FedEx Freight Tries to Simplify Shipping Through Zip Code Based Rates


fedex rates by zipcode

FedEx, headquartered in Memphis TN, has announced a change in shipping rate calculations of freight shipments. Starting January 4, 2016, rates will be based on a zone chart using zip codes as its basis.

But unlike the maps with big colored blocks that many may be familiar with, the calculator provided by FedEx used to determine shipping costs under the new system does something a bit different.

Here’s an example of the listing you’ll get when you put a zip code into the calculator.

FedEx-new bkgd

Customers creating new accounts after the January rollout will automatically be placed on the new freight zone-based rates. Existing customers will not automatically be moved into the system, but they may request to be moved by contacting their FedEx account executive or calling 1-866-393-4585. There will be no changes in how customers fill out their Bills of Lading.

You go to the FedEx Freight Zone Locator . You fill out the form including your Zip Code number. This generates a list of Zip Codes and corresponding zones based on your shipping location related too the Zip Code you entered. You can get this list in PDF or spreadsheet format. From this document you select the first three numbers off  the zip code where you want to ship an item. Then look for the number of the zone next to it.

You then go to the Freight-Zone Pricing Page, select the zone-based rate table marked “Within the Contiguous United States” (Assuming that’s where your  customers are located.)

Starting January 4, 2016, you can find FedEx Freight Zone-based rates here.

You can also fill in this form to calculate the rate and transit time of your package.

Regular FedEx Ground delivery has had a zone map with colored blocks for some time now and will continue to operate the same as before.

fedexmap v2

 

FedEx incorporated as FDX in 1997. That year it acquired Caliber Systems Inc., which included several ground and freight shipping companies. The name FedEx came from a previous incarnation of the company, an air shipping company called Federal Express.

FedEx Truck Photo via Shutterstock

2 Comments ▼

JoAnn McFarland JoAnn McFarland is a Staff Writer for Small Business Trends. She covers breaking news such as new product announcements, government policy, acquisitions and other industry developments. She is a published author and comes from a family-business background.

2 Reactions
  1. Makes it easier to know how much the fees are per location. This makes it easier for online shoppers like me to know if I’m paying my seller the right fee.

  2. Not simple at all…after downloading 10 files I still am wondering why I would not just use a TMS system that produces the rate instantly. This only adds complexity to a LTL system. Density based with Zone then ok but allowing for both Class and Zone is a bit scary along with other tables to check for pick up locations outside of the 3 digit DMA world. Use a CZAR and you will get more accurate and balanced rates.