FedEx shipping plays a key role for Shopify sellers who handle both domestic and international deliveries. It allows merchants to generate shipping labels, schedule pickups, and track packages directly from their Shopify store. However, managing FedEx shipments manually can quickly become time-consuming, especially when you have to schedule pickups every day and complete end-of-day submissions before dispatch.
Automating these processes makes the shipping much smoother. With tools like the PH FedEx Ship, Rate & Track App for Shopify, you can automatically schedule FedEx pickups and sync shipment details back to your Shopify orders. This not only saves time but also ensures accuracy and compliance across all FedEx shipping operations.
In This Article
- Types of FedEx Pickups
- Setting Up FedEx Pickups in Shopify
- Advanced Pickup Features Using PluginHive
- Best Practices for FedEx Pickups
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Types of FedEx Pickups
When running your Shopify store, getting your packages picked up efficiently can make a huge difference in your daily workflow. FedEx offers flexible pickup options to match your shipping frequency, whether you send out a few orders a week or ship in bulk every day.
On-Call Pickups (For Occasional Shipping)
If you only ship from time to time, an on-call pickup is your go-to option. It lets you schedule a FedEx driver to collect your packages whenever you need, without committing to a daily schedule.
FedEx offers different on-call pickup options depending on what you’re shipping:
- On-Call Parcel Pickup – For standard packages, you can schedule pickups for the next business day or up to 10 days in advance. Expedited shipments can even be picked up the same day.
- On-Call Freight Pickup – For heavier shipments over 150 lbs, FedEx offers both LTL (less-than-truckload) and air freight pickups. You can schedule these up to 10 days ahead, and you don’t even need a FedEx account to book a freight pickup.
Regularly Scheduled Pickups (For Daily Shipping)
If you’re a high-volume Shopify seller with consistent daily orders, regularly scheduled pickups make fulfillment effortless. With this option, FedEx automatically collects your packages on the days you choose; no need to manually request a pickup each time.
Features:
- Ideal for businesses that ship parcels or freight on a regular basis.
- Choose how many pickup days per week you need (at least one package is expected per pickup).
- Set up is quick; just contact your FedEx account representative to enroll.
For freight shipments over 150 lbs., recurring freight pickups are also available Monday through Friday at no additional charge.
For complete details on FedEx pickup options, including on-call and regularly scheduled services, visit Schedule a FedEx Pickup on the official FedEx website.
Setting Up FedEx Pickups in Shopify
Managing FedEx pickups directly from your Shopify store can make a huge difference, especially when you’re dealing with multiple orders every day.
That’s where the FedEx Ship, Rate & Track App by PluginHive really helps. It lets you schedule, manage, and track all your FedEx pickups right inside Shopify, so you can handle your entire shipping process from one dashboard, simple, fast, and completely hassle-free.
Here is how you can do it:
- Connect your FedEx account:
Once connected, the app automatically syncs your Shopify orders with FedEx shipping services.
- Generate shipping labels:
After an order is placed and the label is created, you’ll see all your eligible shipments in the app.
- Select orders for pickup:
Simply choose the orders you want FedEx to collect and click the Request Pickup option. As soon as you submit the request, your selected orders will appear under the Pickup tab of the app, complete with all the necessary shipment and pickup details.
Advanced Pickup Features Using the PluginHive FedEx App
If you’re looking to get more control over your FedEx pickups, the PH FedEx Ship, Rate & Track App offers some great advanced features to make your shipping process even smoother.
- Set your business hours:
You can define your company’s opening and closing times so pickups requested during that window are handled the same day. - Automatic next-day scheduling:
If a pickup is requested after your closing time, the app automatically moves it to the next business day, no manual changes needed. - Choose your pickup location:
Let FedEx know exactly where to collect your packages, whether it’s the front warehouse or the back warehouse.
These small but powerful options help you stay organized, reduce missed pickups, and keep your shipping workflow running like clockwork.
Best Practices for FedEx Pickups
To make sure your FedEx pickups run smoothly every time, it’s important to follow a few simple best practices. These tips help avoid delays, missed pickups, and miscommunication with your courier:
- Prepare packages ahead of time:
Have your parcels properly packed, labeled, and ready before your scheduled pickup window. This ensures the driver can collect them quickly without waiting. - Stick to your business hours:
Try to request pickups within your defined operating hours. If you use the PluginHive FedEx app, it will automatically handle requests made after closing by moving them to the next business day. - Use a clear pickup location:
Make sure the driver knows exactly where to go, whether it’s the front desk, loading area, or warehouse entrance. You can even define this in the PluginHive app to avoid confusion. - Monitor pickups in real time:
Use the FedEx Ship, Rate & Track App to keep an eye on your pickup requests, cancellations, and completed pickups all from your Shopify dashboard.
By following these best practices, you’ll keep your shipping operations organized, reduce last-minute hassles, and make sure every FedEx pickup happens right on schedule.
Conclusion
Automating your FedEx pickups in Shopify can make a huge difference in how smoothly your shipping runs. Instead of spending time on repetitive manual tasks, automation keeps everything organized and on schedule so you can focus on growing your business.
With the PH FedEx Ship, Rate & Track App, you can manage every part of your FedEx shipping right from your Shopify dashboard. From setting your business hours and pickup locations to automatically scheduling same-day or next-day pickups, the app takes care of the details for you.
It’s a simple, reliable way to save time, reduce errors, and make sure your packages are always ready for pickup when FedEx arrives.
FAQ’s
- What information do I need for a FedEx pickup?
When scheduling or completing a FedEx pickup, make sure you have your tracking number or door tag number ready. You’ll also need to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the pickup location. Hand these to the FedEx team member when they arrive or when dropping off your package, and sign to confirm the pickup.
- Can I leave my FedEx pickup outside?
Yes, you can leave your FedEx packages outside for pickup if you won’t be available when the driver arrives. Just make sure the weather conditions are suitable and the packages are placed in a safe, secure location.
- What’s the difference between FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery?
FedEx Ground delivers packages (150 lbs. or less) to business or commercial addresses Monday–Friday, while FedEx Home Delivery handles residential deliveries every day of the week.
