How Long Does UPS Hold Packages in 2024? (Full Guide)
Shipping millions of packages daily, UPS offers customers many helpful services—like the ability to hold packages at UPS locations for pickup. But if you don‘t collect your packages promptly, UPS will return them to the sender. So how long does UPS hold packages before they are shipped back?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover UPS‘s package holding policies, procedures, timeframes, and more to help you avoid missed packages.
UPS Package Holding Policy
According to UPS policy, packages can be held at UPS Customer Centers and UPS Access Points for up to 5 business days. This 5 day timeframe does not include weekends or holidays.
For example, a package that arrived on Monday would typically need to be picked up by the following Monday at the latest. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, but the standard cutoff is 5 business days before packages are returned to the sender.
This policy applies to all UPS domestic and international packages held for pickup in the United States, unless alternate arrangements are made.
Why UPS Holds Packages
There are a few common reasons why UPS locations end up holding packages:
Customer Request: The recipient requests the package be held for pickup via UPS My Choice or by contacting UPS. This enables customers to collect packages on their own schedule.
Missed Delivery Attempt: If UPS could not successfully deliver a package that required a signature or had other restrictions, it will hold the package for pickup.
Delivery Exceptions: Issues like invalid addresses, packaging problems, or weather delays could result in packages being held until the problems are resolved.
UPS Retail Location: If the shipper addressed the package to a UPS Access Point or UPS Store location, the package will be held there for recipient pickup.
According to UPS data, around 7-8 million packages are held at UPS locations each month, showing just how common this service is.
Consequences of Not Picking Up a Held Package
If customers do not collect held packages within 5 business days, UPS will return them to the sender. Unfortunately, this often creates headaches for both recipients and shippers:
Refunds/Replacement Costs: If the package contents are no longer needed, the sender may have to refund the recipient or send replacement items.
Shipping Charges: The original shipping charges are wasted, and the sender has to pay new shipping fees to get the package back.
Delays: The recipient has to wait even longer to receive their items.
Customer Dissatisfaction: Both the shipper and recipient experience frustration when packages are unnecessarily returned and re-shipped.
Avoiding these problems is as simple as picking up packages in a timely manner. Set reminders if needed to ensure you or another designated person collects held packages within the 5 day window.
How To Get Packages Held by UPS
There are two ways to request a package hold if you cannot be present for delivery:
UPS My Choice
With a free UPS My Choice account, you can request eligible packages be held for pickup. Log in to your account and select "Hold for Pickup" under Delivery Options.
UPS My Choice also lets you reschedule delivery dates, customize delivery instructions, and more.
Customer Service
Alternatively, you can call UPS at 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and speak to a representative to have them hold your package. Have your package tracking number ready when you call.
In either case, request the hold at least one business day before the originally scheduled delivery date. This ensures UPS has enough time to process the request.
Tips for Picking Up Held UPS Packages
Follow these tips to smoothly retrieve your held UPS packages:
Monitor tracking closely and pick up packages as early as possible in the hold period. Don‘t wait until the last day.
Verify UPS location hours for pickups and closures. Locations are closed evenings and weekends.
Bring a government ID and tracking number. Both may be required to claim your package.
Authorize someone else you trust to collect the package if you won‘t be available.
Call the holding location if your pickup availability changes. See if they can hold the package an extra day or two in special cases.
UPS Hold Times By Location Type
While 5 business days is the standard, here is how long different UPS pickup locations can hold packages:
| UPS Location | Hold Time |
|---|---|
| UPS Customer Center | 5 business days |
| UPS Access Point | 5 business days |
| The UPS Store | 5 business days |
| UPS Drop Box | 1-2 business days |
UPS Customer Centers offer the most package handling services like holds. Drop boxes have the shortest holds suitable for dropped off packages awaiting pickup.
Can UPS Hold Packages Longer Than 5 Days?
UPS can extend holds past 5 days if needed on a case-by-case basis. But you cannot rely on getting an extended hold time.
According to UPS policy, 5 business days is the standard maximum hold duration before packages are returned to the sender. Occasional exceptions may be made if:
The recipient contacts UPS, provides a valid reason for needing an extended hold, and UPS agrees to hold the package longer.
Inclement weather or other disruptions prevent the customer from picking up the package within the normal timeframe.
It is in UPS’s best interest to extend the hold time, for instance avoiding re-shipping charges.
But these are determined on an individual basis rather than being a standardized option. Avoid problems by picking up your packages within 5 business days whenever possible.
Conclusion
UPS holds packages for up to 5 business days as a courtesy to customers who cannot receive deliveries. This enables recipients to collect packages on their own schedule. But UPS will return unclaimed packages to the sender after 5 business days, which can create major inconveniences.
To avoid hassles, monitor tracking closely and pick up held packages as early as you can within the 5 day hold period. If needed, authorize someone else to collect the package for you. With smart planning, you can take advantage of UPS holding services without having packages sent back unnecessarily.
