UPS 2023 Holidays: Everything You Need to Know
The world's largest delivery service company, United Parcel Service (UPS), releases its holiday schedule for 2023. The holidays can be hectic, and knowing when UPS is open and closed during the festive season can help businesses plan their operational activities more efficiently. Here is everything you need to know about UPS holidays in 2023.
The Importance of Understanding UPS Holidays for Shippers
As a shipper, it is crucial to understand when UPS is open and closed during the holiday season to avoid any delays in delivery. By knowing the UPS holiday schedule, you can plan your shipping strategy to ensure the timely arrival of packages.
During the holiday season, UPS experiences a surge in package volume, which can lead to longer delivery times. Understanding the UPS holiday schedule can help you avoid any potential delays and ensure that your packages arrive on time. It is also important to note that UPS may have different holiday schedules for different regions, so be sure to check the schedule for your specific area.
In addition to planning your shipping strategy around UPS holidays, it is also important to consider the shipping options available to you. UPS offers a variety of shipping services, including expedited and same-day delivery, which can help ensure that your packages arrive on time, even during the busy holiday season. By understanding your shipping options and the UPS holiday schedule, you can make informed decisions and avoid any potential shipping headaches.
UPS Holiday Schedule Overview
United States Holidays
- New Year's Day - January 1, 2023
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 16, 2023
- Memorial Day - May 29, 2023
- Independence Day - July 4, 2023
- Labor Day - September 4, 2023
- Thanksgiving Day - November 23, 2023
- Christmas Day - December 25, 2023
Canada Holidays
- New Year's Day - January 1, 2023
- Family Day - February 20, 2023
- Good Friday - April 7, 2023
- Victoria Day - May 22, 2023
- Canada Day - July 1, 2023
- Civic Holiday - August 7, 2023
- Labor Day - September 4, 2023
- Thanksgiving Day - October 9, 2023
- Remembrance Day - November 11, 2023
- Christmas Day - December 25, 2023
- Boxing Day - December 26, 2023
It is important to note that UPS does not provide delivery services on the above-mentioned holidays. However, UPS Express Critical service is available 24/7, including on holidays, for urgent shipments that require immediate attention.
Additionally, during the holiday season, UPS may experience high shipping volumes, which can result in delays. To ensure timely delivery, it is recommended to plan ahead and schedule shipments in advance.
Planning Your Shipping Around UPS Holidays
Shipping Deadlines
UPS has specific deadlines for packages shipped during the holiday season. Customers must know these deadlines to ensure their package arrives at its destination on time. Here are the holiday shipping deadlines for UPS in 2023:
- December 15, 2023 - UPS Ground
- December 19, 2023 - UPS 3 Day Select
- December 21, 2023 - UPS 2nd Day Air *
- December 22, 2023 - UPS Next Day Air *
- December 23, 2023 - UPS Express Critical
* To guarantee delivery on Christmas Day, an additional fee is required.
It's important to note that these deadlines are subject to change based on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. It's always best to plan ahead and ship your packages as early as possible to avoid any potential delays. Additionally, UPS offers a variety of shipping options and services, such as package tracking and insurance, to ensure your package arrives safely and securely. Be sure to check with your local UPS store or visit their website for more information on holiday shipping deadlines and services.
Special UPS Services
To help customers cope with the holiday season's demands, UPS provides special services such as pickup services on Christmas Day in selected areas, and an added Value-Added Service (VAS) option for certain delivery destinations. The VAS option gives customers the ability to request services that require an additional fee, including Saturday delivery or residential delivery on holidays.
In addition to these special services, UPS also offers a holiday hold service. This service allows customers to request that their packages be held at a UPS location for pickup at a later time, rather than being delivered to their home or business during the busy holiday season. This can be especially helpful for those who may be traveling or have limited availability during the holidays.
Tracking Your Packages
As a customer, you can track your packages online using the UPS Tracking tool. Once a package has been shipped, customers receive an email with the tracking information. The tracking tool allows customers to monitor the shipment's progress and see the estimated delivery date.
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Saving Money
Avoiding Shipping Delays
To avoid shipping delays during the holiday season, consider the following tips:
- Ship early to avoid significant delays due to overloaded systems.
- Double-check all shipping documentation to ensure it is correct.
- Use appropriate packaging to protect the contents of the package.
- Consider using the UPS My Choice service to track and manage holiday shipments.
- Use the UPS Express Critical service for more urgent packages.
Another tip to avoid holiday shipping delays with UPS is to use their Saturday delivery service. This can help ensure that your package arrives on time, even if it was shipped later in the week.
It's also important to keep in mind that weather can impact shipping times during the holiday season. Be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly, especially if you are shipping to an area that is prone to winter weather.
Saving Money on Shipping
Shipping costs can add up during the holiday season, but there are ways to save money on shipping by:
- Planning your shipments in advance to avoid rush fees.
- Using flat-rate shipping options to save on heavy items.
- Consolidating shipments into one package.
- Using the UPS My Choice service for free package pickups.
- Using environmentally-friendly shipping options.
By following these tips, you can help save money and reduce stress during the busy holiday season.
Dealing with Delays and Issues
What to Do if Your Package is Delayed During the Holidays
If a package is delayed during the holiday season, UPS recommends checking the tracking information to ensure that the package was not delayed due to an incorrect address or other delivery problems. If the package is still in transit, it will arrive at its destination as soon as possible. However, if the package is lost or arrives damaged, customers should contact UPS directly to resolve the issue.
It is important to note that during the holiday season, shipping carriers may experience delays due to high volume. In order to avoid potential delays, it is recommended to ship packages as early as possible and to choose expedited shipping options if necessary. Additionally, customers can consider using alternative shipping methods, such as local delivery services or in-store pickup options, to ensure timely delivery of their packages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping with UPS During the Holidays
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when shipping with UPS during the holidays:
- Missed shipping deadlines
- Incorrect package labeling
- Using incorrect documentation
- Choosing the wrong shipping service
- Not using appropriate packaging materials
Comparing UPS with Other Carriers
While many carriers have similar holiday schedules, it is important to be aware of the differences. For example, UPS remains open on certain holidays where other carriers like the US Postal Service might be closed. It is best to check with each carrier you plan on using to ensure your deliveries are not affected by any closures.
Maximizing Efficiency: Preparing Your Packages for UPS Pickup During the Holidays
During the holiday season, UPS drivers have a tight schedule, and it is important to make sure your packages are ready for pickup. Here are some tips to help you prepare your packages for pickup:
- Ensure the name on the pickup request matches the name on the packages.
- Use the correct documentation and labels for each package.
- Prepare packages in advance to ensure quick and easy pickup.
- Use professional packaging materials and boxes for fragile items.
The Effects of COVID-19 on UPS Holiday Shipping in 2023
The ongoing pandemic has had a significant impact on holiday shipping. With the global supply chain experiencing disruptions, there may be more delays than usual during the festive season. UPS is implementing safety protocols to protect its employees, which may affect delivery times. It is essential to plan your shipments early to ensure the timely arrival of packages.
Conclusion
Understanding UPS holiday schedules, deadlines, and services can help businesses plan their shipping strategies more efficiently, avoiding delivery delays and additional charges. By following the tips outlined above, shippers can have a successful and stress-free holiday season with UPS.
