Since early 2020, there has been an increase in online shopping worldwide. Online shippers want same-day shipping. Shipping companies and parcel carriers are scrambling to meet customers’ expectations. Nonetheless, some shipments do not reach the customers on time. Also, FedEx and UPS may return the parcels due to numerous reasons. This article will explore our top reasons for FedEx and UPS returns.
Cause for return shipments
Customers will have no use for holiday gifts after the holiday season is over. In short, your customer would like to return these parcels to the senders. Sometimes, parcel carriers return packages. Shipping carriers cite many reasons for return shipments. We, at Audintel, found these top reasons for UPS and FedEx returns.
Our top reasons for UPS and FedEx returns
Incorrect address
A misspelled customer’s address or a wrong apartment number is the cause of most return shipments. In addition, if the recipient of the package has moved to another location, the address needs an update. FedEx and UPS both levy a hefty surcharge for address correction. The software solutions offered by Audintel identify these address corrections for our clients.
Package delivery refused or unclaimed
A cause of return shipment is when the recipient refuses to accept the package. Also, the recipient reschedules the delivery of packages and does not pick them up within five business days. The parcel is termed unclaimed and returned to the sender. At times, customers cancel packages and refuse the delivery. As a consequence, shippers lose shipping costs.
Improper documentation
For domestic US shipments, documents like commercial invoices, shipping labels, and tracking labels are necessary. An error in the documentation is a cause for return shipment by FedEx and UPS carriers. Until the documents are verified and error-free, the packages will be held at the carriers’ distribution centers.
Customs clearance documentation for international shipments
For FedEx and UPS international shipments, documents such as certificate of origin, commercial invoice, electronic export information, shipping labels, packing list are necessary. If shippers miss any documents or provide unverified documents, the package is on hold at the customs. Improper paperwork is a cause for UPS as well as FedEx return shipments.
Lack of valid proof of identification
FedEx and UPS return happen due to invalid proof of identification of the recipient. A driver’s license or a passport can give valid proof of identification. Even if someone else is authorized to receive the packages, the recipient should have valid photo ID proof.
Delivery delay by parcel carriers
FedEx and UPS have to refund money to the shippers when there is a delay in delivering packages. The delay could be due to various reasons. The parcel carriers face many service failures. The request for a refund from the parcel carriers is a long process. Audintel can help shippers in this regard. We had discussed this topic in our earlier blogs.
Non-delivery of restricted items
Hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries, chemicals, fresh food, uncut gems, ammunition, etc., are restricted items according to FedEx and Ups policies. These items will face returns from FedEx and UPS to the senders.
Closure of businesses
Many businesses have shut down or temporarily closed in the past two years. In such a situation, FedEx and UPS have faced many return shipments.
Processing error
If there is labeling or a scanning error by FedEx or UPS, it is known as a processing error. The packages are redirected to the sender due to processing errors by parcel carriers. Shippers can contact FedEx customer service or UPS customer service for further details.
Weather-related delays
Severe weather conditions cause a delay in shipments. There is a rescheduling of the shipment delays for the next business day delivery. Customers may cancel the order, and return shipments occur. It leads to loss for shippers. In addition, shippers are not eligible for Money-Back Guarantee (MBG) or Guaranteed Service Refund (GSR) due to weather-related delays.
What are FedEx and UPS return shipping solutions?
UPS Return shipping solutions
UPS offers several options to its customers to simplify return shipments. They offer the convenience of a pre-printed return label, which accompanies the package. UPS also gives UPS Electronic Return Label directly by email to the recipient. In addition, UPS drivers will collect the return shipment from the recipient’s address. UPS allows recipients to drop off return shipments at a UPS store without a label or a box.
FedEx Return shipping solutions
Just like UPS, FedEx has options to return a package. If the recipient has a label for the return shipment, they can drop off the packages at FedEx retail and contactless FedEx Drop Box locations. Even a QR code return label is sufficient to return the package at a FedEx drop off location nearby. Recipients can also create a return label on fedex.com for returning the parcels. In addition, FedEx’s global returns solutions help shippers improve customer loyalty and monitor their supply chain expenses.
How does Audintel help?
Audintel helps shipping companies by providing visibility of the return packages along with the reasons. Audintel reports help the shippers to analyze the return packages and take corrective measures for future shipments by avoiding the cost incurred on the return packages. Our dashboards provide the details of return packages based on the services also.
Final Remarks
Shipping companies need to make the return process as easy as the order process. Customers will prefer a company that gave a positive shopping experience, even returning a package. In addition, shippers will opt for the parcel carriers that make the return process easy for them and their customers. So, do you have a return shipment that needs our expertise, then contact us on how to go about it? For further advice and services, call us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.