There is no definitive answer to the “What time does UPS deliver packages in your area” question. The shipping company has numerous options, and its customers stay in different locations.
However, UPS operates six days a week (Monday to Saturday) and delivers packages between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. or before closing for commercial deliveries.
Please note that there might be slight modifications for some shipping options, especially for those whose final delivery is done by USPS.
This guide explains the delivery hours for every UPS shipping option, their turnaround time, factors affecting a scheduled delivery, and what to do.
UPS Shipping Options & Their Delivery Hours
1. UPS Next Day Air Early
This shipping option guarantees delivery between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. the next business day.
2. UPS Next Day Air
UPS Next Day Air delivers packages before the end of the next business day. Delivery time for this option usually varies, but your package should arrive before or by 8 p.m.
3. UPS 2nd Day Air
UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery by the end of the second business day. Delivery time varies but should not exceed 8 p.m. Late deliveries attract compensation from UPS.
4. UPS 3-Day Select
This option delivers packages within 3 business days and usually before 8 p.m.
5. UPS Ground
This is the most economical shipping option on UPS. While delivery time varies depending on the package’s destination, most items arrive before 8 p.m. and within 5 business days.
6. UPS SurePost and Mail Innovations
UPS SurePost and Mail Innovation are affordable shipping options that mostly require the service of USPS. The former deals with heavy shipments, while the latter suits lightweight packages.
Their packages are picked up by UPS and transported by UPS before being handed to USPS for final delivery. Delivery typically occurs within 2 to 7 business days. However, unlike UPS, USPS ends delivery operations by 5 p.m. (Monday to Saturday).
Factors That Affect Scheduled Delivery
1. Weather conditions
Weather-related delays can impact the delivery of your package, especially during the winter season. Heavy snowfall, hurricanes, and ice storms can lead to road closures and flight cancellations.
Nevertheless, UPS monitors these weather patterns and adjusts its operations accordingly.
2. Address issues
Incorrect or incomplete addresses can delay scanning or result in unsuccessful delivery attempts. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check the address you provide for accuracy.
3. Holidays
UPS does not operate during major U.S. holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Note that delivery on the day before or after a holiday may also be impacted.
4. Undeliverable packages
If a package is undeliverable, UPS will return it to the sender. Aside from an incorrect address, this can happen if the recipient moved or the package was refused.
Solutions to Delivery Issues
1. Contact UPS
You have every right to report any delay to UPS customer support. They should provide you with an update on the package’s status within 24 hours. If you are lucky, your delivery may be expedited.
2. Contact the sender
You can also contact the package’s sender to inquire about your item’s status. They may be able to provide additional tracking information or initiate a trace with UPS to locate your package.
3. Request a hold for pickup
If you are concerned about a package being stolen from your doorstep or won’t be at home to receive it, you can request a hold for pickup at a UPS Access Point or facility.
FAQs
How do you know what time UPS will deliver?
Before delivery, UPS will provide you with a map that shows your driver’s schedule, and you will get an email as soon as the driver begins delivery. This allows you to track the driver until he or she gets to your residence or office.
Does UPS deliver on weekends?
UPS delivers both residential and commercial packages on Saturday. However, only residential services are allowed on Sundays.
Why is your UPS package not moving?
This is probably because the package is undergoing a long trip before it makes its next stop or it has been handed over to another carrier. Just be patient for a few days before contacting customer service.
Conclusion: What Time Does UPS Deliver in Your Area?
UPS provides a variety of shipping options with different delivery windows. Factors affecting these windows include the package’s destination and exceptions such as weather conditions, holidays, and incorrect addresses.
UPS Next Day Air Early is the only shipping option that guarantees delivery on the morning of the next business day. Other shipping options ensure they deliver before 8 p.m. or close business.
Also, it is always great to actively track your package. This helps you detect delays early and report them to UPS customer service or the sender.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, please see how to handle a UPS missed delivery.
Thanks for reading.
