Is UPS Closed on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It serves as a time for families and friends to come together and express gratitude for their blessings. For many businesses, including UPS, understanding operating hours during this period is crucial. If you have a package that needs to be delivered around Thanksgiving, you might be wondering whether UPS is open on this holiday. This article explores the essential details regarding UPS's operations during Thanksgiving.
Importance of Thanksgiving to UPS
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, a peak period for UPS due to the significant increase in package volume. UPS understands that timely deliveries during this season are vital as packages often contain gifts and other important items. The company is committed to maintaining high service quality to meet customer expectations during this busy time.
Moreover, Thanksgiving signifies the start of several weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Day, during which UPS handles a substantial number of packages. UPS also prioritizes the well-being of its employees, providing necessary support and resources to manage the increased workload effectively.
UPS's Thanksgiving Closure History
UPS has a long-standing tradition of closing its operations on Thanksgiving Day, allowing employees to celebrate the holiday with their families and friends. This closure applies to all UPS services, including UPS Ground, UPS Air, and UPS International.
In addition to Thanksgiving, UPS also observes closures on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. These closures reflect UPS's commitment to providing its employees with adequate time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Services Affected by UPS's Thanksgiving Closure
On Thanksgiving Day, all UPS services are suspended. This includes:
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS 3 Day Select
- UPS Stores
UPS operations resume on the following day, which in 2023 is Friday, November 24th. However, due to the high holiday volume, delivery times may experience delays. Planning and scheduling shipments in advance are recommended to ensure timely delivery.
UPS Operations on Thanksgiving Eve
UPS maintains regular operations on the day before Thanksgiving, commonly known as Thanksgiving Eve. This allows packages to be delivered before the holiday. To ensure your package arrives on time:
- Place your order early.
- Consider using expedited shipping options.
- Utilize UPS My Choice® to customize your delivery preferences and receive real-time updates.
Despite operating on Thanksgiving Eve, the increased package volume may still lead to potential delays. Early planning is essential to mitigate any inconveniences.
Planning Ahead for UPS's Thanksgiving Closure
To navigate UPS's Thanksgiving closure effectively, consider the following strategies:
Track Your Packages
Use the UPS tracking tool to monitor your shipment's progress. This helps you stay informed about the estimated delivery date and any potential delays.
Reschedule Deliveries
Through the UPS My Choice® platform, you can reschedule your package delivery date to accommodate the holiday closure.
Utilize UPS Access Point Locations
UPS Access Points may offer extended hours during the holiday season, providing convenient options for package pickup.
By implementing these strategies, you can ensure a smoother shipping experience during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Alternatives to UPS During Thanksgiving
If UPS's Thanksgiving closure impacts your shipping needs, several alternative carriers offer reliable services during the holiday season:
FedEx
FedEx provides a range of shipping options, including same-day delivery, overnight shipping, and ground shipping. Their user-friendly website and mobile app allow real-time package tracking. Additionally, FedEx offers 24/7 customer support to assist with any inquiries.
DHL
DHL specializes in international shipping, delivering packages to over 220 countries. They offer express, standard, and freight shipping options, along with real-time tracking through their website and mobile app.
USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) also remains a viable alternative, offering various shipping services to meet different needs during the holiday season.
Before choosing an alternative, verify their operating hours and service availability to ensure they meet your shipping requirements.
Tracking Packages During UPS's Thanksgiving Closure
Even though UPS is closed on Thanksgiving Day, you can still track your packages using the UPS tracking tool. This tool provides updates on your shipment's status and estimated delivery dates. Additionally, the UPS My Choice® platform allows you to reschedule delivery dates as needed.
Any packages scheduled for delivery on Thanksgiving will be delivered on the next business day. For further assistance, you can contact UPS customer service through their website or by phone.
Post-Thanksgiving UPS Operations
After Thanksgiving, UPS operations return to normal. However, due to the high volume of packages during the holiday season, slight delays in delivery times may occur. UPS remains committed to efficient and timely deliveries, utilizing various tools and services to assist customers:
- Subscribe to text or email alerts for delivery updates.
- Download the UPS mobile app for real-time tracking.
- Use the online tracking feature to monitor package progress.
By leveraging these tools, customers can stay informed and manage their shipments effectively during the busy holiday period.
The Impact of COVID-19 on UPS's Thanksgiving Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced UPS's operations. To ensure the safety of employees and customers, UPS has implemented new health protocols aligned with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the holiday season, UPS continues to adhere to these safety measures, which may include enhanced sanitation practices and social distancing protocols.
The surge in online shopping due to the pandemic has led to an increase in package volume during Thanksgiving. In response, UPS has hired additional seasonal workers and invested in new technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Despite these efforts, customers should anticipate potential delays and plan their shipments accordingly to accommodate the heightened demand.
Contacting UPS Customer Service During Thanksgiving
Although UPS operations are closed on Thanksgiving Day, customer service remains available to address inquiries. You can reach UPS customer service through their website or by phone. It's advisable to check UPS's official website for any updates regarding operating hours during the Thanksgiving holiday.
In summary, UPS remains closed on Thanksgiving Day, affecting all services, stores, and delivery options. However, services operate normally on Thanksgiving Eve, allowing for package deliveries before the holiday. Customers are encouraged to track their packages, plan shipments in advance, and consider alternative shipping options if necessary. UPS is dedicated to providing efficient and safe deliveries throughout the holiday season and will resume regular operations following Thanksgiving.
Final Tips for Holiday Shipping
- Use UPS's online tools like UPS My Choice® to manage deliveries.
- Explore expedited and same-day shipping options for urgent needs.
- Plan and ship packages as early as possible to avoid delays.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free shipping experience during the Thanksgiving holiday.
