It is designed not to wrinkle, smear, or tear when a package sweats in warm temperatures.

Can I order labels from FedEx?

Yes, you can. Use your FedEx account info to log in and order labels and other supplies. 

Can I use non-FedEx labels?

You can, but they must meet our adhesion standards. According to a recent study by the FedEx Packaging Lab, only 48% of third-party labels used by our customers met those standards. If you have non-FedEx labels you’d like to use, contact packagingservices@fedex.com to determine if they meet our expectations.

Printing shipping labels

Can I reprint a label?

To reprint a label, click the Ship History tab at the top of your FedEx Ship Manager^® screen. Select a shipment from the list and then select Reprint. The Reprint label option should only be used if the label has been created but not yet scanned by FedEx. Using the same label to ship multiple shipments is fraudulent and could result in additional billing charges, along with the cancellation of your FedEx account number. If you are using FedEx Ship Manager^® Lite, you cannot reprint a label.

Can I print labels in advance?

You can print labels up to 10 days in advance for FedEx expedited parcel shipments and up to five days in advance for FedEx air freight shipments.

Can I create labels online and print them at a FedEx location?

Yes, you can easily create shipping labels on fedex.com and have them printed at a location that's convenient for you. For more information about this option, see the How to print a shipping label section.

Can I create labels in the mobile app and print them at a FedEx location?

Yes! Creating labels in the FedEx^® Mobile app is quick and easy, and you don't need a printer at home. When you create a label this way, the app will issue you a QR code. Just save it to your phone and visit a FedEx Office or participating FedEx Ship Center^® location. One of our team members will scan your QR code and print your label in the store.

Can I create labels online and print them at a FedEx location?

Yes, you have a couple of options:

• Create a label on your phone with the FedEx^® Mobile app, and the app will issue you a barcode. Just save the barcode to your phone and visit a FedEx Office or participating FedEx Ship Center location. One of our team members will scan your barcode and print your label in the store.
• Create shipping labels on fedex.com and have them printed at a FedEx location. For more information on this option, see the How to print a shipping label section.

Why aren’t my thermal labels printing correctly?

You may need to clean your printhead to remove dust or residue. Use a cleaning card that was provided in the box of thermal labels. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the printhead. Learn more about how daily printer maintenance can improve your label quality.

Expired labels

Do shipping labels expire?

FedEx shipping labels do expire, but expiration dates vary. Typically, emailed labels are printable for up to two years. Once you print the label, you usually have two weeks to use it before it expires.

Canceled, lost or unused labels

What if I create a label but don't ship my package before the label expires?

Once you're ready to ship your package, you'll need to discard the old label and create a new one. You don't need to do anything to cancel your original label, and you won't be charged for it.

Can I cancel my shipping label?

Yes, you can cancel a shipment any time before we scan your package. Just log in to your account, click the Ship History tab, select the shipment and click Cancel. To cancel a label you created using a credit card in FedEx Ship Manager, please call customer support . 

What if I lost my shipping label?

In that case, you'll need to create a new one. (You won't be charged for the lost label if it wasn't used.) If you received a preprinted label in your package, you can ask the sender to email you a new label.

Will I be charged if I don’t use my shipping label? 

No, your account is only charged when we scan the label. You aren’t charged if you create a label but don’t send the shipment. If you created the label using a credit card, the charge will show as “pending” on your account for seven to 10 days. The charge will not be finalized unless the package is scanned within that time.

Tracking notifications

Why was I notified that my package was shipped, but the tracking info says that a label has been created?

If the seller has created the label online, the tracking status automatically updates to “Shipped.” The tracking number won’t show you any actual location information or delivery updates until we scan your package. 

Does the delivery time start when I create my label? 

No, the delivery time starts when we scan the package. The ship date on the label should match the date that you plan to get the package to us. 

Label placement

Where do I place the label on my box?

Attach the label (or the pouch that holds the label) to the package’s largest surface.

• If you’re using a pouch, be sure to seal it after inserting the label.
• Use ample pressure to apply the label, making sure all edges are stuck to the box.
• Avoid placing the label, barcode, or pouch over the middle seam or edge of a box. If the shape or size of the box makes that impossible, rotate the label or pouch so that the address is on one side of the edge or seam and the barcode is on the other. The goal is to make sure the barcode is flat so that it can be read by a scanner. If it crosses over a seam or edge, it can wrinkle and cause scanning issues.
• Make sure you don’t apply tape over the barcode. This includes clear tape. It can cause reflection issues with overhead scanners.

How do I attach a label to handles for items like luggage, ski bags, and transit cases?

You can use a tear-resistant tie-on tag. Wrap the tag around the handle and secure it with a zip tie that’s provided with the tag. Then place your label or pouch on the tag.  

Cost

How much does a shipping label cost?

Shipping costs depend on the service and speed you select, the distance to the destination and the size and weight of the package. Usually, the farther your package is shipped, the more shipping will cost. Tell us more about your shipment to get exact costs.  

I’m a customer, and I need to return a package.

If the retailer didn’t provide you with a return label, check with them to see if they can send you one to print and use. If not, you’ll need to create a shipping label online or go to a FedEx location for help. Visit the returns page to learn how to return a shipment with FedEx.

I’m a retailer, and I need to provide prepaid return labels to my customers.

You can create a return label online at fedex.com and print or email it to your customer. Or, you can create QR code labels and manage your returns with FedEx Returns Technology.  

Looking for the right electronic shipping tools for your business? 

One of these solutions might be right for you: 

• Ship from anywhere, as long as you have internet access, a printer and a FedEx account number. Get details about FedEx Ship Manager at fedex.com.
• If you’re shipping fewer than 150 packages a day but still need the ability to customize reports and coordinate with FedEx systems, try FedEx Ship Manager^® Software.
• If you’re a high-volume shipper and you need to integrate shipping into your existing processes, consider FedEx Ship Manager^® Server.
• If you’re a high-volume shipper and want to allow customers to track the status of their shipments directly from your e-commerce platform, explore FedEx Web Services.
  
  

Talk to your sales rep for help finding the best shipping solution for your business.

If you don’t have a sales rep, chat with one now by clicking the button under the “I have questions for a sales expert” heading.