How Late Does UPS Deliver? Here’s What Many Aren’t Aware Of

Are you expecting a UPS package that hasn’t been delivered and is getting late already? I believe different questions are running through your head right now. How late does UPS deliver, or is it possible to track the truck?

According to UPS, the company has an official delivery window that closes by 7 p.m. each day. The company also notifies drivers that they may deliver later, but no later than 9 p.m. daily.

In this article, I will discuss UPS, their delivery time, and what you can do if your delivery is yet to come, and it is already late.

When is the UPS deadline for delivery each day?

As I mentioned earlier, UPS drivers’ daily delivery time is between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. But according to UPS, delivery can take an hour or two after the normal deadline.

This usually happens when the driver is working overtime, like when he or she had issues earlier with delivery. Perhaps his or her vehicle broke down earlier and still wishes to carry on with all deliveries.

This may cause the driver to work later than the 7 p.m. deadline but not exceed the 9 p.m. deadline. All drivers must return to the depot to turn in the remaining packages. The remaining packages will be held for delivery the following business day.

Why doesn’t UPS deliver at night?

UPS and other logistics companies do not offer overnight deliveries for many reasons. For businesses, you hardly meet anyone available to sign for the package after working hours.

For residential addresses, it is more like a nuisance to them delivering late at night. Residents may be asleep and don’t want to be disturbed. Security-wise, others may find it unsafe to open the door to answer someone who claims to be delivering a package.

Aside from that, nighttime deliveries are also not safe for drivers. They may become victims of theft, assault, and other acts of crime. Furthermore, there is also the likelihood of the driver tripping at night due to impaired vision.

I believe you do not want your package damaged just because the driver tripped while trying to get it to you. It also means UPS will lose money, as they will have to reimburse delivery fees and replace damaged packages.

Why hasn’t UPS delivered your package yet?

Generally, UPS has proven to be very consistent among other logistic companies in the U.S. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI), UPS scored 74 out of 100 in 2022. It even ranks higher than USPS.

That said, having a delivery come late or not at all on the day it was planned is normal. It isn’t planned, but it does happen, and there is usually a reason behind it. Some possible reasons include the following:

  • Workers shortage
  • Rising delivery orders
  • Natural disaster
  • Heavy traffic jams, etc.

What can you do about it?

I know it’s pretty annoying waiting the whole day for your package to be delivered and not being delivered. There are probably many thoughts going through your head, even how you can exact revenge.

Well, the first thing to do is to take a deep breath; everything is going to be okay. Remember, it’s just a minor delay and doesn’t mean your package isn’t coming. 

The best move is just to use the tracking number and keep tabs on your package. If any issue is encountered along the line, an update should be given soonest, so just ensure you check occasionally.

Can you track the UPS truck?

Thanks to different technological advancements, UPS has made it possible to track the truck carrying your package. This can be done by enrolling in the UPS, my choice program. Afterward, you can;

  • View all details for your incoming and outgoing shipments
  • Get delivery updates via text and email
  • Change the delivery date and location
  • Tell the UPS driver where to leave your package
  • View the estimated time for delivery of your package
  • Follow packages as they move toward their destinations

FAQs

Can you get a refund if your UPS package is late?

Yes, you can. Even if your delivery is late by just a minute, you are eligible for a refund. Although you should note that you will get this refund only if certain conditions are met.

How accurate is UPS’s estimated delivery date?

Usually, very spot on. But it is also possible receiving your package before or after the estimated delivery date.

Does UPS deliver on weekends?

Yes, they do.

Conclusion

I know it’s annoying waiting the whole day for a delivery, especially if you have other things to do. The normal delivery time for UPS drivers is between 9 AM to 7 PM, but it may also reach 9 PM in certain cases.

If you are expecting a delivery that has not arrived, having patience and checking the tracking update is the best option. If for any unforeseen reason, your package cannot be delivered that day, it should come the following day.

I hope you found this article insightful. Sometimes while tracking a package, you might find the update or tracking number invalid. See this article on UPS tracking number invalid to see what it means, the causes, and the solution.

Thanks for reading.