Key Points:
- UPS doesn't charge any additional fees for ground residential delivery packages but charges $4 for ground commercial delivery packages
- UPS Saturday delivery is available for domestic and international shipments
- Under normal circumstances, UPS doesn't deliver on Sunday
Weekend deliveries have become a key part of eCommerce. Ever since Amazon rolled out Saturday and Sunday delivery, common carriers like UPS have had to keep pace. And as customers continue to demand more from retailers, it's best for brands to offer a range of fast, convenient delivery solutions.
Enter weekend delivery from UPS. These days, all major courier companies offer delivery services outside regular business hours. UPS Saturday and Sunday delivery services are helping the carrier grow its business even further.
Here's how to deliver on weekends with UPS.
Table of Contents
Does UPS Deliver on Saturday?
Many of the carrier’s mailing services offer convenient Saturday delivery options. One such example is the UPS® Ground service, which sends parcels across the US.
Most UPS courier services offer Saturday deliveries for free like UPS® Ground and UPS 3 Day Select®. Saturday pickup services began in 2019 and are now available in 122 countries.
UPS Saturday Delivery Cost
Saturday delivery for UPS is a value-added feature. The added fee for Saturday delivery is $4 per package for ground commercial delivery packages (on top of the typical rate for your package).
If you choose a non-ground residential service like UPS 2nd Day Air®, you'll pay $16 as a delivery fee.
UPS Saturday Delivery Services
Saturday delivery is available for a handful of common UPS delivery services, including:
Domestic
- UPS Next Day Air® Early
- UPS Next Day Air®
- UPS 2nd Day Air®
- UPS 3 Day Select®
- UPS® Ground
International
- UPS Worldwide Express
Plus® - UPS Worldwide Express®
- UPS Worldwide Express Freight®
These Saturday delivery services operate in major US metropolitan areas, and from international areas via UPS Worldwide Express® shipments into the US. International services shipping to the US from overseas must include a Saturday Delivery sticker.
Related source: UPS 2nd Day Air® vs. FedEx 2 Day
The UPS Store® Hours For Saturday
UPS Stores keep normal 9 AM - 5 PM business hours on Saturday. UPS Stores are franchises, meaning they are free to set their own hours. Be sure to confirm the hours of operation at your local UPS Store before heading in on Saturday.
Does UPS Deliver on Sunday?
Under normal circumstances, UPS does not deliver on Sundays. However, you can get UPS to run on Sunday. For urgent deliveries, you can use their Express Critical Care Packages service, which is a domestic-US service you can request for time-sensitive shipments.
UPS Express Critical® for Sunday Delivery
UPS Critical® is the only way to get your packages delivered on Sunday with UPS. For a steep added fee that varies by shipment, you can deliver to anywhere in the US or Puerto Rico on Sunday.
Are UPS Stores® Open on Sunday?
Generally, yes. UPS Stores® tend to keep shorter hours on Sunday around the mid-day, such as 11 AM- 4 PM. UPS Stores® are franchises, meaning they are free to set their own hours. Be sure to confirm the hours of operation at your local UPS Store before heading in on Sunday.
Which UPS Services Deliver on Weekends?
Usually, the company doesn’t deliver on Sundays. But as previously mentioned, you can use their UPS Express Critical® Packages service for deliveries on this day. They provide shipment by air, chartered plane, and ground. You can choose extra security for valuable items as well. This service is very time-sensitive and on-time deliveries are guaranteed even on Sunday.
UPS offers many more solutions for Saturday delivery:
- UPS Next Day Air® Early: Guaranteed delivery from 9 am.
- UPS Next Day Air®: Your package will be delivered by noon or 130pm based on the destination.
- UPS 2nd Day Air®: Delivery by the end of the day for pickups made on Thursdays.
- UPS® Ground and UPS 3 Day Select®: Though this service only operates in selected areas, it guarantees delivery by the end of the day.
Depending on your destination, you may also be able to use these UPS options:
- UPS Worldwide Express®
- UPS Worldwide Express
Plus® - Worldwide Express Freight®
The Cost of UPS Weekend Delivery
UPS doesn't charge an additional fee for ground residential deliveries. However, UPS charges $4 for ground commercial delivery packages (on top of the typical rate for your package).
If you choose a non-ground residential service like UPS 2nd Day Air®, you'll pay $16 as a delivery fee.
Your final cost for weekend deliveries will depend on the package weight, delivery destination, and the service you choose – plus the $16 fee.
You can get an estimate here by linking your own carrier account.
Related post: USPS Weekend Delivery
How to Use UPS Weekend Service
- Pack the item securely - you can ask the staff at the carrier’s shipping centers for help with this.
- Check if UPS ships to your destination.
- Check if your item is restricted or prohibited in that destination.
- Choose the delivery service that suits you.
- Enter the details of your package.
- Get insurance for your package.
- Get a quote for your shipment.
- Print the shipping label and attach it to your package.
- Schedule a pickup or take your package to the closest drop-off location.
- Track your shipment in real-time using the tracking number you were given.
UPS Sunday deliveries have rounded out the carrier’s service options. This allows the company to compete with other carriers who are also expanding their out-of-hours shipping solutions. By using these weekend delivery services, you can give your customers more delivery options, which can translate into more sales for you.
How Can Easyship Help
We understand that exceptional customer service and timely delivery is an important factor in staying ahead in today's highly competitive market. While Easyship does not currently support UPS weekend delivery, boost your on-time delivery rate today with our market leading courier network today.
UPS Weekend Delivery FAQ
What're the latest UPS delivers on Sunday?
Sunday delivery from UPS is only available via the value-added service called UPS Express Critical®. These shipments may arrive as late as 8 PM on Sundays because UPS Express Critical® is a rush delivery service, and cares more about achieving delivery than following normal business hours. Delivery times may lengthen during peak delivery times like holidays, etc.
Is Sunday a business day for UPS?
Yes and no. UPS doesn't deliver on Sunday except via its costly service UPS Express Critical®. However, most UPS Store locations are open on Sundays.
