You might think UPS will keep your package indefinitely if you miss a delivery—but that’s not true. UPS typically holds a package for five business days before returning it to the sender. However, the timeline can vary depending on where your package is being held and the service you choose.
Imagine ordering an urgent document or a special gift and missing the first delivery attempt. It’s frustrating, right? Knowing how long UPS will hold your package—and what you can do about it—can save you from a lot of headaches. Keep reading to find out how to make sure your package doesn’t get returned when you need it most.
Quick Answer: How Long Does UPS Hold a Package?
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On average: UPS holds a package for 5 business days at a UPS Customer Center.
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Fastest timeframe: You can arrange same-day pickup after a missed delivery attempt.
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Longest possible: Some UPS Access Point™ locations may hold packages for up to 7 calendar days.
What Affects How Long UPS Holds Your Package?
Several factors influence how long UPS will actually hold onto your shipment before sending it back.
1. Type of Holding Location
UPS offers two main types of hold locations:
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UPS Customer Centers: Hold packages for 5 business days.
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UPS Access Point™ locations (like local stores): Hold for 7 calendar days.
How to Optimize: Always check your UPS InfoNotice or online tracking for exact pickup details.
2. Delivery Service Used
Some services have stricter holding policies:
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UPS Ground and UPS 3 Day Select®: Standard hold times apply.
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UPS Next Day Air®: May require quicker pickup, especially for perishable or time-sensitive shipments.
Pro Tip: If you're expecting urgent shipments, sign up for UPS My Choice® to reroute or reschedule deliveries.
3. Missed Delivery Attempts
UPS usually makes up to three delivery attempts before holding the package at a location.
Avoid Delays: After the first missed attempt, schedule a pickup or delivery reroute immediately to prevent multiple failed attempts.
4. Special Circumstances (e.g., Weather, Holidays)
Holidays and severe weather can extend hold times or impact when packages are returned to the sender.
Smart Tip: Check UPS service alerts online during holiday seasons or major weather events.
Best-Case vs. Worst-Case Scenarios
Best-Case:
If you miss the first delivery and immediately act, you can pick up your package the same day from a nearby UPS facility.
Worst-Case:
If you ignore the delivery notices, UPS may return the package to the sender after just 5 days at a customer center—or 7 days at an Access Point™.
Taking quick action after a missed delivery attempt is key to avoiding lost packages and extra fees.
Common Mistakes That Slow the Process (Avoid These!)
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Mistake #1: Ignoring the UPS InfoNotice®
Fix: Track your package online or call UPS right after the first missed attempt. -
Mistake #2: Assuming UPS Will Hold Forever
Fix: Know that there’s a strict 5–7 day limit depending on the pickup location. -
Mistake #3: Not Updating Delivery Instructions
Fix: Use UPS My Choice® to reroute or reschedule your delivery if you know you’ll miss it. -
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Pick Up
Fix: As soon as you get the first notice, aim to pick up within 24–48 hours.
FAQs About How Long UPS Holds Packages
Can I extend how long UPS holds my package?
You can sometimes extend the holding period using UPS My Choice® services. However, not all locations allow extensions, and time-sensitive shipments usually cannot be held longer.
What happens if I don’t pick up my UPS package?
If you don't pick up your package within the hold window (5 days for Customer Centers, 7 days for Access Points™), UPS will return it to the sender, and you may be responsible for any return shipping costs.
Can someone else pick up my UPS package for me?
Yes, someone else can pick it up. They must present a valid government-issued photo ID and may need the UPS InfoNotice® or the tracking number.
Where can I find out how many days I have left to pick up my UPS package?
You can check your UPS tracking online, which will show the scheduled return date. The UPS InfoNotice® left at your door also lists how many days you have to act.
How do I arrange for UPS to hold my package?
To arrange a hold, use UPS My Choice® online or contact UPS Customer Service. You can request a hold even before the first delivery attempt for better control.
Is there a fee for UPS holding a package?
Holding a package at a UPS Customer Center is free. Holding at some UPS Access Point™ locations may involve a small fee depending on the business operating the Access Point, but this is rare.
Can I pick up a UPS package without a missed delivery notice?
Yes, if you have the tracking number, you can usually pick up a package at a UPS Customer Center before a delivery attempt by requesting a "Will Call" pickup.
Can I request delivery to a UPS Access Point instead of my home?
Yes, if you enroll in UPS My Choice®, you can proactively reroute eligible packages to a UPS Access Point™ location for pickup at your convenience.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
In short, UPS typically holds packages for 5 business days at customer centers and 7 calendar days at Access Points™. But acting fast after a missed delivery is crucial to avoid returns and added fees.
Have you ever had a UPS package held longer than expected?
Tell us your story in the comments—we’d love to hear how you handled it!
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