Do it mail/FedEx, just make sure you have the tracking number. One thing that people overlook if you are doing expedited service - it is expedited from the time that the State Department "processes" your package. They could receive it and it can sit there for a few days. If you are really in a bind then I would use a respected passport agency, like It's Easy. Those companies can truly get it expedited by doing hand-delivery (but appointments are limited).