Until What Time Does UPS Deliver? A Complete Guide to UPS Delivery HoursIf you’re expecting a package from UPS, it’s natural to wonder when it will arrive. Understanding UPS delivery times can help reduce uncertainty and help you plan your day. Many people ask, Until what time does UPS deliver? The answer can vary based on the service used, your location, and the type of delivery. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about UPS delivery times, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and special services.
General UPS Delivery Hours
UPS generally delivers Monday through Saturday. Delivery hours typically range from 900 AM to 700 PM for residential addresses. For commercial locations, deliveries are often completed during standard business hours, usually between 900 AM and 500 PM.
While 700 PM is a general cutoff, deliveries may sometimes arrive later in the evening, especially during busy seasons like the holidays or when there are delays in transit.
UPS Delivery Services and Their Cutoff Times
UPS offers a variety of services, and each one comes with its own delivery schedule. Below are the most common UPS services and their typical delivery windows
UPS Ground
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Delivery Time By the end of the day (typically by 700 PM)
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Days Available Monday to Saturday
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Who Uses It Common for standard, non-urgent shipments
UPS Ground is the most commonly used service for both residential and business deliveries. Since it doesn’t have a guaranteed delivery hour, the actual time may vary.
UPS 2nd Day Air and 3 Day Select
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Delivery Time By the end of the day
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Days Available Monday to Friday
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Speed Delivered in 2 or 3 business days respectively
These are cost-effective options for time-sensitive packages that don’t require overnight shipping.
UPS Next Day Air
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Delivery Time Options
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Next Day Air Early By 800 AM
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Next Day Air By 1030 AM to noon
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Next Day Air Saver By end of the day
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This service is often used for urgent deliveries, especially documents or important parcels.
Saturday Deliveries
UPS delivers on Saturdays, but only with certain services
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UPS Ground Residential
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UPS 3 Day Select
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UPS Next Day Air
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UPS 2nd Day Air
Saturday delivery is often available in metropolitan and suburban areas. However, not all regions are covered, so it’s important to check the availability in your zip code.
Sunday Deliveries
Traditionally, UPS did not deliver on Sundays, but that has changed in some locations. UPS has begun offering limited Sunday deliveries for residential customers, especially in partnership with services like UPS SurePost, which works with the United States Postal Service.
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Service Used UPS SurePost or special contract-based deliveries
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Coverage Limited areas, primarily urban and high-demand zones
For guaranteed Sunday delivery, customers often need to use premium shipping options or partner platforms like Amazon.
UPS SurePost and Evening Deliveries
UPS SurePost is a hybrid service that uses UPS for the main leg of the journey and the USPS for the final delivery.
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Delivery Time Can be as late as 900 PM
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Days Available Monday to Sunday, depending on USPS availability
Because USPS is involved, delivery may occur even on Sundays or holidays, depending on your location.
UPS Holiday Schedule
UPS typically does not deliver on major U.S. holidays such as
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New Year’s Day
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Independence Day (July 4th)
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Thanksgiving Day
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Christmas Day
On days surrounding major holidays, UPS may operate on a reduced schedule. Packages might still be delivered, but cutoff times could be earlier, and some services might be suspended.
Can UPS Deliver After 7 PM?
Yes, UPS can deliver after 7 PM, especially during peak seasons like December or if there are shipping delays. In some cases, deliveries may arrive as late as 900 PM, particularly in residential areas. Evening deliveries are becoming more common as e-commerce increases.
If you are receiving a high-priority shipment, the delivery window may still fall within business hours, depending on the service you chose.
How to Track UPS Packages and Estimate Arrival Time
The best way to know when your package will arrive is by using UPS tracking tools. Every shipment comes with a tracking number, which you can enter online to view real-time updates.
Tracking tools can show
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Estimated delivery date
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Delivery window (e.g., by end of day)
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Real-time progress and current location of the package
For many deliveries, UPS also offers a Follow My Delivery feature that shows where the driver is relative to your address.
What If You Miss the Delivery?
If a UPS delivery attempt is made and you are not home, the driver may
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Leave the package at your door (if no signature is required)
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Leave a notice for redelivery
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Drop it off at a UPS Access Point for pickup
To avoid missing a delivery, you can sign up for UPS My Choice, which allows you to
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Reschedule delivery
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Redirect to another address
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Hold the package for pickup
Tips to Ensure On-Time Delivery
To get your package on time, here are a few helpful tips
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Choose the right shipping service If time is critical, opt for Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air.
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Provide accurate information Ensure the correct address and contact details are included.
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Track your shipment regularly Stay informed of any changes or delays.
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Use delivery instructions You can specify where to leave a package if you’re not home.
Understanding when UPS delivers helps set proper expectations and avoid frustration. In general, deliveries occur between 900 AM and 700 PM, but packages can sometimes arrive later, especially in residential areas or during busy times. With a range of delivery services and options, UPS is equipped to meet most shipping needs. By choosing the right service and staying informed through tracking tools, you can ensure a smoother delivery experience.
Would you like a comparison between UPS and other couriers like FedEx or DHL?