Can You Drop Off USPS Packages at UPS in 2024? (Your Full Guide)
You‘ve probably used both UPS and USPS to ship packages before. And when you‘re in a rush, you may have been tempted to drop off a USPS parcel at a nearby UPS drop box or store. But is this a good idea in 2024? As a shipping expert, I‘m here to give you a full guide on whether or not you can (or should) drop off USPS packages at UPS locations.
No Official USPS-UPS Partnership
First, it‘s important to clear up a common misconception – UPS and USPS do not have an official partnership for package handling and delivery. This is unlike USPS‘s arrangement with FedEx that was established back in 2001.
Without an established partnership in place, there is no streamlined process for UPS to transfer packages to USPS. So any USPS parcels mistakenly dropped at UPS have to go through a manual handoff process.
Dropoff Mistakes Delay Packages 1-5 Days
According to USPS [1], when customers drop off a USPS package at UPS in error, it adds an average of 1-5 extra business days to the delivery time.
This is because UPS has to:
- Identify the misdropped USPS parcel
- Route it to the correct USPS facility
- Wait for USPS to manually check it in and scan it
During this time, you lose all visibility into your package‘s status since USPS tracking doesn‘t initiate until it‘s back in their possession.
Higher Risk of Lost Packages
With all the extra transit time and handling, USPS packages dropped at UPS are at a 3-5x higher risk of getting lost or damaged compared to packages directly dropped at USPS [2].
UPS does try to minimize issues by partnering with USPS for package returns [3]. But for standard USPS shipments, UPS has no liability for lost or damaged parcels incorrectly dropped into their system.
UPS Access Points Don‘t Accept USPS Either
UPS Access Points are UPS drop-off locations inside local businesses like Michaels, CVS, and Advance Auto Parts. But access point staff will not accept USPS packages since they are only set up to process UPS shipments.
If you try to leave a USPS parcel there, the staff will refuse it and refer you to a nearby post office.
USPS vs. UPS Shipping Comparison
Here‘s a quick comparison of key features between USPS and UPS:
| USPS | UPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Times | Slower 3-7 days | Faster 1-3 days |
| Package Tracking | Basic tracking | Live tracking with frequent updates |
| Lost Package Refunds | Up to $100 insurance included | Declared value required for refunds |
| Rural Delivery | Yes, to all addresses | Limited rural coverage |
| Prices | Lower, starts at around $3 | $10-15+ for ground parcel |
The Verdict: Avoid Dropping USPS Packages at UPS
Based on the info above, it‘s best to avoid dropping off USPS packages at UPS locations in 2024. Unless it‘s a UPS Mail Innovations return label, your package will experience delays, limited tracking, and higher risks.
Instead, your best bet is dropping USPS shipments directly into a USPS collection box or at a post office. This guarantees on-time handling and you can track your parcel‘s progress from the moment they scan it in.
Have any other questions about choosing between USPS and UPS? Let me know in the comments!
[1] https://about.usps.com/newsroom/statements/010421-usps-statement-on-service-impacts.htm[2] https://www.insurancequotes.com/home/shipping-insurance/#mistakes
[3] https://www.ups.com/us/en/help-center/shipping-support/ups-mail-innovations-returns.page
