How accurate are FedEx estimated delivery time-of-day quotes?

Super Macho Man · Sep 14, 2006, 05:24 PM

So with standard ground shipping, my new iMac made it from Shanghai to my doorstep in Wisconsin in less than 24 hours - ahead of schedule. It was too fast for me to be able to plan to be home to sign for it, so I will need to try again tomorrow. Last night, I tracked my iMac and the FedEx website gave me an expected delivery time of 10:30am this morning. The tracking info says that the delivery attempt was made at 10:25. That's pretty darn close.

So for the 2nd delivery attempt, it's saying that I should expect the package at 4:30 tomorrow. I have an appointment 2:00, and I won't be home til 3. Do I need to cancel my appointment? It's pretty important. Or can I rely on that estimated time of 4:30 without worrying about missing the FedEx man?

Anyone want to share their experiences on how accurate these quoted times are?

mactastic · Sep 14, 2006, 05:28 PM

They are only as accurate as the driver is.

If you can't be around, you can always call FedEx and tell them to hold it for you at the distribution facility, then pick it up yourself after 5.

That's what I did for my wife's iBook. It beat taking the day off to try and out-guess the delivery truck.

clevin · Sep 14, 2006, 05:32 PM

never trust their estimation, go ahead arrange a pick up.

Super Macho Man · Sep 14, 2006, 06:43 PM

Can't pick it up myself - no car. I will take a gamble I guess and stay home on Monday if I lose.

todd2000 · Sep 14, 2006, 09:22 PM

Damm from China to Wisconsin in under 24hrs you say????!!!! Holy ******. I've found there estimates for delivery days to be acurate, however I've never see time estimates on there tracking site. Howed you get that?

Rasheem · Sep 14, 2006, 09:38 PM

yeah i have never seen time of day on their website. Before my Mac Pro was delivered i even called them and they couldnt give me even a time frame. Another wierd thing was two days in a row the fed ex guy came around 1 for other packages and i asked him if he usually is there the same time.And he said yes. But then when tuesday came he didnt show up till 7:30 to deliver my Mac Pro and i skipped my whole day waiting for him

clevin · Sep 14, 2006, 09:47 PM

leave a note allowing them to deliver to your neighbor, or leave the item in front of your door (VERY RISKY, and BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU do)
or change deliver address to your work place.

jaw04005 · Sep 14, 2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Macho Man

Anyone want to share their experiences on how accurate these quoted times are?

I think you're missing the point of the FedEx tracking Web site. The time listed is not the time they expect the truck to physically be at your home. The time listed is a delivery by time—the time the driver has to deliver your package. Your package could come between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If the driver fails to deliver your package within the allotted time, the shipper can request a refund.

Super Macho Man · 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todd2000

Damm from China to Wisconsin in under 24hrs you say????!!!! Holy ******. I've found there estimates for delivery days to be acurate, however I've never see time estimates on there tracking site. Howed you get that?

Super Macho Man · Sep 14, 2006, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clevin

leave a note allowing them to deliver to your neighbor, or leave the item in front of your door (VERY RISKY, and BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU do)
or change deliver address to your work place.

I think I will do that. I live in a duplex w/ an unlocked main door leading to two private units, so I may just sign the release and leave a polite note asking to put it inside the door pretty please, thank you kind sir.

xsedrinam · Sep 14, 2006, 10:01 PM

My experiences with them have been more or less within the estimated hour, but I wouldn't gamble on it. In other cases, they like surprises and will send some carrier to wake up iGary at 06:00.

beatsme · Sep 14, 2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Macho Man

Anyone want to share their experiences on how accurate these quoted times are?

my experience has been that for business deliveries you can pretty much set your watch by their ETA. For home deliveries it's hit or miss...

obeygiant · Sep 14, 2006, 10:50 PM

as soon as you leave to run a errand, they'll come by.

trust me.

Super Macho Man · Sep 17, 2006, 06:41 PM

Well they ended up coming 5 hours early, but I was home so it's all good. (pets his new iMac)

Sep 14, 2006, 05:24 PM	#1
Super Macho Man macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hollywood, CA	How accurate are FedEx estimated delivery time-of-day quotes? So with standard ground shipping, my new iMac made it from Shanghai to my doorstep in Wisconsin in less than 24 hours - ahead of schedule. It was too fast for me to be able to plan to be home to sign for it, so I will need to try again tomorrow. Last night, I tracked my iMac and the FedEx website gave me an expected delivery time of 10:30am this morning. The tracking info says that the delivery attempt was made at 10:25. That's pretty darn close. So for the 2nd delivery attempt, it's saying that I should expect the package at 4:30 tomorrow. I have an appointment 2:00, and I won't be home til 3. Do I need to cancel my appointment? It's pretty important. Or can I rely on that estimated time of 4:30 without worrying about missing the FedEx man? Anyone want to share their experiences on how accurate these quoted times are?
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 05:28 PM	#2
mactastic macrumors 68040 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Colly-fornia	They are only as accurate as the driver is. If you can't be around, you can always call FedEx and tell them to hold it for you at the distribution facility, then pick it up yourself after 5. That's what I did for my wife's iBook. It beat taking the day off to try and out-guess the delivery truck. __________________ Such is the distillation of the conservative's mindset: he has, I want, and you should allow me to take.
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How accurate is FedEx/Apple Shipping arrival?	MBAc	Buying Tips and Advice	6	Oct 27, 2010 05:12 PM
How accurate is fedex shipping weight? Mines only .5 kg	wolfie	iPad	23	Apr 29, 2010 06:58 PM
How accurate are the estimated ship/arrival dates?	JoshJosh117	iMac	0	Mar 3, 2009 07:00 PM
How accurate is the UK Delivery time estimate?	Meep	Mac Pro	15	Mar 8, 2008 11:07 AM
Is FEDEX accurate in thier estimated delivery dates?	shuweiyu16	MacBook Pro	5	May 31, 2007 11:48 PM

Sep 14, 2006, 05:32 PM	#3
clevin macrumors G3 Join Date: Aug 2006	never trust their estimation, go ahead arrange a pick up.
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 06:43 PM	#4
Super Macho Man Thread Starter macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hollywood, CA	Can't pick it up myself - no car. I will take a gamble I guess and stay home on Monday if I lose.
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 09:22 PM	#5
todd2000 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Danville, VA	Damm from China to Wisconsin in under 24hrs you say????!!!! Holy ******. I've found there estimates for delivery days to be acurate, however I've never see time estimates on there tracking site. Howed you get that?
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 09:38 PM	#6
Rasheem macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2006	yeah i have never seen time of day on their website. Before my Mac Pro was delivered i even called them and they couldnt give me even a time frame. Another wierd thing was two days in a row the fed ex guy came around 1 for other packages and i asked him if he usually is there the same time.And he said yes. But then when tuesday came he didnt show up till 7:30 to deliver my Mac Pro and i skipped my whole day waiting for him
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 09:47 PM	#7
clevin macrumors G3 Join Date: Aug 2006	leave a note allowing them to deliver to your neighbor, or leave the item in front of your door (VERY RISKY, and BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU do) or change deliver address to your work place.
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 10:01 PM	#11
xsedrinam macrumors 68040 Join Date: Oct 2004	My experiences with them have been more or less within the estimated hour, but I wouldn't gamble on it. In other cases, they like surprises and will send some carrier to wake up iGary at 06:00.
	0

Sep 14, 2006, 10:50 PM	#13
obeygiant macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Michigan	as soon as you leave to run a errand, they'll come by. trust me.
	0

Sep 17, 2006, 06:41 PM	#14
Super Macho Man Thread Starter macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hollywood, CA	Well they ended up coming 5 hours early, but I was home so it's all good. (pets his new iMac)
	0