FedEx In Transit Not Moving — What to Do

What It Means

"In Transit" on FedEx means the package is on its way to its final destination. FedEx says it does not necessarily mean the package is on a moving truck or plane — it may be sitting at a FedEx facility. FedEx scans packages at various points between pickup and delivery, not continuously, and says it isn't unusual for a package to go more than 24 hours without a scan while in transit.

A package that shows the same last scan for several business days — especially past its delivery date — is worth following up. Before then, it is most likely still moving between scan points.

What To Do Next

1Check the expected delivery date on the FedEx tracking page. If it's still in the future, wait.

2Look at the last scan location — if it's far from the destination, there are naturally fewer scans during long transit.

3If there is still no new scan 3 business days after the last one, or the delivery date has passed, contact the shipper and FedEx.

4Call FedEx customer service at 1-800-463-3339, or use FedEx's online chat, and have the tracking number ready.

5If the package turns out to be lost or damaged, the shipper can file a claim with FedEx.

What 'In Transit' Means at FedEx

The package is on its way to its final destination.
It may not be moving right now — FedEx says it may be sitting at a FedEx facility.
FedEx scans packages at certain points between pickup and delivery, not all the time.
More than 24 hours without a new scan is not unusual, according to FedEx.

Why FedEx Tracking Stops Updating

It is between scan points. On a long trip between hubs, nothing new is scanned until the package arrives at the next one.
It is waiting at a facility for the next truck or flight. The status stays 'In transit' while it waits.
It is taking a route through a regional sorting center. FedEx says this is normal, even if the city looks out of the way.
International parcels can wait in customs. Tracking may show a clearance delay, and the next scan comes only after the package is released.
Weekends and holidays. Scans can be further apart around them.

How Long Is Too Long? A Simple Guide

This is our rule of thumb, based on FedEx's own note that gaps of more than 24 hours are normal:

Up to 2 business days with no new scan, and the delivery date hasn't passed: wait.
3 business days with no new scan, or the delivery date has passed: contact the shipper and FedEx, and have the tracking number ready.
Still nothing after that: ask the shipper to open a claim with FedEx.

💡 Sign up for FedEx tracking alerts so you hear about the next scan without refreshing the page.

Frequently asked questions

How long can 'In Transit' last without updates?

FedEx says it isn't unusual for a package to go more than 24 hours without a scan while in transit. Long cross-country or international trips can show longer gaps. Several business days with no update, especially past the delivery date, is worth a call.

Is my package lost?

Probably not yet. Most packages that look stuck are between scan points — FedEx only scans at certain stops, not continuously. If there is still no scan after a few business days and the delivery date has passed, ask the shipper or FedEx to trace it.

Should I call FedEx?

Wait until the delivery date has passed or several business days go by with zero updates. Earlier calls usually can't tell you more than tracking already shows.

Can FedEx find a lost package?

FedEx can look into a package that was scanned into its network. Have the tracking number ready, and involve the shipper — they can file a claim if it is not found.

What does 'In Transit' mean on FedEx?

FedEx says 'In transit' means the package is on its way to its final destination. It does not necessarily mean it is in a moving vehicle — it may be at a FedEx facility.

Why is my FedEx tracking not updating?

Usually because the package is between scan points. FedEx scans at certain stops between pickup and delivery, and says gaps of more than 24 hours are not unusual. Weekends and long trips between hubs make the gaps longer.

Why is my package going the wrong way?

FedEx says shipments may move through regional sorting locations before reaching their destination, so a scan in a city that looks off-route is often normal.

FedEx "In Transit" But Not Moving — What's Going On