Key points:
- FedEx Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost) is a budget-friendly option for low-weight, non-urgent packages within the US
- Get it seamlessly integrated with your store and enjoy discounted rates, automated label creation, and real-time tracking with Easyship
- Save up to 90% on FedEx shipping costs and boost efficiency with Easyship - find out how much you could save with our Shipping Rate Calculator today!
In the competitive world of eCommerce, efficient and cost-effective shipping is crucial for businesses of all sizes. FedEx Ground Economy, formerly known as FedEx SmartPost, is an effective solution, offering a balance of affordability and delivery speed for low-weight, low-value packages within the contiguous United States.
This comprehensive guide explores the popular FedEx SmartPost service and its rebrand, including the key features and benefits. Plus, find out how to integrate your store with Easyship in just a few clicks and create a delivery experience your customers love today!
Table of Contents
What is FedEx SmartPost?
FedEx SmartPost was a hybrid shipping service that utilizes a combination of FedEx's regional ground network and the United States Postal Service (USPS) for last-mile delivery.
This strategic partnership enables businesses to enjoy the efficiency of FedEx's long-haul transportation. While also leveraging the USPS's extensive reach for final delivery to residential addresses for FedEx SmartPost packages.
FedEx SmartPost, FedEx Smart Post, or FedEx Ground Economy?
In December 2022, FedEx rebranded FedEx SmartPost to FedEx Ground Economy. However, the service remains largely the same, offering a cost-effective and efficient option for shipping low-weight, low-value packages to residential addresses within the contiguous United States.
How Does FedEx SmartPost Work?
FedEx Ground Economy, formerly known as FedEx SmartPost, utilizes a hybrid shipping model that leverages the strengths of both FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to deliver packages efficiently and affordably.
Packages are initially transported by FedEx's regional ground network, covering the vast majority of the contiguous United States. Upon reaching the destination city, the package is handed over to the USPS for final delivery to residential addresses.
This partnership allows FedEx to handle the long-haul transportation, while the USPS's extensive network ensures efficient last-mile delivery. Rather than a FedEx home delivery.
FedEx Ground Economy provides comprehensive FedEx tracking number capabilities, enabling businesses and customers to monitor the shipment's progress from pickup to delivery.
Customers can track their packages through both FedEx's and the USPS's online tracking systems. FedEx-provided tracking numbers are valid until delivery, while USPS tracking numbers may become inactive after the package is transferred to the USPS for final delivery.
Benefits of Using FedEx Ground Economy for Your FedEx SmartPost Packages
FedEx Ground Economy offers a compelling suite of benefits that make it a compelling choice for growing small and medium-sized businesses:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Tailored for low-weight, low-value packages, FedEx Ground Economy delivers a balance between affordability and delivery speed, with an average transit time of 2-7 business days
- Wide Coverage: FedEx Ground Economy encompasses the entire contiguous United States, making it a convenient option for businesses shipping nationwide. This expansive coverage reaches even remote and rural areas that other carriers may struggle to access
- Enhanced Tracking: FedEx Ground Economy provides comprehensive tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to monitor their shipments from pickup to delivery. Customers can also track their packages through the USPS's online tracking system, ensuring transparency throughout the shipping process
- Ease of Integration: FedEx Ground Economy seamlessly integrates with popular eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This integrated approach streamlines the shipping process, minimizing manual effort and ensuring timely shipments
- Volume-Based Pricing: Businesses can unlock volume-based discounts that further reduce shipping costs as their volume increases. This incentive encourages growth and profitability
Identifying the Best Fit for FedEx Ground Economy
FedEx Ground Economy is particularly well-suited for SMBs with the following characteristics:
- Shipment Size: FedEx Ground Economy is ideal for low-weight, low-value packages, typically weighing less than 15 pounds
- Destination: FedEx Ground Economy covers the continental United States, making it the preferred choice for domestic shipments
- Shipping Frequency: Businesses with high shipping volumes can benefit from volume-based discounts and overall cost savings
Related post: What's the Cheapest Way to Ship Packages in 2024?
FedEx Ground Returns: Bringing Products Back Seamlessly
Looking for FedEx SmartPost returns? Maximize return efficiency and customer satisfaction with FedEx Ground Returns, the rebranded service for your FedEx SmartPost shipments. This powerful solution offers a blend of speed, convenience, and security, ensuring a smooth journey for returned products.
Benefits of FedEx Ground Returns:
- Fast and Affordable: Get your products back in your inventory quickly and process refunds efficiently with competitive shipping rates
- Total Visibility: Stay informed every step of the way with the FedEx Returns Technology dashboard. Track returns in real-time and be better prepared for their arrival
- Nationwide Convenience: Leverage our extensive network of over 50,000 drop-off locations, putting returns within easy reach for 94% of the population.
- Frictionless Options: Offer your customers multiple return methods for their comfort:
- No-label returns: Simplify the process with QR code-enabled returns at 10,000 locations (where supported)
- Box-less returns: Eliminate packaging hassle with our free poly mailer program for qualifying customers (where supported)
- Secure drop-offs: Provide peace of mind with convenient drop-off locations for all return packages
FedEx Ground delivers exceptional value for return shipments:
- Weight and size: Accommodates packages up to 150 lbs., 108" in length, and 165" in length plus girth (L+2W+2H)
- Transit and coverage: Delivers within 1-5 business days across all 50 states.
- Target segments: Ideal for micro to small merchants looking for a dependable and efficient return solution
- Label options: Generate labels conveniently through email or print them directly.
- Drop-off locations: Utilize the vast FedEx retail network for easy return drop-off
Empower your customers with a convenient and efficient return experience. Choose FedEx Ground Returns and streamline your return process today.
Unlock Faster, Cheaper Shipping: Turn Easyship into Your Secret Weapon
Easyship simplifies the process of integrating FedEx services into your eCommerce operations. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started with discounted FedEx shipping through Easyship:
- Unlock Discounted Rates: Leverage Easyship's exclusive partnership with FedEx to access discounted rates on a wide range of FedEx services, including FedEx Ground Economy for domestic shipments and FedEx International Connect Plus for global eCommerce deliveries
- Automate Shipping Label Creation: Easyship's intuitive platform allows you to quickly and easily generate shipping labels for your FedEx shipments, eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing the risk of errors
- Effortless Label Printing: Print your FedEx shipping labels directly from your computer or mobile device, eliminating the need for physical label printing and saving valuable time and resources
- Easy Integration: Seamlessly integrate Easyship with your eCommerce platform, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, to manage your shipping processes directly from your store management system. This integration streamlines the shipping workflow and eliminates manual data entry
- Real-time Tracking: Track your FedEx shipments in real-time through Easyship's centralized dashboard, providing transparency and peace of mind throughout the shipping process
- Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
Partnering for Enhanced Shipping Efficiency
By combining the cost-effectiveness of FedEx Ground Economy with the streamlined shipping capabilities of Easyship, eCommerce businesses can achieve significant benefits:
- Reduced Shipping Costs: Save up to 70% on FedEx shipping rates compared to standard rates, optimizing your margins and enhancing profitability
- Streamlined Shipping Operations: Automate your shipping processes, eliminate manual tasks, and reduce errors, freeing up time to focus on core business activities
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Deliver packages faster and more efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention
- Optimized Shipping Strategy: Gain valuable insights into shipping trends and costs, enabling you to make informed decisions and optimize your overall shipping strategy
Ready to unlock the potential of FedEx Ground Economy and Easyship? Sign up for a free Easyship account today and start enjoying discounted shipping rates, streamlined operations, and enhanced customer satisfaction. With Easyship as your partner, you can elevate your shipping efficiency and pave the way for sustainable growth in your eCommerce business.
FedEx Ground Economy and Easyship are powerful solutions that can collaborate to propel small businesses toward shipping excellence. By leveraging these tools, businesses can streamline their shipping operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. By optimizing their shipping strategies, businesses can achieve their eCommerce goals and establish a solid foundation for long-term growth.
Additional Considerations for FedEx Ground Economy
Here are some additional details to keep in mind when using the rebranded FedEx SmartPost service, FedEx Ground Economy:
- Final Delivery: FedEx Ground Economy packages are handed off to the USPS for final delivery to residential addresses. This means that Saturday delivery is not always guaranteed.
- Signature Proof: FedEx Ground Economy does not typically require signature proof of delivery. However, businesses can request signature confirmation for an additional fee.
- USPS Tracking: FedEx Ground Economy shipments can be tracked through the USPS's online tracking system.
FAQs
How does FedEx SmartPost work?
FedEx SmartPost combines FedEx for long hauls with USPS for final delivery.
Why does FedEx SmartPost have USPS tracking?
USPS tracking follows your package through the final leg with USPS.
Why does FedEx SmartPost take so long?
FedEx SmartPost uses more handoffs, leading to longer delivery times than FedEx Ground.
What is the difference between FedEx Ground and FedEx SmartPost?
FedEx Ground offers faster delivery entirely through FedEx, while FedEx SmartPost uses USPS for the final leg and is now called FedEx Ground Economy. This allows the service to be delivered to a post office box, unlike other FedEx services.
Can you ship FedEx SmartPost at USPS?
No, FedEx SmartPost is a FedEx service and requires drop-off at a FedEx location.
Can I put a SmartPost return in my mailbox?
Yes, some prepaid SmartPost returns can be left in your mailbox for USPS pickup.
Can I drop off a FedEx package at my local post office?
No, FedEx packages must be dropped off at a FedEx location or authorized shipper.
What happens if I drop off a FedEx package at USPS?
Dropping a FedEx package at USPS will likely cause delays as they have to transfer it to FedEx.
