UPS typically does not deliver packages on Sundays for most standard shipping services. The company operates Monday through Saturday for regular residential and commercial deliveries.
However, UPS does offer limited Sunday delivery options through specific premium services and partnerships. Most packages arrive between 9 AM and 8 PM on delivery days.
This article explores UPS’s weekend delivery policies, available Sunday services, costs, and alternatives to help you plan your shipments effectively.
UPS Standard Delivery Schedule
UPS maintains consistent delivery hours across most locations, operating Monday through Saturday with specific timeframes for different service types.
| Day | Delivery Hours | Services Available |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | All UPS services |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | All UPS services |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | All UPS services |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | All UPS services |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | All UPS services |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Ground, Express services |
| Sunday | No delivery | Express Critical only |
UPS delivers most packages by 8 PM, similar to other major platforms like Amazon. However, delivery hours may be extended under certain circumstances.
UPS treats Sunday as a non-delivery day, similar to how they handle federal holidays like Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving.
Its shipping services include popular options like UPS Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS Next Day Air. The company designed this schedule to align with business operations and customer expectations for decades.
Limited Sunday Delivery: Alternate Options
While UPS doesn’t offer regular Sunday delivery, the company provides several specialized services that can deliver packages on Sundays under specific circumstances.
1. UPS Express Critical
UPS Express Critical stands as the only standard UPS service that delivers on Sundays. This premium service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Companies and individuals use this service for urgent, time-sensitive shipments that cannot wait until Monday.
This service costs significantly more than regular shipping options. UPS Express Critical includes customized delivery options, allowing you to choose specific delivery times and transportation methods. The service can arrange air, ground, or even hand-carry delivery based on your needs.
2. UPS SurePost Sunday Delivery
UPS SurePost creates a hybrid shipping solution that combines UPS’s transportation network with USPS final delivery. UPS handles the package for most of the journey, then transfers it to your local post office for final delivery.
Since the USPS delivers packages on Sundays in many areas, especially for Amazon shipments, UPS SurePost packages may also arrive on Sundays. However, this depends on your local postal service capabilities and current USPS policies in your area.
3. Amazon Partnership Sunday Delivery
UPS partners with Amazon to provide Sunday delivery in select metropolitan areas. This service primarily benefits Amazon Prime members and covers eligible items in the Amazon catalog. The availability varies by location and depends on local logistics capabilities.
Amazon has expanded its own delivery network in recent years, reducing reliance on UPS for Sunday deliveries. It operates delivery hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. However, UPS still handles some Amazon Sunday deliveries in areas where Amazon’s logistics network needs additional support.
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How To Access UPS Sunday Delivery?
Getting Sunday delivery through UPS requires specific steps and service selections. You cannot simply upgrade regular UPS Ground to Sunday delivery.
1. For UPS Express Critical: Contact UPS directly to arrange Sunday delivery. This service requires advance planning and comes with premium pricing. UPS will assign a dedicated team to handle your urgent shipment and ensure Sunday delivery.
2. UPS SurePost: It automatically includes the possibility of Sunday delivery through USPS. You don’t need to request this specifically, but Sunday delivery isn’t guaranteed. The final delivery depends on your local post office’s Sunday delivery policies.
3. For Amazon Purchases: Select shipping options that indicate Sunday delivery availability during checkout. This option appears only for eligible items and delivery addresses in supported areas.
UPS Costs And Additional Fees
Sunday delivery through UPS comes with significant cost implications. UPS Express Critical charges premium rates that can be several times higher than standard shipping costs. The exact price depends on package size, weight, distance, and urgency level.
UPS SurePost typically costs less than premium UPS services but more than basic UPS Ground. The service strikes a balance between cost and delivery speed, making it attractive for non-urgent packages that benefit from extended delivery windows.
Saturday delivery options incur an additional cost for most UPS services. Commercial Saturday deliveries incur a $4 surcharge, while residential Saturday delivery is often available at no extra cost when bundled with scheduled Saturday pickup services.
Tips For UPS Sunday Delivery
Around 43% of US shoppers consider shipping and delivery time as a crucial factor when making purchases. These practical tips help you navigate limited Sunday delivery services and avoid unnecessary delays or extra costs.
- Contact UPS customer service early to confirm whether Sunday delivery is available in your specific delivery area.
- Select UPS Express Critical service for guaranteed Sunday delivery on urgent shipments.
- Consider UPS SurePost for potential Sunday delivery through the USPS partnership in participating local postal areas.
- Track packages carefully when using hybrid services that transfer between UPS and postal service delivery.
- Budget extra costs for premium Sunday delivery services compared to standard weekday shipping rate options.
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Conclusion: UPS Does Not Usually Deliver On Sunday!
UPS does not provide regular Sunday delivery for most shipping services. They operate Monday through Saturday for standard residential and commercial deliveries.
However, UPS Express Critical offers 24/7 delivery, including Sundays, for urgent shipments, while UPS SurePost may provide Sunday delivery through USPS partnerships.
Sunday delivery through UPS typically costs more than standard services and is available on a limited basis.
For most shipping needs, planning deliveries within UPS’s regular Monday through Saturday schedule provides better value and reliability. Consider your urgency level, budget, and delivery requirements when choosing between UPS’s shipping options.
FAQs
FedEx Home Delivery provides Sunday delivery for residential packages at no extra cost in most areas nationwide.
UPS will not pick up packages on Sundays, holidays, or during periods of severe weather that disrupt normal operations.
Packages continue to move through UPS sorting facilities on Sunday, but regular delivery services remain unavailable to customers.
UPS Express Critical offers overnight Sunday delivery for time-sensitive shipments that require immediate delivery within 24 hours.
UPS delivers on Saturday for most services, but Sunday delivery remains limited to Express Critical premium service.
