Does UPS Operate on Weekends?

September 27, 2024
by Anthony Robinson

If you are expecting a package or planning to send one, a common question you may have is whether UPS operates on weekends. Fortunately, the answer is yes, but with some caveats. Let's dive deeper into what you need to know about UPS services on weekends.

How does UPS's weekend schedule differ from its weekday schedule?

First, it's essential to understand that UPS's weekend schedule is different from its weekday schedule. The company operates on a standard Monday to Friday workweek across the United States. However, certain services are available on Saturdays and Sundays, with some limitations.

One of the main differences between UPS's weekend and weekday schedules is the delivery options available. On weekdays, UPS offers a range of delivery options, including same-day, next-day, and two-day delivery. However, on weekends, the delivery options are limited to Saturday delivery for certain packages and Sunday delivery for Amazon packages only.

Another difference is the pickup and drop-off times for packages. On weekdays, UPS pickup and drop-off times are typically during regular business hours. However, on weekends, the pickup and drop-off times are limited, and some UPS stores may not be open at all. It's important to check the specific hours of operation for your local UPS store if you need to drop off or pick up a package on the weekend.

Are all UPS services available on weekends?

Not all UPS services are available on weekends. The company only offers Saturday and Sunday deliveries for specific services, such as UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS Worldwide Express. Moreover, UPS's weekend services are only available in select areas.

It is important to note that UPS does not offer pickup services on weekends. If you need to send a package on a weekend, you will need to drop it off at a UPS location that is open on Saturdays or Sundays. Additionally, UPS may have different delivery times for weekend deliveries compared to weekday deliveries, so it is important to check with the company for specific delivery times.

For customers who require more flexibility with their deliveries, UPS offers a service called UPS My Choice. This service allows customers to customize their deliveries by choosing delivery times, locations, and even rerouting packages to a different address. With UPS My Choice, customers can also receive delivery alerts and notifications, making it easier to plan for their deliveries and ensure that they are home to receive their packages.

How to find out if your package will be delivered on a weekend?

If you want to know whether your package will be delivered on a weekend, you can track your package using UPS's online tracking tool. If your package is eligible for weekend delivery, you will see an estimated delivery date that includes a Saturday or Sunday.

It's important to note that not all packages are eligible for weekend delivery. If your package is not eligible, you will not see a Saturday or Sunday delivery date in the tracking information. In this case, your package will be delivered on the next available business day.

If you need your package to be delivered on a weekend and it is not eligible for weekend delivery, you may be able to request a special delivery service from UPS for an additional fee. This service is called UPS Express Critical and is available for urgent shipments that require delivery on weekends or holidays.

Is UPS Saturday delivery available in your area?

Not all areas offer UPS Saturday delivery. To check if Saturday delivery is available in your area, visit the UPS website and enter your destination zip code and the service you want to use. If Saturday delivery is available, it will be listed as a delivery option.

It's important to note that UPS Saturday delivery is only available for certain services, such as UPS Next Day Air® and UPS 2nd Day Air®. If you select a different service, Saturday delivery may not be an option even if it's available in your area.

If you need to guarantee Saturday delivery, it's recommended to contact UPS directly to confirm availability and make arrangements. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with Saturday delivery, so be sure to check the pricing before selecting this option.

What are the fees for weekend deliveries with UPS?

UPS charges an additional fee for weekend deliveries. The exact cost depends on several factors, such as the delivery location and service level. Generally, weekend delivery fees range from $16 to $35 per package, depending on the service and location.

It's important to note that UPS only offers Saturday delivery for certain services, such as UPS Next Day Air® and UPS Worldwide Express®. Sunday delivery is not available for any UPS service. Additionally, if you need to schedule a weekend delivery, it's recommended to do so in advance to ensure availability and avoid any last-minute fees.

How to schedule a weekend delivery with UPS?

To schedule a weekend delivery with UPS, you need to choose a service that offers weekend delivery and add the weekend delivery service to your shipment. You can do this online or by contacting UPS customer service. Keep in mind that Saturday deliveries may require an extra fee.

It is important to note that not all UPS services offer weekend delivery. Before scheduling your shipment, make sure to check if the service you are using provides weekend delivery options. Additionally, if you are scheduling a weekend delivery for a residential address, it is recommended to confirm with the recipient that they will be available to receive the package on the weekend.

Can you track your package on weekends with UPS?

Yes, you can track your package on weekends with UPS. The company's online tracking tool is available 24/7, even on weekends. You can also contact UPS customer service for assistance with tracking your package on the weekends.

It is important to note that while you can track your package on weekends with UPS, there may be delays in updates to the tracking information. This is because some UPS facilities may have reduced staffing on weekends, which can slow down the processing and scanning of packages.

Additionally, if you need to make changes to your package delivery on the weekend, such as redirecting it to a different address or rescheduling the delivery date, you may need to contact UPS customer service during their regular business hours. However, you can still use the online tracking tool to monitor the progress of your package and ensure that it is on its way to its destination.

What are the cutoff times for weekend deliveries with UPS?

The cutoff times for weekend deliveries with UPS vary depending on the service and location. Generally, the cutoff times for Saturday deliveries are earlier than those for weekday deliveries. If you need your package to be delivered during the weekend, make sure to check the cutoff times for your specific location and service level.

It's important to note that UPS does not offer Sunday deliveries for most services, except for UPS Express Critical. If you require a package to be delivered on a Sunday, you will need to use this service. However, it's important to check the cutoff times for this service as they may differ from other weekend delivery services. Additionally, UPS may have limited delivery options during holidays and peak seasons, so it's always best to plan ahead and check with UPS for any updates or changes to their delivery schedules.

How does UPS prioritize weekend deliveries compared to weekday deliveries?

UPS treats weekend deliveries with the same priority as its weekday deliveries. The company's operations and logistics teams work around the clock to ensure timely deliveries seven-days-a-week. However, keep in mind that UPS's weekend delivery services are limited and not available in all locations.

Overall, UPS does operate on weekends, but with some restrictions and additional fees. If you need a package to be delivered during the weekend, make sure to choose a service that offers weekend delivery and confirm availability in your area.

It's important to note that UPS also offers special delivery options for urgent packages that need to be delivered on weekends or holidays. These services include UPS Express Critical, which provides same-day delivery for critical shipments, and UPS Worldwide Express Plus, which offers early morning delivery for time-sensitive packages. These services come with additional fees, but they can be a lifesaver for businesses or individuals who need to get important items delivered outside of regular business hours.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over a decade of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

Since founding ShipScience in 2018, Anthony has empowered numerous e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of parcel shipping through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. His leadership extends beyond ShipScience, having established Refund Geeks and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline supply chains and improve customer experiences in the last mile. When he’s not strategizing shipping solutions, he enjoys connecting with industry leaders and staying ahead of the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on optimizing shipping for e-commerce businesses.

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