Can You Get UPS Ground Delivery on the Weekend?

If you’re looking to have your packages delivered on a weekend, you might be wondering if UPS Ground, one of the most popular shipping services around, offers delivery on Saturdays or Sundays. The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Here’s everything you need to know about UPS Ground weekend delivery options.

Weekend Delivery Options: A Comprehensive Guide for UPS Ground Customers

For domestic shipments within the United States, UPS offers two types of weekend delivery options: Saturday Delivery and Sunday Delivery. Both delivery options are available for an additional fee, which depends on the package’s weight, size, and destination. The fee is in addition to the standard UPS Ground delivery charges.

Saturday Delivery is available in most metropolitan areas across the United States. However, it is not available for all ZIP codes. To check if Saturday Delivery is available for your package’s destination, you can use the UPS website or contact customer service. Saturday Delivery packages are delivered between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm, and the delivery time may vary depending on the package’s destination.

Sunday Delivery is only available in select cities across the United States. Currently, Sunday Delivery is available in 100 cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The delivery time for Sunday Delivery packages is between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm, and the fee for Sunday Delivery is higher than the fee for Saturday Delivery. To check if Sunday Delivery is available for your package’s destination, you can use the UPS website or contact customer service.

Understanding UPS Ground Delivery: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into the specifics of weekend delivery, let’s first discuss what UPS Ground delivery is. UPS Ground is a cost-effective, reliable, and trackable parcel shipping service that’s ideal for businesses and individuals who need to ship packages of all shapes and sizes to destinations across the United States.

UPS Ground delivery time depends on the distance between the origin and destination, with most packages being delivered within 1-5 business days. UPS also offers various delivery options, such as same-day delivery, two-day delivery, and three-day delivery, to suit different needs and budgets.

It’s important to note that UPS Ground delivery does not include weekend delivery. If you need a package to be delivered on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll need to use UPS’s Saturday or Sunday delivery services, which come at an additional cost. However, if your package is not time-sensitive and can wait until Monday, UPS Ground is a great option for cost-effective and reliable shipping.

The Benefits of Weekend Delivery with UPS Ground Shipping

Contrary to popular belief, packages don’t stop moving on weekends. That’s why UPS Ground weekend delivery options can be especially beneficial for time-sensitive shipments that need to be delivered during weekends, such as perishable goods, urgent documents, or retail orders that customers expect to receive on weekends. Here are some benefits of using UPS Ground weekend delivery:

• Increased flexibility and customer satisfaction: Weekend delivery allows businesses and individuals to offer more flexibility and convenience to their customers, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Faster delivery times: Weekend delivery can help shave off one or two days from the delivery time, helping business owners meet strict deadlines.
• Cost-effective: Although weekend delivery incurs an additional fee, it can be more cost-effective than other options, such as air freight or overnight delivery.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, UPS Ground weekend delivery also offers the advantage of extended delivery hours. With weekend delivery, packages can be delivered as late as 9:00 pm, giving businesses and individuals more time to receive and process their shipments. This can be especially helpful for businesses that operate on weekends or have limited weekday hours. Additionally, UPS Ground weekend delivery is available in most major metropolitan areas, making it a convenient option for businesses and individuals located in urban areas.

How to Schedule a Weekend Delivery with UPS Ground

If you decide that UPS Ground weekend delivery is the best option for your needs, you can schedule it by following these steps:

1. Login to your UPS account or create a new one if you don’t have one yet.
2. Select the package that you want to ship and click on “Schedule a Pickup” or “Drop Off”.
3. Choose the appropriate package type, weight, size, and delivery address, and select either “Saturday Delivery” or “Sunday Delivery” as the delivery option.
4. Confirm the shipment details and pay for the additional fee using your preferred payment method.

It is important to note that not all areas are eligible for UPS Ground weekend delivery. You can check if your delivery address is eligible by using the “Time in Transit” tool on the UPS website. If your address is not eligible, you may need to consider other delivery options.

Additionally, UPS Ground weekend delivery is only available for certain package types and sizes. Packages must weigh less than 150 pounds and have a maximum length of 108 inches and a maximum length plus girth of 165 inches. If your package exceeds these limits, you may need to consider other shipping options.

Weekend Delivery Fees for UPS Ground: Explained

The cost of UPS Ground weekend delivery depends on several factors, including the package’s weight, size, and delivery destination. Generally, the fee for Saturday Delivery is higher than that for Sunday Delivery because Saturday is a more popular day for e-commerce and retail deliveries. Here’s how UPS calculates its weekend delivery fees:

• The base fee for UPS Ground weekend delivery is $16.80 for Saturday Delivery and $39.00 for Sunday Delivery.
• For each package weighing more than 70 pounds, an additional fee of $60.00 or $94.50 applies for Saturday and Sunday Delivery, respectively.
• Other surcharges, such as residential delivery, delivery area, or fuel surcharges, may also apply.

It’s important to note that UPS Ground weekend delivery is not available in all areas. Customers should check with UPS to confirm if their delivery destination is eligible for weekend delivery. Additionally, customers can choose to upgrade to UPS Express for guaranteed weekend delivery, but this service comes at a higher cost.

UPS also offers a variety of delivery options for customers who need their packages delivered on weekdays. These options include UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS 3 Day Select. The cost of these services varies based on the package’s weight, size, and delivery destination, as well as the selected delivery speed.

Common Misconceptions About UPS Ground Weekend Deliveries

There are several misconceptions about UPS Ground weekend deliveries that should be cleared up. Here are some of the most common ones:

• UPS Ground weekend delivery is available only in select regions: This is false. UPS Ground weekend delivery is available nationwide, except for certain remote or rural areas where delivery is not possible.
• UPS Ground weekend delivery is always more expensive than other options: This is false. Depending on the package’s weight, size, and destination, weekend delivery can be more cost-effective than other options such as air freight or overnight delivery.
• UPS Ground weekend delivery is unreliable: This is false. UPS has a high success rate for weekend deliveries and offers proactive tracking and delivery notifications to keep customers informed.

It’s important to note that UPS Ground weekend delivery is not available for all types of packages. Hazardous materials, oversized packages, and packages requiring special handling may not be eligible for weekend delivery. It’s always best to check with UPS or your shipping provider to confirm if your package is eligible for weekend delivery.

Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Weekend Delivery with UPS Ground

To ensure that your UPS Ground weekend delivery goes smoothly, follow these tips:

• Schedule your shipment as early as possible to avoid rush fees and ensure the package’s arrival on time.
• Provide accurate and complete delivery information, including the recipient’s name, address, and phone number.
• Select an appropriate package type and size for your shipment.
• Consider adding extra insurance or signature confirmation to your package.

Another important tip to ensure a smooth weekend delivery with UPS Ground is to track your package regularly. You can use the UPS tracking tool to monitor your package’s progress and receive updates on its estimated delivery time.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to package your items securely to prevent any damage during transit. Use appropriate packaging materials, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, and make sure the items are tightly packed to prevent shifting or movement during transport.

Alternatives to UPS Ground Weekend Delivery: Pros and Cons

If UPS Ground weekend delivery doesn’t suit your needs or budget, there are alternative options to consider. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Air Freight: Air freight is faster than ground shipping but can be more expensive. It’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments that need to be delivered within a day or two.
• Overnight Delivery: Overnight delivery is a popular option for urgent shipments that need to be delivered on the next business day. It’s more expensive than ground shipping, but offers guaranteed delivery times.
• Retailer Pick-Up: Retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon offer pick-up options for online orders, where customers can pick up their packages from the store at their convenience. This option is usually free and offers the added advantage of being able to inspect the product before accepting it.

Another alternative to consider is using a courier service. Courier services offer same-day or next-day delivery options, making them ideal for urgent shipments. They also offer personalized service and can handle fragile or valuable items with care. However, courier services can be more expensive than other shipping options.

Customer Reviews on the UPS Ground Weekend Delivery Experience

Overall, UPS Ground customers report positive experiences with weekend delivery, citing its reliability, speed, and convenience. However, some customers have reported delays or missed deliveries, which can be frustrating. To minimize the risk of such issues, it’s important to follow the tips outlined in this article and communicate proactively with both UPS and the recipient about the delivery status.

Additionally, many customers have praised the flexibility of UPS Ground’s weekend delivery options. With the ability to choose a specific delivery window or even change the delivery location mid-transit, customers appreciate the convenience and control over their packages. This feature has been especially helpful for those who work during the week and are unable to receive packages during regular business hours. Overall, while there may be occasional hiccups in the delivery process, UPS Ground’s weekend delivery service has proven to be a valuable option for many customers.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cost-effective and reliable shipping option that offers weekend delivery, UPS Ground is a great choice. With its nationwide coverage, competitive pricing, and flexible delivery options, you can be sure that your package will arrive on time and in good condition. Just be sure to follow the tips outlined in this article and consider alternative options if necessary.