What is UPS 3 Day Select?

Shipping with UPS? We'll give you the full rundown on UPS 3 Day Select so you know if it matches your eCommerce shipping needs.
What is UPS 3 Day Select?
3 Min Read
March 30, 2026
Ryan
3 min read
Mar 30, 2026

Key Points:

  • Thirty-nine percent of consumers say that fast delivery is vital to the shipping experience
  • UPS® 3 Day Select delivers in three days within the 48 contiguous US states, not including Alaska or Hawaii
  • Packages cannot be greater than 108 inches in length, and packages cannot be greater than 150 pounds

Thirty-nine percent of consumers say that fast delivery is vital to the shipping experience. If you’re looking for fast delivery while saving cash, UPS® 3 Day Select is an excellent choice.

As the name suggests, UPS® 3 Day Select delivers in three days within the 48 contiguous US states, not including Alaska or Hawaii. Many customers prefer for their day definite delivery and not to mention, the free tracking and optional shipping insurance further sweetens the customer experience. At a premium rate, the courier also provides signature confirmation as well. 

Here are the key features included with UPS® 3 Day Select:

  • Fast delivery: Delivery is within 1-3 business days
  • It is available for packages up to 150 lbs. and 108” long.
  • Insurance included: $100 of shipping insurance comes with every shipment. P.S: with Easyship, you get coverage up to $10,000!
  • Tracking included: UPS® 3-Day Select comes with free tracking

In this blog, we’ll break down the features offered by UPS® 3 Day Select, so you can determine if this shipping option is right for your eCommerce business.

What is the Cost of UPS® 3 Day Select

UPS® 3 Day Select is a blend of speed and savings, compared to UPS® 2 Day or other rush services. For example, here are prices to ship a 3-pound package from New York to Los Angeles with other UPS services:

  • 3 Day Select: $56.37 (1 to 3 business days for delivery)
  • Next Day Air Early AM: $191.06 (1 business day for delivery)
  • Ground: $25.11 (1 to 5 business days for delivery)
  • Next Day Air Saver: $140.18 (1 business day for delivery)
  • Next Day Air: $174.30 (1 business day for delivery)
  • 2nd Day Air: $70.35 (1 to 2 business day for delivery)

As we can see, it costs $56.37 to ship a 3-pound package from New York to Los Angeles with 3 Day Select. That’s double the price of UPS® Ground, and $15 cheaper than 2-Day Air.

Now, let’s compare the cost to ship that same 3-pound package, but from other locations in the US using UPS® 3 Day Select.

  • Chicago to NYC: $40.93
  • Miami to Seattle: $56.37

While retail UPS® 3 Day Select offers affordable rates, you can save even more when connecting with a reliable shipping platform. This way, you can save some extra cash on the side.

Say you want to ship the same 3-pound package from New York to Los Angeles. We’ll use Easyship’s Free Shipping Rates Calculator to calculate the cost of shipping.

When shipping from New York to LA, here are the negotiated rates users receive when shipping via Easyship. 

Courier Name Delivery Lead Time Total Cost
UPS 3 Day Select® 3–3 $17.74

As we can see, it costs $17.74 to ship a 3-pound package from NY to LA with UPS® 3 Day Select. 

The total discount here is $56.37 - $17.74 = $28.63

That means you’ll save over $28 in comparison to UPS retail shipping rates.

Now, let’s compare UPS® 3 Day Select rates to other US locations using Easyship. 

  • Chicago to NYC: $40.93
  • Miami to Seattle: $56.37

Overall, we can see that Easyship is the clear-cut winner when it comes to affordable UPS rates. Easyship users always get instant access to discounted shipping rates, including UPS.

What is the Difference between UPS® 3 Day Select and UPS Ground

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of UPS Ground vs. UPS 3 Day Select based on speed, coverage, and service features:

Feature Ups Ground Ups 3 Day Select
Speed Standard ground transit which is within 5 business days Typically delivered in 3 business days
Best For Cost-focused, non-urgent shipments Time-sensitive shipments that don’t need overnight/air express
Service Area All 50 states and Puerto Rico 48 contiguous U.S. states
Package Limits 150 lbs, 108” length / 165” length + girth Up to 150 lbs, up to 108 in long
Saturday Delivery Limited / location-dependent Available in select areas
Add-On Options UPS add-on services available UPS add-on services available

What are the Benefits of UPS® 3 Day Select Service

UPS 3 Day Select offers a practical balance between speed and affordability for businesses that need reliable, fast delivery.

  • Guaranteed delivery within three business days
  • Faster than standard ground shipping, without express-level costs
  • Helps businesses reduce shipping expenses while meeting delivery expectations
  • Saturday delivery available in select locations
  • Optional add-on services for greater shipping flexibility

What are the UPS® 3 Day Select Limitations

Here are specific shipping restrictions for UPS® 3 Day Select, so there are no hidden surprises:

  • Weight and Size Limit: Packages cannot be greater than 108 inches in length, and packages cannot be greater than 150 pounds
  • Unavailability of Scheduled Delivery: A scheduled delivery is unavailable. This limitation means you are unable to select a specific date for delivery. Instead, you’ll have to wait patiently for your package to arrive
  • Limited Region Weekend Delivery: Weekend delivery and pickup services are only available in certain areas depending on your zip code

How Easyship Can Help

With Easyship you receive

  1. Up to 80% discounted shipping on UPS 3 Day Select rates 
  2. Up to $10,000 of shipping insurance for any parcel
  3. Easily compare rates for UPS 3  Day Select with USPS, FedEx and 500+ other couriers for best price


Ready to ship with UPS? Access high-volume UPS discounts when you sign up for a free Easyship account today.

UPS® 3 Day Select FAQ

Does UPS still offer 3 Day Select?

Yes, UPS still offers 3 Day Select.

Can UPS® 3 Day Select arrive early?

3 Day Select can arrive early depending on the destination location.

How long does UPS 3 Day Select take?
UPS 3 Day Select typically delivers within three business days.

What is the UPS 3 Day Select service guarantee?
UPS 3 Day Select includes a delivery time guarantee, meaning UPS commits to delivery by the scheduled date.

What happens if UPS 3 Day Select is late?
If a guaranteed shipment is delivered late, you may be eligible for a refund or credit of the shipping charges, subject to UPS terms and conditions.

Which is faster, UPS Ground or UPS 3 Day Select?
UPS 3 Day Select is faster. UPS Ground delivery times vary by distance and can take longer than three business days, especially for long-distance shipments.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Points:

  • Thirty-nine percent of consumers say that fast delivery is vital to the shipping experience
  • UPS® 3 Day Select delivers in three days within the 48 contiguous US states, not including Alaska or Hawaii
  • Packages cannot be greater than 108 inches in length, and packages cannot be greater than 150 pounds
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