How Many Times Will UPS Attempt Delivery? An In-Depth Look

September 27, 2024
by Anthony Robinson

How Many Times Will UPS Attempt Delivery? An In-Depth Look

If you’re expecting a package through UPS, you might be wondering how many times the company will attempt to deliver it. The answer isn’t simple, as it depends on a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the UPS delivery process and what happens when UPS misses a delivery attempt.

Understanding the UPS Delivery Process

Before we dive into specific details about UPS delivery attempts, it’s important to understand the general delivery process. When you place an order online or through a phone order, your package is assigned a tracking number. This tracking number allows you to monitor the package’s journey from the warehouse to your doorstep.

When UPS delivers a package, they typically make three delivery attempts. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the driver will leave a note on your door with information about the next delivery attempt. The package may be left with a neighbor or delivered to a UPS Access Point® location near you for pickup.

It’s important to note that UPS also offers various delivery options to fit your specific needs. For example, you can choose to have your package delivered to a different address, such as your workplace or a friend’s house. You can also request that the package be held for pickup at a UPS location, or even schedule a specific delivery time that works best for you.

Additionally, UPS provides real-time updates on the status of your package through their website or mobile app. This allows you to track your package’s location and estimated delivery time, as well as receive notifications if there are any delays or issues with the delivery.

What Happens When UPS Misses a Delivery Attempt?

If UPS misses a delivery attempt, a variety of things can happen. The company may attempt to deliver the package again on the next day, or they may leave it at a UPS Access Point® location near you for pickup. If the package is left at a UPS Access Point®, you’ll receive an email notification with instructions on how to retrieve it.

If you’re not able to pick up your package from an Access Point®, you can also schedule a delivery for a time that’s convenient for you. However, this could result in an additional fee depending on the type of package and your location.

In some cases, UPS may also require a signature for delivery. If you’re not available to sign for the package, UPS may leave a notice with instructions on how to schedule a delivery or pick up the package at a UPS location.

It’s important to keep track of your package’s delivery status and make sure someone is available to receive it. If you’re not going to be home, you can also authorize UPS to leave the package in a safe location, such as a porch or garage, by using their “My Choice” service.

UPS Delivery Attempts: How Many Times Will They Try?

As we mentioned earlier, UPS typically makes three delivery attempts. However, this can vary based on the type of package and your location. For example, if you live in a remote area or if the package is considered high-value, the company may attempt to deliver it more than three times to ensure that it arrives safely.

It’s important to note that if you miss all three delivery attempts, UPS will hold your package at a nearby location for a certain period of time, depending on the service level and destination. After that time period, the package will be returned to the sender. To avoid this, you can sign up for UPS My Choice, which allows you to customize your delivery preferences and receive notifications about your package’s status.

Factors Affecting UPS Delivery Attempts

Several factors can impact how many times UPS will attempt to deliver your package. Some of the most common include:

  • The recipient’s availability
  • Location accessibility
  • Weather conditions
  • Signature requirements

It is important to note that UPS will typically make three delivery attempts before returning the package to the sender. However, if the recipient is not available or the location is inaccessible, UPS may make fewer attempts. Additionally, if the package requires a signature upon delivery and no one is available to sign, UPS will not leave the package and will instead attempt delivery on another day.

How to Track Your UPS Package and Delivery Attempts

If you’re wondering how many times UPS has attempted to deliver your package, you can check the tracking information to find out. This information is updated in real-time and can be accessed through the UPS website or mobile app.

In addition to tracking your package and delivery attempts, you can also set up notifications to receive updates on your package’s status. This can include alerts for when your package is out for delivery, when it has been delivered, or if there are any delays or issues with the delivery. To set up notifications, simply log in to your UPS account and select the “Notifications” option.

Tips for Ensuring Successful UPS Deliveries

To increase the chances of a successful UPS delivery, consider the following tips:

  • Ensure the delivery address is correct and complete.
  • Double-check the street name, house number, and zip code.
  • If the package requires a signature, make sure the recipient’s name is clearly written and matches the name on their ID.

Common Reasons for Failed UPS Deliveries

There are several reasons why UPS might miss a delivery attempt. Some of the most common include:

  • The recipient is not available
  • Address is inaccessible
  • Signature requirement not met

Another common reason for failed UPS deliveries is when the package is delivered to the wrong address. This can happen if the driver misreads the address label or if the address is similar to another nearby address. In some cases, the package may be delivered to a neighbor or left at a nearby UPS Access Point for the recipient to pick up.

Additionally, failed deliveries can occur if the package is damaged or lost in transit. This can happen due to mishandling during shipping or if the package is stolen or misplaced. In these cases, UPS may offer a refund or replacement for the lost or damaged package.

How to Reschedule a UPS Delivery Attempt

If you need to reschedule a UPS delivery attempt, you can do so through the company’s website or mobile app. This is also the best way to let UPS know if there are any special delivery instructions for your driver.

To reschedule a delivery, simply log in to your UPS account and select the package you want to modify. From there, you can choose a new delivery date and time that works better for you. Keep in mind that there may be additional fees for rescheduling a delivery, depending on the package’s destination and the reason for the change.

If you’re not able to be home during the scheduled delivery time, you can also use UPS My Choice to redirect the package to a UPS Access Point location or have it held for pickup at a UPS Customer Center. This service is free for UPS My Choice members and can be a convenient option if you’re not able to receive the package at your home or office.

The Impact of Weather on UPS Delivery Attempts

As we mentioned earlier, weather conditions can impact UPS delivery attempts. If the roads are too dangerous for drivers to navigate, deliveries may be delayed or cancelled altogether. This is especially true in areas with severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow or extreme heat.

In addition to road conditions, weather can also affect the processing and sorting of packages at UPS facilities. For example, if there is a severe thunderstorm in a certain region, it may cause power outages or damage to the facility, which can delay the processing and sorting of packages. This can ultimately lead to delays in delivery attempts, even if the roads are clear for drivers to navigate.

Understanding UPS Delivery Policies and Fees

UPS has several policies and fees in place to help ensure successful deliveries. For example, the company may charge additional fees for deliveries to remote or hard-to-reach locations. It’s important to understand these policies and fees before placing an order so that you can avoid any surprises down the road.

Another important policy to be aware of is UPS’s signature requirement. Depending on the value of the package and the recipient’s location, UPS may require a signature upon delivery. This is to ensure that the package is delivered to the intended recipient and not left unattended. If you are not available to sign for the package, UPS may attempt to deliver it to a nearby UPS Access Point for you to pick up.

It’s also worth noting that UPS offers a variety of delivery options to fit your needs. For example, you can choose to have your package delivered to a UPS Access Point for convenient pickup, or you can schedule a specific delivery time that works best for you. Additionally, UPS offers international shipping services for those who need to send packages overseas.

In conclusion, the number of times UPS will attempt to deliver your package varies based on a variety of factors, including the type of package, the location of the recipient, and weather conditions. To increase the chances of a successful delivery, consider the tips outlined in this article and stay up-to-date on any changes in delivery status through the company’s tracking system.

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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