Waiting for a package to open is the worst kind of frustration imaginable. If you’re worried about FedEx opening your package, know they can do so for various reasons.
The following are nine instances in which FedEx has the right to open your package legally:
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1. Suspected Illegal Activity
When a package is suspected of containing illegal activity, FedEx will open it and check its contents. This includes drug trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes.
FedEx’s extensive security program includes airport and cargo screening and product inspection. This inspection process can include X-raying parcels or opening them if suspected of illegal activity.
Their machines can detect weapons, drugs, or other contraband inside packages before they are delivered to their destination address.
They will use their best judgment to determine whether or not there is a reason to open the package. If it is determined that there is nothing suspicious about the contents of the package and no illegal activity has taken place, then no action will be taken.
However, if any illegal activity is suspected, FedEx may open your package without your permission or even give notice first. They will notify law enforcement agencies immediately if they find illegal substances or weapons.
The following are some of the different types of illegal activity that FedEx investigates:
- Contraband
- Hazardous Materials
- Currency Violations
- Child Pornography
- Illegal Drugs and Narcotics:
- Marijuana
- Hashish
- Cocaine and crack cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Amphetamine, including Adderall and Ritalin
- Hallucinogenic substances like LSD, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, mescaline, heroin, and PCP
Counterfeit Currency: Any bill printed by someone other than the U.S. Treasury and then used as legal tender. Most counterfeit bills are made to be passed off as real money, but some counterfeiters print them to make fun of the government’s inability to stop them from being printed. Counterfeit currency is a serious crime, and those caught with it face severe penalties, including fines and prison time.
Weapons and Ammunition: Including firearms, are prohibited on all FedEx Shipments. This includes any firearm, whether it is loaded or unloaded.
2. Suspected Fraud Violation of FedEx Terms
When you send a package via FedEx, you must be sure that you comply with the terms of service.
FedEx may open your package and inspect its contents if you are not. They will perform a search, and if they find any evidence of fraud, they will notify the authorities and you.
If there is no evidence of fraud, you can expect to receive a notification from FEDEX within 24 hours of the search informing you that your package has been released and will be on its way.
Fraud includes a wide range of deceptive actions, such as:
- Inaccurate descriptions of items in packages
- Undervaluing items listed on invoices or customs forms
- Misrepresenting items as gifts or samples when they are commercial goods
- Sending goods without having paid for them yourself
Suspected of Customs Violation
FedEx will open a package if there is a suspected customs violation. For example, a package can be opened if there is a suspicion that the contents are being illegally imported, shipped across state lines, or otherwise illegal.
FedEx does not open packages without legal cause to protect its customers’ privacy. However, the company may be legally required to open a package under certain circumstances.
CBP officers can request that FedEx open packages for inspection if they believe there may be customs violations or other illegal items inside. The officers then review information from FedEx’s database about the package and its destination before deciding whether or not to inspect the contents further.
Customs agents do not inspect all packages, but only those that are deemed suspicious by customs officers. If you have been charged with a customs violation, you may be able to explain your actions and avoid prosecution.
The Packaging Was Damaged During Transport
If you have an item damaged during the shipping process, FedEx will open the package and repackage it before sending it.
FedEx will not charge you for this service. If, however, you discover any damage to the contents of your shipment upon receipt, you must let FedEx know within five days of delivery so that they can expeditiously process your claim.
Due to a Warrant
FedEx will cooperate with authorities if a package needs to be opened due to a search warrant.
If the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or another law enforcement agency has issued a search warrant for your package, they will comply with their request. They will also cooperate with government agencies when they need to inspect packages to prevent possible terrorism threats.
A warrant is issued by a judge, allowing law enforcement officers to search or seize property to obtain evidence related to criminal activity. The warrant must contain specific information about what they’re allowed to look for and where they can look.
Customs officials and police may question your shipment if they notice anything unusual, particularly if it comes from a foreign country or appears illegal. Also, customs officials may perform a more thorough examination before allowing the package to pass through.
Package Looks Suspicious
FedEx can open a package if it looks suspicious.
For example, if the package has been left on their loading dock, they have the right to open it and ensure it is safe. To do this, they use a handheld scanner that checks for possible threats. If the device detects something suspicious in the package, it will tell them to open it up and inspect its contents.
FedEx is a private company and reserves the right to open packages if they look suspicious. They are not required to open these packages unless law enforcement officials issue a warrant, or an emergency requires them.
Suppose a package looks like it could be dangerous for people or property. FedEx employees may open the package without informing the sender, recipient, or law enforcement officers for their safety and those around them.
Package is Leaking
If a package is leaking, FedEx will open it. An improper seal is just one of many potential causes of a leaking package.
You could have improperly applied the sealer, or the air pressure inside could be too high. Either way, there is a protocol to follow to make sure nobody at FedEx gets hurt.
Employees who routinely handle such packages have received specialized training from the company. The package will be processed and examined by trained personnel who will take the necessary action if they discover hazardous materials.
Before sending them back out, they will ensure any leaks have been sealed to ensure no one else is harmed.
Package Has a Terrible Odor
When a package reeks, FedEx will open the package and inspect it to determine the source of the smell.
After inspection, they will contact you and ask if you want them to dispose of the contents or send them back. They may also contact authorities to report a potential health hazard if they can identify a specific substance.
There are several reasons why packages can have an odor:
The packaging material may have an odor attached to it due to its manufacturing process or the materials used in its creation.
The contents themselves may smell bad, which is usually due to some food product or other organic matter being shipped within the box. That means that the box could be infested with pests like ants or mice, causing an offensive odor within the shipment.
Package Is Emitting Fumes
If you have a package emitting fumes, it will be opened by FedEx, and the contents will be inspected. If the package leaks hazardous materials, it will be disposed of appropriately.
FedEx will open a package if it emits fumes because they want to ensure there are no leaks or spills of hazardous material in transit. In addition, FedEx wants to ensure that the package does not contain illegal substances such as drugs or weapons.
If the package does contain illegal substances, the police will be notified so they can take action against the sender.