What Does A UPS “Destination Scan” Mean In 2024?
A UPS “destination scan” is one of the most common tracking updates you‘ll see when a package is nearing delivery. This scan indicates that your package has arrived at the final UPS facility responsible for getting it to your door. But what does this scan really mean for your delivery timeline?
As an avid online shopper and UPS customer for 5+ years, I decided to dig into the details behind the destination scan. Here’s my in-depth look at what a destination scan means, when to expect delivery, and how to understand UPS tracking updates.
UPS Delivery Time Statistics
- According to UPS, 90% of ground shipments are delivered in 1-2 business days once the destination scan occurs [1].
- For air shipments, UPS reports 85% are delivered the next business day after a destination scan [1].
- However, same-day delivery only occurs for about 18% of their shipments after a destination scan [1].
So while delivery is imminent after a destination scan, same-day or next-day delivery is not guaranteed.
What Does The Destination Scan Update Mean?
A destination scan simply means your package has arrived at the final UPS facility responsible for processing and delivering your package directly to you.
Once it arrives here, the package must go through these main steps:
- Unloading from the truck or plane
- Moving through the sorting process
- Getting loaded onto the correct delivery vehicle
- Receiving an “Out for Delivery” scan
The destination facility is usually closest to your address but not always. In major metro areas, it may arrive at a large hub and get transferred to a smaller local facility before heading to you.
Either way, the destination scan means it’s at its last stop in the UPS network before making its way to your doorstep.
Why a Destination Scan Doesn’t Guarantee Immediate Delivery
Even after arriving at the destination facility, several factors influence when you’ll actually receive your package:
- Volume of packages: Facilities can process over 100,000+ packages per day around peak times like the holidays [2]. Yours is just one in the mix.
- Staffing: Weather, holidays and callouts impact the number of employees available to process shipments.
- Delivery routes: UPS has to balance routes to keep delivery drivers’ workload reasonable.
- Facility size: Larger hubs process higher volumes than smaller, local facilities.
This is why the destination scan simply means its reached the starting point for final delivery, not that it’s already on the truck for delivery ASAP.
My Take: UPS Tracking Needs More Transparency
In my experience, UPS tracking has room for improvement when it comes to setting accurate delivery expectations.
Taking 2 days to deliver a package that’s already in my city feels slow considering the resources of a huge company like UPS. However, the destination scan sets up an expectation for faster delivery that doesn’t match reality.
I think UPS could improve customer satisfaction by:
- Providing estimated delivery dates more accurately
- Explaining facility operations that impact timelines
- Updating delivery commitments as conditions change
Little things like that could go a long way!
When Should I Actually Expect Delivery?
You can count on your package arriving within 1-2 business days after a destination scan in most cases based on UPS’s statistics.
However, to get a more precise delivery date, track these two key updates:
Departed Facility Scan: This means your package is leaving the destination facility en route to your local delivery center. This usually happens by 10:30 AM [3].
Out for Delivery Scan: Your package is loaded on a truck and officially on its way. You‘ll receive it that same day before the driver finishes their route.
Once you see these, you can estimate based on your area and route timing. But until then, keep the 1-2 day guidance in mind.
Can I Pick Up My Package?
Typically no. Without a Will Call request, your package has to undergo full processing before becoming available for pickup after a destination scan.
You may be able to call the destination facility and make a special request. But otherwise, wait until the tracking says “Available for Pickup” before heading to retrieve your package.
Delivery Confirmation is Near!
While not an instant delivery notice, a destination scan means you are in the home stretch. Your package has reached its final UPS facility and will now quickly work through processing before getting dispatched on a truck and delivered to your address within 1-2 business days in most cases.
Just hang tight, keep an eye on the tracking, and your package will soon be in your hands!
Sources:
[1] https://www.ups.com/us/en/services/tracking/delivery-times.page[2] https://planetizen.com/node/59462
[3] https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_US/daily_operations_fact_sheet.pdf
