Updating a Shipment Address After It Has Shipped

Overview

Once a shipment has left the warehouse, changing the delivery address becomes difficult and is not always possible.

There are two common scenarios:

1. You want to proactively change the address
2. The carrier reports the address is invalid and requires correction

This guide explains what’s possible for each major carrier and what actions to take.

Important Limitations

• Address changes are not guaranteed
• Changes may result in:
  • Delays
  • Additional carrier fees
• Some carriers (especially USPS) have limited or no ability to modify shipments mid-transit

Handled’s Role

Handled will assist where possible, but:

• We do not control carrier systems
• We cannot guarantee address changes can be completed

Scenario 1: You Want to Change the Address

USPS (Package Intercept)

USPS does not support traditional address changes in transit, but offers a workaround called Package Intercept.

What It Does

• Redirects a package to:
  • A new address
  • A post office for pickup
  • Return to sender

How to Do It

1. Go to USPS Package Intercept
2. Enter the tracking number
3. Choose the new destination or return option
4. Pay the intercept fee

Important Notes

• Not all shipments are eligible
• Must be requested before delivery attempt
• Success is not guaranteed

UPS (Delivery Intercept / My Choice)

UPS allows address changes through UPS Delivery Intercept.

Options Available

• Change delivery address
• Hold for pickup at UPS location
• Reschedule delivery

How to Do It

• Use:
  • UPS My Choice (recipient side), or
  • UPS Delivery Intercept (shipper side)

Important Notes

• Fees typically apply
• Some shipments are restricted
• Changes may add 1–2+ days delay

FedEx (Delivery Manager / Intercept)

FedEx allows address updates through FedEx Delivery Manager or intercept services.

Options Available

• Redirect to a new address
• Hold at FedEx location
• Schedule delivery

How to Do It

• Recipient uses FedEx Delivery Manager, or
• Shipper requests a FedEx intercept

Important Notes

• Not all shipments are eligible
• Fees and delays may apply

Scenario 2: Carrier Reports Invalid Address

USPS

What Happens

• USPS typically does not request corrections mid-transit
• The package will usually be:
  • Returned to sender, or
  • Held briefly, then returned

What To Do

• Wait for the package to be returned
• Confirm the correct address with your customer
• Reship once received

UPS

What Happens

• UPS flags the shipment as “Address Correction Required”
• They may:
  • Attempt to correct the address using their systems
  • Contact the recipient (if contact info is available)

What To Do

• Provide the correct address as soon as possible:
  • Full street address
  • Apartment/unit number
  • Business name (if applicable)
  • Phone number

Next Steps

• UPS may:
  • Update and continue delivery, or
  • Apply an address correction fee

FedEx

What Happens

• FedEx places the shipment on hold with an address exception
• They may:
  • Attempt correction internally
  • Request updated information

What To Do

• Provide corrected address details quickly:
  • Full address
  • Unit/suite number
  • Contact phone number

Next Steps

• FedEx will attempt redelivery once corrected
• Fees and delays may apply

Best Practices (Highly Recommended)

To avoid address issues entirely:

• Validate addresses at checkout (use address verification tools)
• Require:
  • Apartment/unit numbers
  • Phone numbers
• Confirm shipping details before fulfillment
• Flag high-risk addresses (e.g., incomplete, international, freight)

When to Contact Handled

Reach out to support@handledcommerce.com if:

• You need help initiating a carrier request
• You’re unsure whether to:
  • Attempt correction
  • Wait for return
  • Reship

Key Takeaways

• Address changes after shipment are limited and carrier-dependent
• USPS: Intercept only (or return to sender)
• UPS / FedEx: More flexible, but not guaranteed
• Speed matters— the sooner you act, the better the chances