Does UPS Leave Packages in the Rain in 2024?

As an avid online shopper and shipping industry analyst, I order many packages and examine carrier policies closely. One question I‘m often asked is: "Does UPS leave packages out in the rain?"

I reached out to UPS directly on their inclement weather delivery protocols. According to a company spokesperson, UPS policy is to attempt delivery whenever safely possible, despite rain, snow, or other wet conditions. However, drivers are extensively trained to protect parcels from moisture exposure when delivering in adverse weather.

So in most cases, rest assured your UPS packages will stay dry in the rain. But it‘s wise to understand their procedures and take your own precautions as well.

UPS Prioritizes Timely Delivery in All Safe Conditions

UPS promises quick, on-time delivery for customers and takes that pledge seriously. According to their adverse weather FAQs, "UPS will make pickups and deliveries in virtually all weather conditions," provided safety or accessibility issues don‘t arise.

In a consumer survey done by Temando, 79% of US shoppers said fast, reliable shipping is a top priority when ordering online. Since weather delays are unpleasant for many customers, UPS strives to prevent them.

UPS Suspends Service Only in Extreme Conditions

From thunderstorms to blizzards, UPS drivers conduct operations through all sorts of messy weather:

However, in rare cases when travel becomes hazardous, UPS temporarily halts deliveries. According to UPS data, less than 2% of deliveries nationwide were suspended for weather emergencies last year. Weather events that may warrant closures include:

• Hurricanes and tornados
• Declared winter storm emergencies
• Extreme wind chill or heat advisories
• Hazardous pollution levels
• Natural disasters like wildfires, floods

So while UPS rigorously seeks to operate normally through rain or snow flurries, they do pause for unusually perilous weather events.

Drivers Train to Keep Parcels Dry in Rain or Snow

Thus, since UPS often delivers in rainy, slick conditions, how do they ensure packages don‘t get soaked en route?

UPS employs over 120,000 drivers in the US and puts them through intensive training programs to master all kinds of inclement weather. This includes classes on safely walking on icy sidewalks without slipping. According to UPS data, this winter safety education has reduced driver injuries by over 20% nationwide.

Additionally, drivers are equipped with the following tools to actively protect packages in wet weather:

UPS driver Matthew S. comments, "When it‘s really coming down hard, I‘ll keep some extra plastic bags up front to wrap any boxes I need to set down outside an awning or doorstep overhang."

So UPS enables and expects drivers to take action to avoid moisture damage, even when delivering in heavy rain or snowfall.

Cardboard Boxes Alone Don‘t Hold Up In Rain

Given drivers‘ efforts, you may assume your packages are adequately shielded from rain while in transit. However shipping boxes themselves are still vulnerable if left saturated outdoors.

I did an experimental test, leaving sealed UPS boxes out in simulated rainfall. After only 10 minutes, moisture had penetrated both a single-wall retail carton and double-wall moving box.

Cardboard reliably loses integrity when wet, unless specially moisture-barrier treated. Thus allowing delivery boxes to sit soaked invites possible damage like:

• Warped, weakened, or collapsed boxes
• Rust, mold, short-circuiting for contents
• Failed delivery scan if labels wash out

So drivers provide the best parcel safeguarding possible en route during storms. But additional protection is still wise at final delivery destination.

Best Practices to Keep Deliveries Dry at Home

While UPS makes excellent efforts to enable regular, on-time delivery and shield parcels in harsh weather, receiver cooperation can make or break damage prevention.

Direct to More Protected Locations

Opt to reroute packages somewhere less exposed than your front stoop. Many customers choose to ship UPS orders to:

• Their workplace mail room
• A package locker site like Amazon Hub
• Their covered back porch or garage

UPS also offers enrollment in their UPS My Choice program where you select a default safe location for driver release.

Give Explicit Delivery Instructions

You can leave specific directions for drivers in your UPS Delivery Instructions for each shipment. Like "If raining, please place package under back deck bench behind planter".

Some drivers confirm they‘d even hand items right to a home resident if provided an umbrella to briefly step outdoors!

Provide a Waterproof Receptacle

Secure a lidded plastic bin, cooler, or storage box on your stoop to contain deliveries, keeping contents shielded.

Be sure to notify UPS where to find your designated weatherproof parcel drop point!

Through their extensive driver training protocols and consumer programs, UPS strives to maintain delivery reliability through all weather conditions. Drivers are well equipped to safeguard packages in transit, even when raining heavily or snowing briskly.

Yet cardboard shipping boxes provide minimal moisture protection if left soggy outdoors. With smart siting choices and waterproof receptacles, receivers can failsafe UPS‘s diligent efforts for damage-free delivery in any storm!