FedEx Custom Critical®

Expedited service for specialized, valuable, and hazardous
shipments

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Already have a FedEx Custom Critical account?
Log in to the Customer Experience Center to create, manage, and track FedEx Custom Critical shipments.

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Learn about 2026 Custom Critical rate changes.

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What is FedEx Custom Critical?

FedEx Custom Critical is a premium North American over-the-road transportation provider for shipments that need extra attention and care. When you need solutions for custodial control, quality management, temperature control, or high-security capabilities, FedEx Custom Critical delivers, for both truckload and less-than-truckload shipments.

Our cold chain and security expertise makes us the ideal carrier for transporting healthcare products and government shipments, or hazardous goods and high-value items. Whatever your specialized needs, you can trust FedEx Custom Critical to give your shipment the extra care it requires.

Next-level support included

These benefits are included with every FedEx Custom Critical shipment.

24/7 service
Dedicated support and expertise
Direct delivery
Exclusive vehicle use
Expedited shipping
Online customer portal for account management
Proactive shipment notification
Real-time tracking
Security protocols
Special care and handling

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What transport options do I have?

You decide how your freight travels.

Choose a dedicated delivery vehicle or LTL services.
Need to send additional materials to the same facility? Fill up the truck at no extra charge. We can also deliver your cargo to multiple locations on the same route.
Shipments that require temperature control can go in a dedicated vehicle or as LTL freight. Our five dedicated cold chain cross-dock facilities keep sensitive items moving quickly.

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How fast does FedEx Custom Critical deliver?

Delivery times for FedEx Custom Critical vary based on the shipment’s origin and destination. All FedEx Custom Critical deliveries are “straight through” deliveries, which means the driver doesn’t stop to deliver other customers’ shipments along the route. If you're shipping with LTL services, find more information about LTL service speeds. For more information or to get a shipping quote, call 1.800.762.3787.

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Expert handling for sensitive shipments

We’re equipped to handle even the most specialized products. Our expertise covers:

Temperature-controlled shipping, including healthcare and pharmaceutical shipments
High-security shipping, including sensitive government shipments
Hazmat shipping
Disaster recovery shipping

If you’re already a customer, log in to the Customer Experience Center to create, manage, and track FedEx Custom Critical shipments.

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Drive your business forward with FedEx Custom Critical

FedEx Custom Critical is looking for dedicated fleet owners, and straight truck and tractor-trailer owners to deliver premium, time-sensitive shipments. Join an industry-leading network that keeps your business moving, earning, and succeeding!

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Start the process

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Drive your business forward with FedEx Custom Critical

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Temperature-controlled shipping

When you have a shipment that needs to stay within a certain temperature range, consider FedEx Custom Critical. Whether you’re shipping a single pallet or an entire truckload of freight, you’re covered.

FedEx Custom Critical temperature-controlled shipping is ideal for shipments that require custodial control and risk mitigation, especially for products like:

Pharmaceuticals

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Biologics

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Paints and inks

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Food ingredients

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Specialty compounds

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Get temperature-controlled solutions for virtually every temperature range.

Celsius range

Fahrenheit range

Appropriate for

Controlled Room
Temperature (CRT)

15°C to 25°C

59°F to 86°F

Pharmaceuticals, animal health, and medical devices

Cool

8°C to 15°C

46°F to 59°F

Paint and chemicals

Refrigerated

2°C to 8°C

35°F to 46°F

Pharmaceuticals and perishables

Frozen

-25°C to -10°C

-13°F to 14°F

Biologics, active pharmaceutical ingredients

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FedEx Custom Critical standard temperature-controlled services

If you need temperature-controlled shipping that doesn't require regulatory documentation, this is the option for you. Our fleet of temperature-controlled vehicles includes cargo vans, straight trucks, and tractor trailers.

Direct, door-to-door delivery
Specially trained agents
Enhanced visibility

24/7/365 service
Notifications at pickup, delivery, and in case of delay
Security service options

Contingency planning
A basic temperature-controlled audit

FedEx Custom Critical temperature-controlled validated services

When you need auditable temperature documentation that keeps you compliant with regulations, choose this option.

It's ideal for:

Pharmaceuticals
Vaccines
Serums
Blood
Food ingredients
Certain chemicals

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Validated services give you everything our standard temperature-controlled service offers, plus:

A dedicated quality assurance team
Customized quality systems and protocols
Certified capabilities
Delivery in a thermal-mapped vehicle equipped with a precise, traceable, independent temperature data logger
Temperature-control equipment installed and operated according to specified protocols, and tested regularly to ensure proper performance
Advanced temperature monitoring and location tracking
Compliance support from our Quality Management System, including an audit trail of your shipment

You can combine these with companion services, including cleared drivers and other secure transportation services.

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Explore more shipping and logistics services for healthcare

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Want more info about temperature-controlled shipping?

To get more details or schedule a shipment, call 1.866.280.1810.

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If you’re already a customer, log in

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Have questions or need to talk with an expert? Send us a message

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Get cold, hard data with a temperature-controlled shipping study

Shipping temperature-sensitive products can be complex. A shipping study can help, whether you’re starting up, scaling up, or shaping up your cold-chain processes.

Our specialists can provide:

Testing on all segments of your cold-shipping plans before implementation to avoid potential compliance issues
Performance data on specific lanes, containers, vehicles, or packaging
Analysis and reporting on temperature excursions or deviations
Help in responding to an FDA 483 letter

For more information or to schedule a study, email FCCSolutions@corp.ds.fedex.com.

If you’re already a customer, log in to the Customer Experience Center to create, manage, and track FedEx Custom Critical shipments.

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Secure transportation

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Sometimes you need enhanced security for a sensitive or high-value shipment. FedEx Custom Critical secure transport services give you confidence and peace of mind. Our standard level of security includes:

Exclusive vehicle use on every shipment
Direct, door-to-door service throughout the U.S. and Canada
Continuous, active monitoring via two-way on-board satellite communication
Proactive shipment intervention, notifications, and contingency plans
A digital photo of the driver who will be picking up your shipment
In-house security specialists to work with your security team for maximum protection
Customized standard operating procedures, if needed
Background-checked drivers
Vehicles equipped with emergency alert capabilities
Secure online shipment tracking from pickup to delivery

Enhanced add-on security options:

Security escorts for intrastate and interstate shipments
Customer-designated onboard courier to accompany the shipment

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More layers of shipment security

Get a security package that’s customized to meet your requirements. The options below can be combined and tailored as needed.

Drive Secure Program

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Secure transport includes straight-through options and even more communication.
- Driver travels the first 200 miles nonstop. If the route is less than 200 miles, the driver will go straight through to delivery.
- Vehicles include two-way in-cab tracking and communication equipment.
- Add protection to any shipment with escort vehicles.
Cargo lock and/or seal are provided for every vehicle.
The driver is always present within 25 feet of the vehicle.
We maintain custodial control throughout the shipment.
Shipment details are confidential and discussed with dispatch only when necessary.
You receive proactive communication if your shipment will be delayed more than 15 minutes.

Secure parking

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Loaded FedEx Custom Critical vehicles can park overnight at FedEx Freight security-approved locations.
When freight needs to be transferred to another vehicle, it’s done at a FedEx Freight security-approved facility.

Command center tracking

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The FedEx Custom Critical SecureComm^® center dedicates a select group of security specialists to
monitor your shipment.
Security specialists are available 24/7/365.
All personnel follow proprietary security protocols during transit.
We create and implement customized security standard operating procedures specific to you and your cargo.

Does your shipment require government transportation protective services? Check out our government shipping solutions

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Hazardous materials shipping

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Shipping hazardous materials requires expert handling and care. We have the equipment and the expertise to handle
them safely, including 49CFR hazardous material-certified drivers.

Standard hazardous materials handling

Gases 2.1 (flammable)
Gases 2.2 (nonflammable)
Flammable liquids 3.0
Flammable solids 4.1
Spontaneous combustibles 4.2
Dangerous when wet 4.3
Oxidizers 5.1
Organic peroxides 5.2
Corrosives 8.0
Miscellaneous 9.0

Questions about shipping these materials?
Call 1.800.762.3787.

Special care hazardous materials handling

Explosives (all classes)
Poison 6.1
Category B infectious substances
Poison Gas 2.3
Poison Inhalation Hazard
Gases including helium, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon
Radioactive materials

Questions about shipping these materials?
Call 1.866.280.1810.

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If you’re already a customer and you want to schedule a shipment for any of the materials mentioned above, log in to our Customer Experience Center.

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FedEx Custom Critical hazardous materials documents

Access documents, resources, and more for your most sensitive shipments, including:

Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration
Hazardous Materials Safety Permit
Hazardous Materials Security Plan

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Get Documents

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FedEx Custom Critical hazardous materials documents

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Disaster recovery: Specialty shipping when it matters most

To help keep your business running in the face of catastrophe, FedEx Custom Critical is there. You can rely on us to transport data backups to a restore location. Evacuate your critical freight or components to avoid damage. Transfer your electronics and other sensitive equipment to reduce downtime. Or deliver in almost any other disaster recovery scenario. We’re able to work with authorities to get access to disaster areas when others can’t. To talk with a specialist about business continuity and disaster recovery, call 1.800.762.3787.

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FedEx Custom Critical freight solutions for Canada and Mexico

Our expedited shipping capabilities aren’t bound by U.S. borders. You can ship to and from Canada and Mexico.
Services include:

Exclusive vehicle use
Door-to-door service
Proactive communications on pickup, customs clearance, and delivery
Tracking via two-way satellite or phone

Canada

Service to, from, and within all provinces
To-the-minute pickup and delivery, 24/7/365
Quick customs clearance

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Mexico

Geographic coverage to and from Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City, and surrounding areas
Time-specific pickups and deliveries
Two vehicles used—one in the U.S. or Canada for pickup, one in Mexico for delivery^*

Call 1.800.762.3787 for a quote or to schedule a shipment.

^*Interline carriers are utilized for services in Mexico.

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Industry-specific shipping expertise

If you’re shipping for healthcare companies or government entities, the stakes are high. Here are some of the ways we can help ensure safety, security, and speed.

Healthcare and pharmaceutical shipping

Handling healthcare shipments correctly can help ensure safety—of the product and the patient. Our protocols and processes support the efficacy, stability, potency, and shelf life of critical deliveries. A dedicated vehicle fleet also reduces the risk that might come with combining these products with other shipments.

Get expert healthcare shipping and logistics services for pharmaceuticals (including samples and clinical trials), medical equipment, devices, or supplies to customers in labs, hospitals, care facilities, and homes.

Life-saving products need first-class care.

Healthcare products often need temperature control and extra security.

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Explore our full range of temperature-controlled shipping solutions. Our validated services include custodial handling and auditable temperature documentation.

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Learn about our secure shipping options, including continuous vehicle monitoring, secure parking, and advanced tracking.

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Explore more shipping and logistics services for healthcare.

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Put your temperature-control processes under the microscope.

If you’re shipping pharmaceuticals and you want to ensure compliance with temperature protocols, consider a shipping study.

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Government transportation services

Top–security government shipments have unique requirements. Department of Defense (SCAC: FDCC) approved, we’re equipped to handle your most sensitive, regulated, critical ground shipments. As an USTRANSCOM approved TPS carrier, we offer DDP, PSS, CIS, SMS to support the warfighter’s mission. In addition to DoD, we support all civil government agencies, you can find FedEx Custom Critical on the GSA schedule, contract #GS-33F-005U. Register on SAMS.GOV our DUNNS#055820518, we can support the most sensitive projects and or critical ground shipments.

Capabilities include:

Dangerous goods
Hazardous materials
Explosive and nuclear materials
Shipments requiring stringent security
Arms, ammunition, and explosives (AA&E)
Shipments requiring cleared, certified drivers
Goods with other special handling requirements
General Services Administration (GSA) and (ATR) shipments

Additional capabilities:

Coordination of secure holds at military safe havens across the U.S.
Specialized security processes and auditing to help ensure compliance with government standards
Documentation of domestic-controlled exports
24/7 customer service with complete shipment location visibility
A stringent monitoring system with Defense Transportation Tracking System (DCS)
A fleet of specialized DOD-equipped vehicles

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Intensify your security

With FedEx Custom Critical, you choose the level of security you need for your sensitive shipment. We’re qualified to handle sensitive, classified, and hazardous shipments including electronics, arms, munitions, and all classes of explosives.

The U.S. DOD has approved us to offer the full range of Transportation Protective Services listed here.

Constant Surveillance Service (CIS)

A FedEx Custom Critical driver attends the vehicle at all times. This means the driver is awake inside the vehicle or within 25 feet of it with an unobstructed view.

Dual-Driver Protective Service (DDP)

Two qualified drivers are in the same vehicle. One driver is always awake inside the vehicle or within 25 feet of it with an unobstructed view.

Protective Security Service (PSS)

Two cleared drivers provide continuous attendance and surveillance. For brief stops, one driver must be within 25 feet of the vehicle with an unobstructed view.

Dual-Driver Protective Service/National Agency Check (DDN)

This option provides the same service level as PSS, but it doesn’t require as high a level of security clearance.

Satellite Motor Surveillance Service (SNS)

Two qualified drivers attend the vehicle, with at least one driver inside the truck or within 10 feet of it at all times. Vehicle is equipped with an alert button for qualification by DTTS.

Motor Surveillance Service (MVS)

A FedEx Custom Critical dispatcher or driver calls the phone number on the bill of lading at specified times to report the vehicle’s location.

Signature and Tally Service (675)

The driver secures and records a signature at each vehicle stop. This is usually used with another security service.

Security Escort Vehicle (SEV)

Two licensed, secret-cleared drivers maintain constant and specific surveillance of the cargo vehicle from a separate escort vehicle.

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Need more information? Ready to schedule a shipment? Call 1.866.280.1810. If you’re already a customer, log in

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FedEx Custom Critical broker and expedited services

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Keeping up with your ever-changing transportation needs

Take advantage of scalable options to make sure your supply chain is efficient and cost-effective. We offer a variety of customized solutions across all modes for your transportation needs. Whether you have an urgent transactional need, a project, or need someone to manage the outsourcing of your transportation, we've got the capabilities and the expertise.

Quickly adjust to changing transportation market volume. Receive logistics solutions that take your entire transportation needs into account. We help meet your individual needs whether transactional or contractual. Our non-asset-biased model provides the right solution at the right price.

Freight modes

Dry van freight Add capacity to your freight service with qualified carriers for products that don’t need refrigeration.
Flatbed and heavy freight Solve the challenge of transporting industrial machinery and oversized and heavy loads through specialized carriers.
Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight Cost-effectively ship smaller loads.
Intermodal shipments Efficiently ship long distances by combining multiple modes, such as truck and rail.
Refrigerated freight Protect the freshness and quality of your perishables, frozen products, pharmaceuticals, confections, and other temperature-sensitive items.
Bulk freight Reliably move large amounts of unpackaged raw materials, dry or liquid goods, and other commodities.

Features of service

Speed to market Save your business the effort and investment by having our dedicated transportation experts work with you to identify solutions to meet your capacity needs.
Qualified carrier network Our logistics account managers have developed relationships with many qualified and dependable carriers to help make every customer experience outstanding.
One load, one time Do you need a shipment delivered? Contact us to get a quote, and you'll see how our expertise, extensive carrier network, and industry-leading technology come together to deliver your goods.