Like other private carriers, UPS does not like to deliver packages to P.O. Boxes. This is because they are primarily designed to deliver parcels to physical addresses, and a P.O. Box is not one.
In fact, such packages usually get delayed until a physical or street address is provided by the sender or retailer. However, if you wish to ship to a P.O. Box from UPS, special UPS services can help you.
Popular ones are UPS Mail Innovations and Sure Posts. While these services have limitations, if you carefully follow their requirements, UPS will have no issue shipping packages to your P.O. Box.
Find out more about whether UPS delivers packages to P.O. Boxes, how to go about it (if you must), and what works for every option.
Does UPS Deliver Packages to USPS?
The answer is no if you are shipping via the regular (standard and express) options. These options do not recognize a post office address or P.O. Box as a physical or street address.
As a result, UPS will call you to provide a physical address so they can reroute your shipment for a fee. If you are unreachable or unresponsive, your package will be held at the facility until you pick it up.
To deliver a package from UPS to USPS, you must employ special services such as UPS Mail Innovations, SurePost, and USPS street addressing. Let’s see how these services work in the next section.
How Does UPS Deliver Packages to P.O. Boxes?
1. UPS Mail Innovations
UPS Mail Innovation is a cost-effective service that combines the reliability of UPS Ground with the last-mile delivery USPS normally provides. The service delivers packages within 2 to 5 business days, and here is how to opt for it:
- Take your package to UPS.
- Request for the Mail Innovations service.
- Provide the recipient’s PO box address.
- Allow UPS SurePost to deliver the package to USPS for the final delivery.
The UPS service does not only deliver packages to USPS or p.o boxes; it also ships parcels to:
- Army Post Office
- Fleet Post Office
- Diplomatic Post Office
- Alaska and Hawaii
Note: Delivery to the first 3 destinations usually requires a CN22 customs form if the package goes outside EU countries.
From the above destinations, you can infer that UPS Mail Innovations is not a service for heavy shipments. For context, the service only allows packages less than 1 pound.
To track your package, copy and paste its tracking number into the USPS tracking portal. This will provide you with the latest status and confirm any delivery.
2. UPS SurePost
UPS SurePost and Mail Innovations do the same thing. The only difference is that SurePost is better for heavier (weighing between 2 to 20 pounds), non-urgent packages and delivers between 2 to 7 business days.
You can also follow the process in UPS Mail Innovations to opt for this service.
3. USPS Street Addressing (if your location is eligible)
USPS street addressing is a premium service that allows customers to connect their physical address to their P.O. Box number. You can use this address format while checking out an order on Amazon or other e-commerce stores.
Below is what a USPS street address should look like during checkout:
- Mr/Ms. Jones
- 552 Main St
- Unit 15
- Atlanta GA 30301
FAQs
What is the difference between USPS and UPS?
USPS is a public (postal) service owned by the Federal Government, whereas UPS is a private carrier or shipping company. Unlike UPS, USPS also prefers to ship mail and smaller packages domestically.
Does FedEx deliver USPS packages?
FedEx delivers packages to the post office and receives USPS packages via SmartPost. Delivery turnaround is usually between 2 to 5 days.
What time does USPS deliver?
USPS delivers parcels between 9 pm to 5 pm. However, during peak seasons such as Christmas, delivery hours may be extended until 6:30 p.m.
How does USPS deliver packages?
USPS delivers parcels via rail, truck, and air. Ground deliveries are usually the most affordable.
Conclusion: Does UPS Deliver to P.O. Boxes
Private carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL rarely deliver packages to the post office or p.o. boxes. They prefer to start and end a delivery process. This way, if there are any issues, they know to address them.
However, some businesses prioritize privacy and prefer to ship to P.O. Boxes only. The UPS Mail Innovations, SurePost, and USPS street addressing are services designed to help them.
You can also ask your local post office or postmaster about possibly receiving a package via a P.O. Box. While there is no guarantee that they will comply, you might be lucky.
I hope you found this guide helpful. Feel free to explore the 5 alternatives to P.O. Box people don’t know.
Thanks for reading.
