A FedEx Ship Center is a retail location where you can drop off packages, buy shipping supplies, and pay for FedEx services without going through a FedEx corporate office
FedEx Ship Centers are independently owned and operated by franchisees, not by FedEx itself. You walk in, hand over your package, pay the shipping cost, and leave — much like a post office, but for FedEx services only. They handle FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, FedEx Home Delivery, and FedEx Freight shipments depending on the location.
The main difference between a Ship Center and other places that ship FedEx (like UPS stores or Walgreens) is that Ship Centers focus only on FedEx. They typically have more FedEx service options, more experienced staff about FedEx-specific rules, and sometimes lower prices because they do higher volume.
Ship Centers are not the same as FedEx Office locations. FedEx Office handles printing, copying, and document services alongside shipping. A Ship Center is shipping only, though some locations may also offer basic packing supplies or mailbox rental.
Key Takeaways
- FedEx Ship Centers are independently owned franchises that handle FedEx shipments only, with no printing or copying services.
- You can drop off packages for FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, and other FedEx services at any Ship Center without an appointment.
- Hours and services vary by location, so checking the specific center's details before you go saves a trip.
- Ship Centers typically charge the same rates as FedEx.com, but some offer discounts for regular shippers or bulk packages.
How to find a FedEx Ship Center near you
Go to fedex.com and use the "Find a Location" tool. Enter your address or zip code, then filter the results to show only "FedEx Ship Centers." The tool shows hours, phone number, and services offered at each location.
You can also call 1-800-463-3339 to ask for the nearest Ship Center. Have your zip code ready. The representative will give you the address and hours.
Some Ship Centers are inside other businesses — a grocery store, a pharmacy, or a small retail shop — so the location name in the search results may not say "FedEx" at the start. Read the full name and address carefully before you go.
What you can do at a FedEx Ship Center
You can drop off packages for any FedEx service: FedEx Ground (slower, cheaper), FedEx Express (overnight or 2-day), FedEx Home Delivery (residential ground), and FedEx Freight (for pallets and heavy shipments). The staff will weigh your package, calculate the cost based on weight and destination, and print a label.
You can also purchase shipping supplies at most Ship Centers: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. Prices are usually higher than buying online, but useful if you need supplies the same day.
Some Ship Centers offer mailbox rental, hold packages for pickup, or print custom labels if you bring your own boxes. Call ahead to confirm whether the specific location offers these services.
What you need to bring
Bring the package itself and a way to pay (cash, card, or check). You do not need to have a FedEx account or print a label beforehand — the Ship Center staff will create one for you.
If you are shipping something fragile, hazardous, or oversized, tell the staff when you arrive. Some items (like lithium batteries, paint, or certain liquids) have shipping restrictions. The staff will tell you whether FedEx can ship it and what the cost is.
If you are returning a FedEx package that came to you, bring the original label or tracking number so the staff can process it as a return.
Hours and cutoff times
Hours vary widely by location. Some Ship Centers open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on weekdays; others stay open until 8 p.m. or open on Saturday. A few close on Sunday.
Cutoff times — the last moment you can drop off a package for same-day processing — also vary. FedEx Express cutoff is usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., but FedEx Ground may have a later cutoff. Call the specific location to confirm the cutoff time for the service you need.
If you miss the cutoff, your package ships the next business day. Dropping off after hours is not an option at most Ship Centers, unlike some FedEx Office locations that have after-hours drop boxes.
Pricing and discounts
FedEx Ship Centers charge the same rates as FedEx.com for most shipments. You do not pay extra for using a physical location instead of ordering online.
Some Ship Centers offer discounts if you ship regularly or in bulk. Ask the staff whether they have a loyalty program or volume pricing. A few locations offer small discounts (usually 5 to 10 percent) for customers who ship more than a certain number of packages per month.
Shipping supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) are sold at retail prices, which are higher than buying in bulk online. If you ship frequently, buying supplies online and bringing them to the Ship Center to use their scale and label printer may be cheaper.
FedEx Ship Center versus other shipping options
| Location Type | Services | Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Ship Center | FedEx shipping only; no printing or copying | Varies; usually 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays | FedEx-only shipments; higher volume shippers |
| FedEx Office | FedEx shipping plus printing, copying, mailbox rental | Often longer hours; some open early or late | Shipping plus document services in one stop |
| UPS Store | UPS and FedEx shipping; mailbox rental; some printing | Varies; often longer than Ship Centers | Shipping multiple carriers from one location |
| Post Office | USPS shipping; some FedEx services at select locations | Standard post office hours | USPS Priority Mail or First Class; occasional FedEx |
If you ship only FedEx and want the lowest cost, a Ship Center is usually the best choice. If you ship multiple carriers (FedEx and UPS) or need printing services, a UPS Store or FedEx Office may be more convenient. If you ship USPS regularly, the post office is still the standard option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop off a FedEx package at a Ship Center without a label?
Yes. The staff will weigh your package, ask for the destination address, and print a label for you. You pay at the counter. You do not need to have ordered the shipment online or have a FedEx account.
What time do packages get picked up from a FedEx Ship Center?
Packages you drop off are processed the same day if you arrive before the cutoff time for that service. FedEx Ground usually cuts off at 7 p.m. or later; FedEx Express cuts off earlier, usually 5 or 6 p.m. Call the location to confirm.
Can I return a FedEx package at a Ship Center?
Yes. Bring the package and the original tracking number or label. The staff will process it as a return shipment and charge you the return shipping cost, or deduct it from a refund if the sender paid for return shipping.
Do FedEx Ship Centers offer packing services?
Most do not. They will weigh and label your package, but you pack it yourself. Some locations sell packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) if you need them. FedEx Office locations offer full packing services if you need help.
Is there a FedEx Ship Center open on Sunday?
Some are, but most are not. Use the FedEx location finder or call ahead to check Sunday hours at the specific center you plan to visit. FedEx Office locations are more likely to be open on Sunday than Ship Centers.