is FedEx ground not integrated into FedEx?

[space-time]

I put a FedEx ground package on the "Outbound FedEx" shelf at work. Lats night when I was leaving, the shipping clerk told me the FedEx driver didn't pick it up since it was ground, and he put it on a different shelf and will call FedEx ground (appointment) to pick up next day.

Apparently different FedEx trucks... wtf? with UPS it's only one outgoing shelf, one truck, I never had this problem. Why can't FedEx do the same? pick up all packages and sort in their warehouse.

I took my package and drove to a FedEx (former kinko's) location last night, but I got there late after the 6 PM pickup. At least they scanned it and now it shows up so my buyer can see that I shipped it, he kept asking where is the package yesterday and the tracking number I gave him didn't show up.

[tenders]

Yeah, FedEx Ground isn't REALLY the name of a shipping option - it's the name of a company FedEx acquired several years ago called RPS and rebranded.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedEx_Ground

Mostly, completely distinct from FedEx "Classic." Confusing, isn't it?

[Robert M]

Space,

They are the same company but still separate and one of the key differences between Federal Express and UPS. You can prepare a Fedex Ground package via fedex.com but you must bring it to a locations that actually accepts Fedex Ground packages. That is key.

As a result, you can't necessarily drop it into a Federal Express drop-off kiosk or some drop off points. The location must accept Fedex Ground packages. Most will have a sign that tells you Ground packages are or are not accepted. You need to look and/or inquire prior to dropping off the box.

A location that has a Federal Express pickup doesn't necessarily have a Fedex Ground Pickup. The reverse is true, too. In your case, it sounds like your workplace has a Federal Express only pickup.

Robert

[Mac-A-Matic]

Yes, FedEx Ground was RPS. The two sides of the company remain, essentially, separate. It has something to do with the drivers of ground owning their routes (or something like that) and union issues and whatever other complications that forces the company to be divided in two.

[Fred_Also]

Mac-A-Matic wrote:
Yes, FedEx Ground was RPS. The two sides of the company remain, essentially, separate. It has something to do with the drivers of ground owning their routes (or something like that) and union issues and whatever other complications that forces the company to be divided in two.

In my area, Fedex Ground is handled by contractors. I have a neighbor down the road that has a couple of FedEx Ground trucks that he keeps at his house. During peak times they will both be gone during the day. At other times, one will just sit in his back yard, 24 hours a day.

Fred

[Ombligo]

Fedex ground drivers are independent contractors, Fedex express drivers are empoyees of Fedex.

[Carnos Jax]

Space...you might want to find out where you're FedEx Ground distribution hub/center is. If I have a package that I really need to ship out that night, and it's past 6:00, I go to the distribution center (they accept packages until 9:00). The only tough thing is that they're 30 minutes from my house.

[NewtonMP2100]

....looks like the SKY'S the limit......