Shipping stuff feels like it should be easy. It isn't. You've got a box, some tape, and a deadline, but then you realize you actually have to figure out how to make a FedEx label that won't get rejected by a disgruntled sorting machine in Memphis. It’s annoying. Honestly, most people think they need a secret corporate account or a bulky thermal printer that costs three hundred bucks just to send a birthday gift or a return package.
That's just not true.
Whether you're running a side hustle from your kitchen table or just trying to get a heavy coat to your cousin in Denver, creating that barcode is actually pretty straightforward once you stop overthinking the interface. FedEx Ship Manager is the tool you’ll be using. It’s the backbone of their DIY shipping system. It’s a bit clunky—classic logistics software—but it gets the job done.
How to Make a FedEx Label When You're in a Hurry
First thing's first. You don't actually need an account to make a label, but it’s kind of a pain if you don't have one. If you go the "Guest" route, you're going to be typing in your credit card info every single time. It sucks. Just make a free account. It saves your address, which is a lifesaver if you ever have to ship something twice.
Once you’re logged into the FedEx website, look for "Create a Shipment." This is where the magic (or the paperwork) happens. You’ll see fields for the destination. Type them carefully. Seriously. A typo in a zip code is the fastest way to ensure your package spends a week touring the wrong state.
✨ Don't miss: How Much Is a 10,000 Dollar Bill Worth Right Now? The Answer Isn't What You Think
The Weight Problem
People lie to themselves about how much their boxes weigh. Don't do that. FedEx will find out. They have "dimensional weight" scanners that measure the length, width, and height of your package while it's moving on a conveyor belt. If you say it's 2 lbs but it's a massive box filled with feathers, they’ll bill you for the space it takes up, not the weight.
Get a kitchen scale. Or a bathroom scale if it’s a big box. If you're guessing, guess high. It’s better to overpay by fifty cents than to get a "price adjustment" bill two weeks later that's three times the original cost.
Picking Your Speed
This is where FedEx makes their money. You'll see a list of options:
- FedEx Ground: Usually the cheapest. Good for heavy stuff that isn't urgent.
- FedEx Express Saver: The 3-day middle ground.
- FedEx 2Day: Exactly what it sounds like.
- Overnight: For when you messed up and forgot a deadline.
Keep in mind that Ground and Home Delivery are technically different "networks" within the company. Home Delivery usually runs on weekends now, which is a huge plus if you’re shipping on a Thursday or Friday.
Printing the Damn Thing
You don’t need a special printer. A regular inkjet or laser printer works fine. Just use standard 8.5 x 11 paper.
When the PDF pops up, print it at 100% scale. Don't let your printer "shrink to fit" because if that barcode gets tiny, the lasers at the hub won't be able to read it. If the barcode is fuzzy or has streaks through it because your ink is running low, stop. Redo it. A bad barcode is a one-way ticket to the "Manual Processing" bin, which is basically a black hole for delivery times.
The Tape Trick
Tape is your friend, but it can also be your enemy. When you're attaching the label to the box, do not put clear tape over the barcode. I know, I know. You want to protect it from rain. But clear tape can be reflective. When the high-speed scanners hit that shiny plastic, the light bounces back and the machine sees nothing. It’s a "No Read." Tape the edges of the paper down firmly, but leave the "zebra stripes" of the barcode uncovered if you can, or at least make sure the tape is perfectly flat with no bubbles or wrinkles.
What if You Don't Have a Printer?
This is the best-kept secret in shipping. If you can't make a FedEx label at home because your printer is out of ink (again), use the FedEx Mobile app.
👉 See also: Why The Little People Food Truck Trend Is Actually About Accessibility
You enter all the info on your phone, and it generates a "Mobile Shipping Label" in the form of a QR code. You walk into a FedEx Office or a Walgreens—yes, most Walgreens take FedEx now—and show them your phone. They scan the QR code and print the label for you right there. It’s free. It’s fast. It saves you from the frustration of technical glitches at home.
Dealing with Customs (The International Headache)
If you're shipping outside the US, the process of how to make a FedEx label gets a lot more complicated. You can't just slap a name and address on it. You need a Commercial Invoice.
FedEx’s online system will prompt you for this. You have to list every single item in the box. "Clothes" isn't good enough. You have to say "Used cotton t-shirts for personal use." You also have to list the value. Be honest. If you claim a $500 watch is worth $10 to save on taxes, and FedEx loses the package, they’re only going to pay you $10.
Pro Tips for Business Shippers
If you're doing this for work, look into FedEx Ship Manager Software. It’s a standalone program you install on your PC. It’s way faster than the website if you’re doing 20+ labels a day. It also integrates with things like Shopify or eBay, so you don't have to manually type in addresses.
Also, consider getting a thermal printer like a Dymo or a Rollo. They don't use ink. They use heat. The labels come on a roll with a sticky back. No more cutting out paper with scissors and using half a roll of packing tape. It feels professional. It saves hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reusing old boxes without covering old labels. If there’s an old barcode from an Amazon delivery on the bottom of your box, the FedEx machine might scan that instead. Your package will end up in a loop or sent back to you. Use a Sharpie and black out every single old barcode.
- Putting the label on a seam. Don't wrap the label around the corner of the box. If the barcode is folded at a 90-degree angle, it’s unreadable.
- Ignoring the "Drop-off" time. Just because you made the label at 4:00 PM doesn't mean it’s moving today. Most drop-off locations have a "cutoff" time. If you miss it, your "Overnight" package is sitting in a bin until tomorrow.
Practical Next Steps
Now that you know the ropes, here is exactly what you should do to get that package out the door right now.
- Check your supplies: Make sure you have a box that isn't falling apart and enough tape to secure the bottom.
- Measure and Weigh: Don't eyeball it. Use a ruler and a scale so you don't get hit with surprise fees later.
- Go to the FedEx website: Use the "Create a Shipment" tool. If you're tech-savvy, download the app and use the QR code method to save time at the store.
- Double-check the address: Validate it against Google Maps if it looks weird. Apartment numbers are the #1 thing people forget.
- Secure the label: Use the "no tape over barcode" rule to ensure the sorting machines can read it at 60 miles per hour.
- Drop it off early: Find the nearest FedEx Office or authorized ship center and get it there before the 5:00 PM cutoff to ensure it leaves the facility tonight.