There are too many packages during the peak season! FedEx announces suspension of some refund guarantees!

FedEx Corp. has said it will suspend its refund guarantee for most peak-season domestic and export air express deliveries starting December 13. The express giant said in a note recently posted on its online service guide that the suspension of the refund guarantee will be extended from December 13 to January 2.

The suspension of the money-back guarantee applies to six next-day delivery services in the U.S. and four international services, including the company's freight-supported expedited delivery service.

This marks the third consecutive year that FedEx has suspended certain air express shipments during what is considered the highest demand period of the holiday cycle.

Delivery carriers have traditionally offered refund guarantees for delayed or missed deliveries, as long as the affected shipper can provide the original service commitment and sufficient evidence of the delayed or missed delivery. However, FedEx and rival UPS suspended all refund guarantees in the spring of 2020 as the online transaction volume surged due to the pandemic, and their delivery volume was so huge that it was difficult to maintain service guarantees.

UPS said late last week that it had no plans to change its money-back guarantee policy for peak season. Now, with the exception of Next Day Air, FedEx does not appear to be reinstating its money-back guarantee. Judging from recent public comments by UPS CEO Carol Tomei, who told Bloomberg in late October that “when you deliver at 98% efficiency, you don’t need a service guarantee,” it seems unlikely that the company will fully reinstate its money-back guarantee program.

In its note announcing the suspension of its peak season money-back guarantee, FedEx said the status of the full money-back guarantee “is under ongoing evaluation, and our focus remains on continuing to provide the best possible service to our customers during this uncertain time.

Editor ✎Estella/

Disclaimer: This article is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission.