Fedex does not make you pay just to make a label. Many people worry about surprise fedex charge amounts when they make a shipping label. A fedex label only costs money if you use it to send a package. Lots of users make a label online to get ready for shipping, but no fedex charge shows up until you start shipping. This lets customers plan their shipping without surprise costs from labels they do not use.
Key Takeaways
FedEx does not make you pay to create a shipping label. You only pay if you use the label to ship a package and it gets scanned.
You can stop extra charges by canceling labels you do not use before the deadline. This helps you get your money back and save more.
FedEx adds an electronic label fee of about $1.50 for each label made online. Labels made in the store do not have this fee.
Using FedEx online tools helps you handle labels, check addresses, and track packages. This stops mistakes and keeps you from paying extra.
Prepaid shipping labels make sending packages easier because the sender pays first. But you should look out for extra fees on return labels and electronic labels.
Fedex Charge Basics
When Are You Charged?
FedEx only charges you when you use a shipping label. Making a shipping label does not cost anything by itself. You are not charged until your package is shipped and the label is scanned. This helps people avoid paying for labels they do not use. If you make a label but do not use it, you will not pay unless you miss the time to void it.
Tip: Merchants can cancel unused labels before midnight Central Time on the day they make them, or on the printed date for future shipments. Canceling unused labels in time can get you a refund and stop extra charges.
FedEx will charge for unused labels if you do not void them in time. Merchants need to keep track and cancel unused labels to avoid extra fees. Automated tools can help find and cancel unused labels, which is helpful for busy businesses.
FedEx lets you cancel unused shipping labels before midnight Central Time on the day you made the label or on the printed date for future shipments.
You cannot cancel shipments with old shipping dates, so the time to void is short.
Merchants must cancel unused labels, which is hard if third-party companies or drop shippers make the labels.
FedEx charges for unused labels if you do not void them in time, but you can get a refund if you cancel them before the deadline.
Manually finding and canceling unused labels takes a lot of time, especially for big businesses.
Automated tools like LateShipment.com can help merchants find, notify, and cancel unused FedEx labels to get refunds.
Creating vs. Using a Label
FedEx treats making a shipping label and using it as two different steps. You can make a shipping label online to get ready for shipping later. There is no fedex charge when you just make a label. You only pay when the label is scanned and the package is shipped.
You can reprint a label using FedEx Ship Manager. But if you use reprinted labels the wrong way, you might get extra charges or lose your account. FedEx checks each label to make sure it is used right and the shipping cost is correct.
Step | FedEx Charge Applied? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Create a shipping label | No | You do not pay until you use the label for shipping. |
Use label for shipping | Yes | You pay when the label is scanned and the package is shipped. |
Reprint label | No | Allowed, but using it wrong can mean extra charges or losing account. |
Void unused label | No (if voided in time) | You must cancel before the deadline to avoid charges. |
FedEx usually costs more than USPS, especially for fast shipping. FedEx has a complicated price system with extra fees like fuel, home delivery, and big package fees. UPS is cheaper for overnight shipping, but FedEx has special services and faster delivery. USPS is the cheapest for small packages because of flat rates and no fuel fees.
FedEx label charges are often higher than UPS for most shipping types, especially for fast shipping. Both companies have similar extra fees, but FedEx has more handling and delivery area fees that can raise the price. Big shippers can get discounts, and smart choices can help save money.
Why FedEx Charges Exist
FedEx charges for shipping labels to pay for running and improving their systems. The company spends money on tracking, safe label making, and good delivery networks. These costs help FedEx ship fast, track packages well, and offer special shipping. The electronic label fee pays for the technology to make and manage digital labels.
FedEx uses the electronic label fee to make shipping technology and customer service better. This fee makes sure every shipping label is safe and works with FedEx’s worldwide network. Customers get real-time tracking, flexible delivery, and safe shipping because of these fees.
Note: FedEx’s electronic label fee and other charges help the company give good shipping service and keep its strong reputation.
Fedex Electronic Label Fee
What Is the Electronic Label Fee?
The fedex electronic label fee is a special extra cost. FedEx adds this fee when you make a label online. This fee is not the same as the normal shipping label cost. FedEx uses the electronic label fee to pay for its online tools and systems. These tools let people make and print labels at home or work. In 2023, the fee is usually $1.50 for each label. FedEx charges this fee for every label made on their website, FedEx Ship Manager, or third-party software. If you make a label at a FedEx store, you do not pay this fee. The fee helps FedEx keep its online services safe and working well. Many people want to know about electronic label fees because they do not expect extra costs when making a label online.
Note: The electronic label fee is not part of the regular shipping fee. It is a separate charge for making a label online.
When Does It Apply?
FedEx charges the fedex electronic label fee in certain cases. You pay this fee every time you make a label online, even if you do not ship the package. If you ship many packages in one order, you pay the fee for each label. The fee is not just once for the whole order. The fee is non-refundable, so canceling a label does not give your money back. If you make a label at a FedEx store, you do not pay this fee.
The fedex electronic label fee is charged for each package label made online.
The fee is for every label, even in one big shipment.
FedEx charges the fee for labels made online or with third-party software.
Labels made at FedEx stores do not have this fee.
The fee is non-refundable, even if you do not use the label.
FedEx also adds a $1.05 surcharge for some return labels. Most labels only get charged when scanned, but some electronic label fees are charged right away. People often ask about the FedEx surcharge for labels because they want to avoid surprise costs. Checking your account for electronic label fees can help you know your total shipping label costs.
Fedex Prepaid Shipping Label
How Prepaid Labels Work
Fedex prepaid shipping label lets you pay before you ship. This way, senders know the cost and make things easy for receivers. People use fedex prepaid shipping label for returns, gifts, or business packages. The sender pays, so the receiver does not pay when the box arrives.
To make a fedex prepaid shipping label, do these steps:
Get a computer, printer, fedex account, and packing supplies.
Sign in to your fedex account online or on the app.
Type in the recipient’s name, address, and zip code.
Add the package’s weight and size, then pick the fedex service.
Choose prepaid billing to pay ahead for shipping.
Check all details to make sure they are correct.
Confirm and make the label as a PDF file.
Print the label on good paper or a thermal printer.
Stick the label on the box so the barcode is easy to see.
Take the box to fedex or set up a pickup.
Fedex prepaid shipping label saves time and helps both sender and receiver. Many companies use prepaid labels to make returns simple and keep customers happy.
Return Label Charges
Fedex prepaid shipping label often comes with return labels for easy returns. The sender pays for the return, so the receiver does not pay extra. Fedex may add a small fee for special return labels, like the $1.05 electronic label fee. This fee helps fedex process and track the label. Prepaid return labels help businesses with customer service and stop lost packages. People should look at their fedex account for any extra return label fees. Using prepaid labels for returns stops surprise costs and makes shipping easier.
Comparing Costs: FedEx Electronic Labels vs. Custom Thermal Labels
Fedex electronic label fees and surcharges can add up fast, especially for companies that ship lots of boxes. Each fedex prepaid shipping label might have a fee, an electronic label charge, and maybe a return label cost. Custom thermal labels have one clear price per label, so companies know what they will pay and avoid surprise fees. Custom thermal labels also look better and let businesses show their brand. Companies can pick designs that match their style and make packages look nice. For more about prices, see How Much Do Custom Labels Cost?. Businesses that use custom sticker rolls often pay less for shipping and get fewer surprise charges.
Tip: Clear costs and good labels help businesses plan shipping and build trust.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Fedex Charges
Cancel Unused Labels
Fedex lets you cancel labels you do not use. If a label is not scanned, you do not pay for shipping. You must cancel the label within 30 days to avoid charges. If the label is older than 30 days or scanned, you cannot cancel it. You need to act fast to void unused labels. Once you cancel a label, you cannot undo it. You can make a new label if you need one. Refunds for unused labels come in a few business days. Check your shipping often and cancel labels you do not need. This helps save money and stops extra fees.
Tip: Always look at each label’s status before the deadline. Cancel labels on time so you do not pay for unused ones.
Steps to cancel unused Fedex labels:
Find the label’s ID in your account.
Use Fedex online tools or API to void the label.
Make sure the label is unused and not scanned.
Cancel the label before 30 days are up.
Watch your account for refund updates.
Use Online Tools
Fedex has online tools to help you manage labels and stop extra fees. Fedex Ship Manager lets you make labels, track packages, and see charges before you finish. You can ship many packages at once and use shipment profiles. It works with ecommerce sites. Address Checker checks if the address is right. This stops mistakes that cost money. Put the correct address and phone number on each label. This helps avoid correction fees. Fedex Delivery Manager lets you change delivery instructions. This helps stop undelivered packages and extra costs.
Benefits of using Fedex online tools:
See shipping charges before you print a label.
Print many labels at once to save time.
Check addresses to stop correction fees.
Track packages live to fix delivery problems.
Make labels up to 10 days early for Fedex Express.
Connect many stores to one account for easy management.
Best practices for minimizing Fedex label fees:
Use scales that are set right to weigh packages.
Make packages smaller to avoid big box fees.
Check if the address is residential to stop extra charges.
Talk to Fedex about better rates if you ship a lot.
Use Fedex’s free boxes to save money.
Teach customers about regular shipping to avoid rush fees.
Look at delivery data often to find ways to save.
Fedex prepaid shipping label users get help from these tools. They make sure labels are right and fees stay low. Businesses that use online tools and cancel unused labels can stop surprise charges and keep shipping costs down.
When Electronic Label Fees Apply
Online vs. In-Store Labels
FedEx adds the electronic label fee when you make labels online. If you use FedEx’s website, Ship Manager, or other software, you will see this fee on your bill. The fee helps FedEx keep its digital systems safe and working well. If you make a label at a FedEx store, you do not pay this fee. In-store labels use FedEx’s own computers, so there is no extra charge. Many people like making labels online because it is fast and easy, but they should know about the extra fee. Every label made online gets this fee, even if you do not ship the package. If a business ships lots of boxes online, these fees can add up fast.
Label Creation Method | Electronic Label Fee Applies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Online label creation | Yes | Fee charged for each shipping label |
In-store label creation | No | No fee for labels made in-store |
FedEx wants people to make labels online because it is quick and flexible. Still, users should look at all costs before picking how to ship. The electronic label fee can surprise people who think they will only pay for shipping.
Checking Your Account
You can check for electronic label fees in your FedEx account. FedEx’s online billing shows all your shipping charges, including this fee. First, log in and go to your account summary. You will see invoices with lists of charges and their status. Click an invoice number to see more details, like tracking numbers and label fees. To check the electronic label fee, look at the charges for each tracking number. If you see a mistake, you can dispute it by clicking the tracking number and using the Dispute button. Pick the type of dispute, write a comment, and send it in. FedEx will look at your dispute and reply in three business days. You can also make reports for shipments from the last 45 days to check your shipping costs.
Tip: Check your account often to find surprise electronic label fees and keep shipping costs low.
Many businesses use these steps to watch their shipping costs and avoid paying too much. FedEx’s online tools show every label and fee, so it is easier to plan and budget for shipping.
You do not pay to make a label unless you use it for shipping. You can stop extra shipping fees by canceling labels you do not use. Online tools help you manage your labels and avoid mistakes. Always check your account statements to see if there are new surcharges. Some new rules may change how much shipping costs, like new pickup fees and changes to surcharges:
Effective Date | Policy Change Description |
|---|---|
New prices for picking up parcels in the U.S. and Canada | |
July 14, 2025 | Changes to handling and oversize package surcharges |
June 9, 2025 | Updates to fuel surcharges |
Understanding electronic label fees can be tricky. You can avoid surprise shipping costs by using good thermal labels. These labels help make shipping easier and clearer. Check out our custom thermal label solutions today for clear prices and great quality. For more info, see Comparing Costs: Printing Your Own Labels Versus Buying.
FAQ
Does FedEx charge for creating a label if the package is never shipped?
FedEx does not charge you for making a label if you do not ship the package. You only pay the FedEx label fee when the label gets scanned during shipping.
What is the FedEx electronic label surcharge?
The FedEx electronic label surcharge is a fee for labels made online. FedEx adds this charge to help pay for digital processing. The fee shows up on your invoice for each online shipping label.
Can users avoid the FedEx prepaid shipping label fee?
Users can skip the FedEx prepaid shipping label fee by making labels in-store. FedEx does not charge the electronic label fee for labels made at their physical stores.
How can businesses check for unexpected FedEx label fees?
Businesses can look for surprise FedEx label fees by checking their FedEx account invoices. The online billing system lists every charge, including surcharges and electronic label fees.
Is the FedEx electronic label fee refundable if the label is canceled?
FedEx does not give back the electronic label fee if you cancel the label. The fee stays on your account even if you void unused labels.