How to Correct an Address for UPS Ground Shipping

September 27, 2024
by Anthony Robinson

How to Correct an Address for UPS Ground Shipping

If you are using UPS Ground Shipping, it is essential to ensure that the address you provide is accurate. Address errors can lead to delays, misdeliveries, and even lost packages. Here is everything you need to know about correcting an address for UPS Ground Shipping.

Why Correcting an Address for UPS Ground Shipping is Important

Before we dive into the specifics of address correction, it’s essential to understand why it’s so crucial. Incorrect or incomplete addresses may lead to delayed deliveries or, in worst-case scenarios, lost packages. By correcting the address, you’ll ensure that your item reaches its intended location on time.

Moreover, correcting an address for UPS Ground Shipping can also save you money. UPS charges additional fees for incorrect or incomplete addresses, which can add up quickly. By ensuring that your address is correct, you’ll avoid these extra charges and keep your shipping costs down.

Common Reasons for Address Errors in UPS Shipping

There are several reasons why address errors occur in UPS Shipping:

  • Human error – typos, missing information, or incorrect formatting can all lead to incorrect addresses.
  • Natural disasters.
  • Incomplete addresses and incorrect apartment or suite numbers.
  • Outdated or incorrect address information when a customer moves or a business changes its location and forgets to update their address information.

Tips to Avoid Address Errors in UPS Shipping

To reduce the likelihood of address errors, you can take several precautions:

  • Double-check the address you’ve entered before submitting your shipment request. Ensure that you have included any necessary suite, apartment, or unit numbers.
  • Always use the correct two-letter state code and full zip code.
  • Use clear and legible handwriting when writing addresses manually.
  • Use UPS’s address validation tool, which checks the accuracy of the address you’ve entered and suggests any necessary corrections.
  • Consider using UPS’s address book feature to save frequently used addresses and ensure that you always have the correct information on hand.

How to Verify an Address for UPS Ground Shipping

UPS offers a useful tool called the Address Validation Tool that you can use to verify addresses before submitting your shipment request. This tool will cross-check your entered address against the official USPS database and notify you of any errors.

In addition to the Address Validation Tool, you can also manually check the address by using the USPS ZIP Code Lookup tool. This tool allows you to enter the address and ZIP code to confirm the accuracy of the information. By taking these extra steps to verify the address, you can ensure that your package will be delivered to the correct location on time.

Correcting an Address Online through UPS My Choice

If you’ve already submitted your shipment request but have noticed an error in the entered address, you can correct the address online through UPS My Choice. Log in to your UPS My Choice account, click on the “Shipping” tab, select the shipment with the incorrect address, and click on the “Edit” button. From there, you can modify the address and resubmit the shipment request.

It’s important to note that there may be additional fees associated with correcting an address after the shipment has already been processed. These fees can vary depending on the type of shipment and the destination. Be sure to review the UPS website or contact customer service for more information on any potential fees.

Correcting an Address by Contacting UPS Customer Service

If you prefer to speak with a customer service representative, you can call 1-800-PICK-UPS and request an address correction. Ensure that you have your tracking number and original address handy.

It is important to note that there may be additional fees associated with correcting an address after the package has already been shipped. These fees vary depending on the type of shipment and the destination. It is recommended to double-check the accuracy of the address before shipping to avoid any additional charges or delays in delivery.

Steps to Follow for Correcting an Address on a UPS Shipping Label

If you’re sending a package with UPS Ground Shipping, you can correct the address directly on the shipping label. To do this:

  • Cross out the incorrect address.
  • Write the new address clearly.
  • Affix the label to your package securely.

It’s important to note that if you’re using UPS Air Shipping, you cannot correct the address on the label. Instead, you’ll need to contact UPS customer service to request an address correction. Additionally, if you’ve already dropped off your package with an incorrect address, you can use UPS’s Package Intercept service to redirect the package to the correct address.

How Long Does it Take to Correct an Address on a UPS Package?

The timing to correct an address on a UPS package can vary:

  • If you catch the error and correct it before the package leaves the origin facility, the correction should take effect immediately.
  • If the package is already on its way, the correction may take an additional one or two business days.

The timing of the correction also depends on the shipping service selected. For example, if you have chosen UPS Next Day Air, the correction may be made faster than if you have chosen UPS Ground. Additionally, if the package has already been delivered to the wrong address, the correction process may take longer and involve additional fees.

To avoid address correction delays, it is recommended to double-check the shipping address before submitting the order. UPS also offers a service called UPS My Choice, which allows you to proactively track and manage your deliveries, including making address corrections before the package is shipped.

What Happens if the Package is Delivered to the Wrong Address?

In the unfortunate event that your package is delivered to the wrong address due to an incorrect address error, UPS has a process to recover the package. You will need to contact UPS Customer Service and provide the tracking number, the package’s original and incorrect address, and a description of the package’s contents. UPS will then work to correct the error and get your package to its correct destination.

It is important to note that if the package was delivered to the wrong address due to an error on your part, such as providing an incorrect address, UPS may charge an additional fee for the recovery and delivery of the package to the correct address. To avoid this, always double-check the address you provide when placing an order and make sure it is accurate and up-to-date.

How to Track the Progress of an Address Correction with UPS

You can track the progress of your address correction online through UPS My Choice or by calling UPS Customer Service. Both methods will provide you with up-to-date information on the status of your package and ensure that it reaches its intended destination quickly.

The time it takes for an address correction to be processed and for your package to be delivered to the correct address may vary depending on the distance between the original and corrected addresses. In some cases, the package may need to be rerouted to a different facility, which can add additional time to the delivery process. It is recommended to track your package regularly and contact UPS Customer Service if you have any concerns or questions about the status of your shipment.

Best Practices for Properly Formatting Addresses for UPS Shipping

Finally, it’s essential to practice proper address formatting when shipping with UPS:

  • Include the recipient’s name, address, and phone number on the label.
  • Use clear and legible handwriting, or consider printing the label to ensure clarity and readability.
  • Use the correct two-letter state codes and the full nine-digit zip code.

By adhering to these best practices, you’ll help reduce the likelihood of address errors and ensure that your package arrives at its intended destination on time.

Another important aspect of address formatting is to ensure that the address is complete and accurate. This means including any necessary apartment or suite numbers, as well as any directional indicators (such as N, S, E, W) that may be required. It’s also important to double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name and the street name to avoid any confusion or delays in delivery.

In addition to proper formatting, it’s also a good idea to include any special instructions or delivery preferences with your shipment. This could include instructions for leaving the package at a specific location, or requesting a signature upon delivery. By providing these details upfront, you can help ensure that your package is delivered according to your preferences and avoid any potential issues or delays.

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 two decades of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

In 2003, Anthony founded Relectric.com, the first online marketplace for aftermarket industrial electrical parts. Managing logistics for Relectric.com as it scaled to over seven figures in UPS spend provided him with firsthand experience in overcoming complex shipping challenges. This invaluable experience ignited his passion for solving logistics problems and seamlessly transitioned into the creation of ShipScience in 2018.

Since founding ShipScience, 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 co-founded and exited Robly.com and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.  In 2023, Robinson authored the book Ship Smarter to help scaling businesses manage their logistics challenges.

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, exploring the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics, and spending quality time with his family.

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

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