| The answer is no. UPS (also known as United Parcel Service) does not deliver packages directly to PO Boxes. This is because UPS relies on physical addresses for delivery, rather than PO Boxes associated with the postal service. |
The question “Does UPS deliver to PO Boxes?” This is a question that many people have asked before. If you are wondering the same thing, let’s solve this problem once and for all. PO Boxes are a great way to receive securely and store packages, but only some are accepted.
Does UPS deliver to PO Boxes? The short answer is no, but there’s a reason for that. However, there are specific UPS services and other ways you can work around this issue.
I will also discuss why UPS does not deliver to PO Boxes and what your options are if USPS is your only mail carrier. Thankfully, there are ways to solve this problem, and we’ll dive into those later. Let’s get started.
What Are PO Boxes?
Before delving into UPS’s policies regarding PO Box deliveries, let’s begin by understanding what a PO Box is. A PO Box, short for Post Office Box, is a mailbox located at a local post office or a mailbox rental service.
PO Boxes are essentially individual mailboxes located within a post office or a designated postal facility. They provide individuals and businesses with a separate address to receive their mail, separate from their physical location. This can be particularly useful if you move frequently, have privacy concerns, or operate a home-based business.
It’s important to note that PO Boxes come in different sizes and rental fees may vary. The size you choose will depend on your anticipated volume of mail and package deliveries. Some post offices also offer additional services, such as mail forwarding, email notifications, and 24-hour access to your PO Box.
Now, let’s explore whether UPS delivers to these convenient PO Boxes.
Does UPS Deliver to PO Boxes?
As we just explained, as a general rule, UPS will not deliver any packages, parcels, or drop-off items to a PO Box address. The company’s policy clearly states that they do not handle packages sent to PO Boxes. This is because USPS is the only shipping carrier in the United States with access to all residential addresses and PO Boxes.
Most importantly, they also state that if a shipper wants to use a PO Box, they must include a valid phone number directly on the label. That phone number will provide an alternate delivery address, as the PO Box is still not eligible for use.
Take a look. No matter what, if an online store or seller lets you use a PO Box address for UPS shipping, they will still put your phone number on the label.
UPS will then see that your package is going to a PO Box when they receive it and will delay delivery right away. Once they have the phone number, they will call you and ask for a different street address to ship the package.
We need a real street address to ship your package. If you can’t give us one, you must pick up your package in person at a UPS center or store near you.
Why Can’t You Send a UPS Package to a PO Box Address?
Have you ever wondered why UPS doesn’t allow you to send packages to a PO Box address? It’s a question that many people have asked, and the answer lies in the way UPS operates.
The main reason is that UPS requires a physical address for their deliveries, and PO Boxes are associated with the postal service. UPS, being a separate entity, relies on physical addresses to ensure accurate and efficient deliveries. So, if you try to send a package using UPS to a PO Box address, it simply won’t work.
But why is this the case? Well, it all comes down to the logistics of package delivery. UPS has their own network of drivers and delivery routes, and they need precise locations to ensure timely deliveries. PO Boxes, on the other hand, are managed by the postal service and are often located within post office buildings. This separation of services means that UPS cannot directly access or deliver to PO Boxes.
However, fear not, there are alternative options available.
Go on.
How to Receive UPS Deliveries at PO Boxes?
As mentioned earlier, UPS can’t deliver directly to PO Boxes, just like they can’t deliver to mailboxes. But, USPS can deliver to PO Boxes for them, and there are two ways when they can do this.
Let’s examine them in more detail! Please keep scrolling.
1.UPS SurePost
The first, and by far the most common, way that UPS ships to PO Boxes is by using UPS SurePost to ship packages.
UPS SurePost is a unique shipping service that is like a “hybrid” between UPS and USPS. It is the company’s cheap way to send goods that aren’t urgent or valuable.
When a shipment is received through UPS SurePost, UPS only picks it up. It partners with USPS for final delivery, allowing you to drop off at a PO Box.
This is common in rural areas where UPS often has to go to great lengths to deliver packages. Since the USPS must visit the address to deliver the mail anyway, it saves unnecessary trips.
However, since the USPS does the delivery themselves, they can legally deliver SurePost packages to PO Boxes.
2.UPS Mail Innovations
Next, UPS Mail Innovations is another service that utilizes a partnership between UPS and USPS. On rare occasions, the USPS may also deliver non-SurePost UPS packages to your PO Box.
In limited areas, the USPS offers a service called “Street Addressing.”
This provides a separate address for mailing packages to the post office. However, when the package arrives, the USPS transfers it to your PO Box.
However, you will have to check with your local post office to see if this service is available. As mentioned, it is rarely used and only available in certain locations.
UPS Alternatives for PO Box Delivery
If you regularly receive packages from UPS, FedEx, or DHL, renting a UPS box may be a good idea.
UPS mailboxes work similarly to the traditional PO Boxes you can rent from USPS, but with many additional advantages:
- You will be provided with a genuine street address to ship items. Any courier company’s mailboxes, including those provided by UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, and others, can be accepted by a UPS mailbox.
- You will be notified through text message when your delivery is delivered to that location.
- Many locations offer 24-hour pickup.
- UPS boxes range in price from $10 to $50 per month, depending on size.
Let UPS hold the package
If you need to pick up a package yourself, one of the easiest things you can do is to let UPS take care of it. It’s cheaper than the last solution.
This is a great way to receive one package from UPS safely for a short time.
A request to hold a package (or redirect it to a UPS location) can be made using UPS MyChoice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPS does offer delivery services to PO Boxes, but the availability depends on the specific UPS service you choose. UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations can successfully deliver packages to PO Boxes.
To ensure the delivery goes quickly, use the right address style, include your phone number, choose the right UPS service, keep an eye on the tracking information, and pick up the things on time. To ensure UPS can send to your PO Box, follow these tips and avoid making these common mistakes.
It would help to remember that UPS’s policies and services can change. If you need to find out about changes or have specific questions about PO Box sales, check their website or call customer service.