# FedEx Tracking Not Updating: Causes, Wait Times, and Fixes
> FedEx says gaps over 24 hours are not unusual in transit, but once your U.S. package is at least 1 day past its delivery date, open a support ticket.
- **Author**: Charles Helms
- **Published**: 2022-04-07
- **Updated**: 2026-10-21
- **Category**: fedex
- **URL**: https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-tracking-not-updating/
---
FedEx itself says it is not unusual for a shipment to go more than 24 hours without an update, especially during long transit. First, check our [FedEx tracking hub](https://trackingadvice.com/carriers/fedex/) and see whether tracking shows only "Label created." Once a U.S. package is delayed at least 1 day past its scheduled delivery date, you can submit a support ticket. FedEx closes on Nov. 26 and Dec. 25 and runs modified service around them, so tracking pauses around those dates are expected.
FedEx Tracking Is Not Updating
A FedEx tracking page that stops changing is usually a scan gap, not a lost package.
## How long can FedEx tracking go without an update?
A FedEx tracking page that sits still for a day is common. **FedEx says it is "not unusual for a shipment to go more than 24 hours without an update, especially during long transit."** A quiet screen on day one is routine transit, not an emergency. (No, refreshing the page every hour will not add a scan.)
| Tracking shows | What it means | What to do now |
| ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Label created, no delivery date | "The shipping label has been created for your package." A delivery date is not added until FedEx has taken possession of the package. | If days pass with no change, contact the seller, because FedEx cannot track a package it does not have yet. |
| On the way / Departed FedEx location, no new scan | "Your package is on its way to the destination. It could be in transit or at a FedEx facility." | Allow normal transit time between facilities; scans regularly pause while packages move between sorting hubs. |
| Exception | "Your package is delayed due to unavoidable circumstances such as extreme weather or customs delays." | Review tracking notes and check active disruptions on the FedEx service alerts page. |
| Delivery updated / new date | "Due to a request or delay, we've updated the shipment's estimated delivery date." | Note the revised delivery date and monitor tracking for the next arrival scan. |
| Delivery date passed by 1+ day | The delivery commitment date has elapsed without a confirmed delivery scan. | Open an online support ticket via Manage Delivery on the tracking details page. |
_Verified on the carrier's website._
Standard FedEx Ground delivers in 1-5 business days, while [FedEx Ground Economy](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/ground/economy.html) typically delivers in 2-7 business days, with longer delivery timelines outside the contiguous 48 states. Both deliver Monday through Sunday. Ground Economy was formerly called SmartPost; see our [FedEx SmartPost guide](https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-smart-post/). Once the driver arrives, FedEx provides free picture proof of delivery or delivery attempt directly within tracking.
How Long does It Take FedEx to Scan a Package?
FedEx tracking updates pause while shipments move between sorting terminals.
## Why FedEx tracking stops updating
A stalled FedEx tracking page usually means one of five things: FedEx does not have the box yet, the box is between scans, an exception, a holiday closure, or a missed delivery date. **The exact status wording tells you which one you have.**
### 1. FedEx does not have the package yet
When tracking displays "Label created," the seller printed postage online. FedEx says a delivery date is not added until FedEx has taken possession of the package. If it stays that way for days, the seller most likely has not handed the box to FedEx yet.
A "Label created" status is a promise from the seller, not from FedEx.
### 2. Long transit between scans
After a [departed FedEx location](https://trackingadvice.com/departed-fedex-location/) scan, tracking shows "On the way" or [FedEx in transit](https://trackingadvice.com/in-transit-mean-fedex/). A FedEx package not moving on your screen is usually just between scans: FedEx says scan frequency varies, and more than 24 hours without one is not unusual on long transit. The same pattern shows up with every carrier, as our guide to a [package not moving](https://trackingadvice.com/why-is-my-package-not-moving/) explains.
### 3. An exception halted movement
FedEx logs an "Exception" when transit is interrupted. According to official FedEx status definitions, an exception means "Your package is delayed due to unavoidable circumstances such as extreme weather or customs delays."
### 4. Holiday closures and peak volume
Tracking pauses when FedEx facilities close. The 2026 closed and modified-service days are in the holiday table below.
### 5. The delivery date has passed
If the delivery date passes without a delivery scan, tracking may show "Delivery updated." FedEx defines this as: "Due to a request or delay, we've updated the shipment's estimated delivery date." If your page says [scheduled delivery pending](https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-scheduled-delivery-pending/) instead, that guide explains what the status means.
## FedEx tracking during the 2026 holiday peak
FedEx closes on three days from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day and runs modified service on four more, so tracking gaps around those dates are expected. **Counting only active FedEx operating days gives you a realistic view of transit progress during peak weeks.**
On closed days (Nov. 26, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1), FedEx runs no package pickups or deliveries, so no scans occur.
| Date | FedEx Parcel Network Status | Impact on Scans and Movement |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Nov. 25, 2026 | Modified service | Early on-call pickups and drop box pickups (including Drop Box closures) in some areas |
| Nov. 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving) | Closed | Closed; no package pickups or deliveries; FedEx Office closed |
| Nov. 27, 2026 | Modified service | Early on-call pickups and drop box pickups (including Drop Box closures) in some areas |
| Dec. 23, 2026 | Open | Normal operations, hub sorting, and deliveries |
| Dec. 24, 2026 (Christmas Eve) | Modified service | Early on-call pickups and drop box pickups; FedEx Ground pickups modified |
| Dec. 25, 2026 (Christmas Day) | Closed | Closed; no package pickups or deliveries; FedEx Office closed |
| Dec. 26, 2026 | Open | Normal operations, hub sorting, and deliveries |
| Dec. 31, 2026 (New Year's Eve) | Modified service | Early on-call pickups and drop box pickups; FedEx Ground pickups modified |
| Jan. 1, 2027 (New Year's Day) | Closed | Closed; no package pickups or deliveries |
| Jan. 2, 2027 | Open | Normal operations, hub sorting, and deliveries |
_Verified on the carrier's website._
FedEx charges its highest 2026 demand surcharges from Nov. 23 to Dec. 27, as detailed on its [demand surcharges page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/rate-changes/demand-surcharges.html). That is FedEx's own signal of its busiest weeks, and the best time to expect FedEx delays.
If your box falls behind during peak weeks, do not count on a refund. Effective Feb. 12, 2026, the [FedEx money-back guarantee](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/service-guide/money-back-guarantee.html) applies for U.S. payors only to FedEx First Overnight, Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2Day A.M. (including contract Extra Hours versions), and select international tiers (International First, International Priority, International Priority Express, and freight/DirectDistribution versions). The money-back guarantee for all other services (including FedEx Ground, Home Delivery, Ground Economy, 2Day, and Express Saver) remains suspended until further notice.
Active transport disruptions also pause tracking updates. The [FedEx service alerts page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/service-alerts.html) lists weather and other disruptions. As of Oct. 21, 2026, it shows a Middle East service update with extended transit times and no money-back guarantee refund eligibility. For planning order cutoffs, review the [FedEx 2026 holiday closures](https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-holidays/) and broader [holiday shipping deadlines for all carriers](https://trackingadvice.com/holiday-shipping-deadlines-2026/).
## Why the FedEx delivery map is not working
The FedEx delivery map not working usually means one of two things: your shipment has no estimated delivery time window yet, or it is not eligible for map view. **According to the [FedEx map view guide](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/faqs/receiving/tracking-questions/how-to-track-with-map-view.html), map view is a dynamic view of the delivery route that appears only when an estimated delivery time window exists and the shipment meets eligibility rules.** You can access map view by looking for the map icon on the tracking page at fedex.com/tracking or by logging in to FedEx Delivery Manager. The FedEx tracking tool displays a 4-hour estimated delivery window if available.
## What to check before you contact FedEx
Before you call customer support, look up your shipment on fedex.com to clarify whether you need an agent. **These quick checks show whether FedEx actually has the package and whether an official delay is already on file.**
1. Re-enter the tracking number on the official [FedEx tracking page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html) to rule out simple typos.
2. Review status wording against official FedEx definitions to understand [what each tracking status means](https://trackingadvice.com/tracking-status-meanings/): "Label created" indicates documentation only; "We have your package" confirms network entry; "On the way" reflects facility transit; "Out for delivery" means loading onto a delivery vehicle; and "Returning to shipper" indicates a recall or maximum delivery attempts.
3. Look for "Exception" or "Delivery updated" notices that detail specific operational holds, severe weather events, or newly assigned delivery dates.
4. Check the [FedEx service alerts page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/service-alerts.html) to see if power outages, natural disasters, or regional weather events affect facilities along your route.
5. Access FedEx Delivery Manager, a free service that provides delivery notifications, picture proof of delivery, map view access, delivery address redirects, and vacation holds for up to 14 days.
A man is holding a package and talking with a lady
Checking your status on fedex.com confirms whether FedEx has accepted the package into its network.
## How to start a FedEx support ticket for a delayed package
FedEx gives a clear trigger for a support ticket on a late U.S. package. **Per the [FedEx delayed package guide](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/faqs/file-a-claim/customer-support/package-delayed-lost.html), you can start a support ticket once a U.S. package is delayed by at least 1 day.** Before that point, there is nothing for a ticket to chase.
Follow these steps to submit a support ticket online:
1. Enter your tracking number on the [FedEx tracking page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html).
2. Open the Manage Delivery menu located on the tracking details screen.
3. Select "Start Support Ticket" if displayed for your delayed package.
4. Sign in to your registered FedEx account or proceed using guest authentication.
5. Review ticket progress, upload additional documentation, or close the case by clicking Manage Ticket on the tracking page, or by submitting your case number or tracking number on the [FedEx customer support page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support.html).
FedEx sends case updates by SMS or email.
| Support Channel | Details | Purpose |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Phone: 1.800.GoFedEx (1.800.463.3339) | USA and Canada customer service; also cargo claims inquiries | Talk to an agent about a delay or a claim |
| Online Support Ticket | Ticket number format begins with "C-" followed by digits | Resolving U.S. packages delayed by at least 1 day |
_Verified on the carrier's website._
If the phone menu will not let you through, our guide shows how to [reach a real person at FedEx](https://trackingadvice.com/how-do-i-speak-to-a-human-at-fedex/) at 1.800.463.3339.
Have the following details ready when contacting support:
- The full tracking number
- The original ship date
- The exact tracking status text shown online
- A screenshot showing the original scheduled delivery date and any 4-hour delivery window
## Does no tracking update mean FedEx lost the package?
No tracking update does not mean FedEx lost your package. **FedEx does not publish a fixed number of days after which it declares a package lost.** If your package hasn't moved in days during the holiday rush, check the closure table above before you assume the worst.
When a shipment truly goes missing, you resolve it by filing a claim.
| Claim Type | Shipment Scope | Filing Deadline |
| ------------------------------------ | ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Damaged shipment or missing contents | U.S. packages | Within 60 calendar days of the ship date |
| Damaged shipment or missing contents | International packages | Within 21 calendar days of the ship date |
| Undelivered or lost shipment | U.S. packages | Within 90 calendar days of the ship date |
| Undelivered or lost shipment | International packages | Within nine months of the ship date |
The [FedEx claims page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html) gives nine months for every lost shipment, but the U.S. terms in the [FedEx Service Guide 2026](https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/Service_Guide_2026.pdf) require a written claim within 90 calendar days when FedEx fails to deliver. The Service Guide is the contract, so plan on 90 days for a U.S. package.
_Verified on the carrier's website._
When a shipment is lost or undelivered, recipients have three options: contact the merchant to request a replacement, ask the merchant to file a claim, or file a claim on their own through the [FedEx claims page](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html). For claims instructions, read our guides on handling a [FedEx lost package](https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-lost-package/) and how to [file a carrier shipping claim](https://trackingadvice.com/file-a-shipping-claim/). If your tracking indicates [FedEx says delivered but you never got it](https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-says-my-package-was-delivered-but-it-wasnt/), or shows [out for delivery but never arrived](https://trackingadvice.com/fedex-out-for-delivery-but-not-delivered/) before 8 p.m., those are delivery problems, not tracking gaps, and each has its own guide.
## Mistakes that cost time
Two FedEx tracking mistakes cost people the most time. **Match your next step to the status, not to your nerves.**
1. Waiting weeks to report missing shipments: FedEx lets you start a support ticket once a U.S. package is at least 1 day late, so use it then.
2. Filing formal claims for routine transit delays: Submitting loss claims while a box is simply delayed creates pointless paperwork, whereas late movement belongs in an online support ticket.
## FAQ
### Does FedEx tracking always update?
No. FedEx tracking does not update continuously. According to FedEx, scan frequency varies between pickup and delivery, and it is not unusual for a shipment to go more than 24 hours without an update during long transit.
### How long should I wait if FedEx tracking is not updating?
A gap of more than 24 hours without an update is not unusual during long transit. The one clear trigger FedEx gives is when a U.S. package is at least 1 day past its scheduled delivery date; then you can start an online support ticket under Manage Delivery.
### How long before a FedEx package is considered lost?
FedEx does not publish a fixed number of days after which it declares a package lost. For a lost U.S. package, file a formal claim within 90 calendar days of the ship date, the deadline in the FedEx Service Guide. The claims page allows nine months, which matches the Service Guide only for international shipments.
### What happens if FedEx 2Day shipping is late?
The FedEx money-back guarantee for 2Day is suspended, so a late 2Day package does not get a guaranteed refund. If your shipment is delayed by at least 1 day, submit an online support ticket or call customer service at 1.800.463.3339.
### Why does FedEx keep changing my delivery date?
FedEx displays "Delivery updated" when an update occurs, stating: "Due to a request or delay, we've updated the shipment's estimated delivery date." If your U.S. package is delayed by at least 1 day past that date, you can open an online support ticket under Manage Delivery.
### Does "Label created" mean FedEx has my package?
No. "Label created" means the shipper generated the shipping label, but FedEx has not taken possession of the package. A delivery date is not added until FedEx takes possession of the box.