Can You Drop Off UPS Packages at Staples in 2024? The Complete Guide

As an expert in retail and logistics, I often get asked if busy consumers can drop off UPS packages at their local Staples store. With over 1,300 Staples locations across the U.S. now serving as official UPS Access Points, the answer is yes—but there are a few helpful things to know before you head to the store.

UPS Delivers Over 5.5 Billion Packages Annually

UPS touts itself as "the world‘s largest package delivery company," handling over 21 million packages daily. In 2021 alone, UPS delivered 5.5 billion packages globally, a 4.2% increase from 2020 [1].

With volumes growing steadily year after year, it‘s no surprise that UPS continues expanding convenient shipping options through major retail chains like Staples. Partnering with Access Point locations allows UPS to meet rising consumer demand.

What Exactly is a UPS Access Point?

A UPS Access Point is an authorized shipping outlet—typically a retail store like Staples, CVS, Michaels, and Advance Auto Parts—that allows consumers to conveniently drop off pre-labeled UPS packages [2].

Access Points provide an affordable, time-saving alternative to trips to The UPS Store or UPS Customer Centers. As of February 2023, over 19,000 Access Point locations operate nationwide.

Check if Your Local Staples is a UPS Access Point

But how can you confirm if your neighborhood Staples store is an authorized UPS Access Point?

There are three easy ways to check:

1. Visit the UPS website: Enter your zip code here to view Access Points near you.

2. Check the Staples UPS page: Use the store locator here to find participating locations.

3. Call your store: The customer service desk can confirm if they accept UPS drop-offs.

My local Staples displays visible UPS Access Point signage at the front entrance, making it quick and easy to identify as an approved drop-off point.

UPS Package Requirements at Staples

Before heading to Staples, be sure your package meets UPS requirements:

• Must have a prepaid UPS shipping label attached
• Cannot exceed 44 lbs
• Cannot exceed 31.5 inches in length

Oversized or heavy items that require specialty UPS shipping services cannot be dropped off at Access Points.

Table compares max weights and dimensions for key UPS shipping services

Best Times to Visit Staples for UPS Dropoff

I suggest visiting your local Staples UPS Access Point during regular store hours, ideally:

• Early morning after opening when customer traffic is light
• Late afternoon before closing once peak shopping hours have passed

Dropping off pre-paid packages takes just a minute at the service counter. But allow extra time if you need assistance packaging or shipping an item.

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesdays through Thursdays, tend to be less busy than afternoons and weekends at most retail stores.

UPS Shipping Costs at Staples vs UPS Locations

When it comes to cost, simply dropping off a labeled UPS package at Staples does not incur any additional fees. This makes Staples Access Points an attractive, budget-friendly shipping option.

However, if you need to ship a new package via UPS from the Staples store, you will pay:

• Applicable UPS retail shipping rates
• Cost of packaging supplies purchased at Staples retail pricing

In general, shipping costs directly via UPS are 5-15% lower than at third-party retail locations:

Table compares sample UPS Ground shipping rates for key package weights

With a free UPS My Choice account, you can prepay and schedule a UPS pickup from home to access lower direct rates.

Conclusion

Over 1,300 Staples stores now operate as UPS Access Points, providing a convenient way to ship pre-labeled packages. Be sure to verify your local store‘s participation, meet size and weight guidelines, and avoid peak hours for a quick, seamless drop-off experience.

Let me know if you have any other questions about using Staples for your UPS shipping needs!