UPS Holiday Shipping Schedule 2017: Everything You Need to Know

The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you are planning to ship gifts to your loved ones, it is essential that you understand the shipping schedule of UPS. In this article, we will cover all the essential details you need to know to ensure smooth delivery of your packages during the holiday season.

Important Dates to Remember for Holiday Shipping with UPS

The holiday season can be hectic, but UPS has got you covered with their official holiday shipping schedule. Here are the important dates to remember:

• November 23: Thanksgiving Day (UPS is closed)
• December 15: Last day to ship packages via UPS Ground for delivery before Christmas Day (December 25)
• December 18: Last day to ship packages via UPS 3 Day Select for delivery before Christmas Day
• December 20: Last day to ship packages via UPS 2nd Day Air for delivery before Christmas Day
• December 21: Last day to ship packages via UPS Next Day Air for delivery before Christmas Day
• December 25: Christmas Day (UPS is closed)
• January 1, 2018: New Year’s Day (UPS is closed)

How to Prepare Your Packages for UPS Holiday Shipping

Packaging your items effectively is an important part of holiday shipping. Here are some tips to help you prepare your packages for UPS holiday shipping:

• Use sturdy boxes that provide enough space for cushioning materials.
• Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or foam padding to prevent breakage.
• Label your package with the recipient’s name and address, including zip code and phone number.
• Use a UPS shipping label, which you can print from the UPS website or request by phone or at any UPS store.
• Choose the appropriate shipping option based on your package’s weight and destination.

It is also important to consider the weather conditions when shipping during the holiday season. If you are shipping to an area with extreme temperatures, such as very hot or very cold weather, it is recommended to use insulated packaging to protect your items. Additionally, if you are shipping perishable items, such as food or flowers, make sure to use appropriate packaging and choose a shipping option that will ensure timely delivery.

Understanding the Different UPS Holiday Shipping Options

UPS offers a range of holiday shipping options to meet your specific needs. Here are the most popular UPS holiday shipping options:

• UPS Ground: This is the most economical option for shipping packages that are not time-sensitive. Delivery times vary based on destination.
• UPS 3 Day Select: This is a good option if you want your package to be delivered within three business days.
• UPS 2nd Day Air: This is a faster shipping option that guarantees delivery within two business days.
• UPS Next Day Air: This is the fastest shipping option that guarantees delivery the next business day.
• UPS Express Saver: This is a mid-range shipping option that guarantees delivery within three business days.

It’s important to note that UPS also offers additional services such as signature confirmation, insurance, and Saturday delivery for an extra fee. Signature confirmation ensures that the package is only delivered to the intended recipient, while insurance provides protection in case the package is lost or damaged during transit. Saturday delivery is a convenient option for those who need their package delivered on the weekend. Be sure to consider these additional services when choosing your UPS holiday shipping option.

Tips for Saving Money on UPS Holiday Shipping

The holiday season can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on UPS holiday shipping. Here are some tips:

• Consider shipping early to avoid the peak season surcharge that UPS imposes during the holiday season.
• Compare rates among different UPS shipping options to find the most economical one for your needs.
• Use the UPS website to schedule a pickup instead of dropping off your packages to save time and money on gas.
• Consider using a UPS store instead of a UPS drop box as the latter has size restrictions.

Another way to save money on UPS holiday shipping is to take advantage of any available discounts or promotions. Check the UPS website or sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed about any current deals. Additionally, consider using reusable packaging materials to save on the cost of buying new boxes and packing materials for each shipment. By implementing these tips, you can save money and make the most of your holiday shipping needs.

What to Do if Your UPS Package is Delayed During the Holidays

If your UPS package is delayed during the holiday season, you should contact UPS customer service as soon as possible. You can file a claim for a refund of your shipping charges if UPS is responsible for the delay.

It’s important to note that during the holiday season, shipping carriers like UPS may experience delays due to high volume. To avoid potential delays, it’s recommended to ship your packages as early as possible and to choose expedited shipping options if available. Additionally, consider using alternative shipping carriers or services if you need your package to arrive by a specific date.

How to Track Your UPS Holiday Packages

Tracking your UPS holiday package is easy with the UPS website. Here is how you can track your package:

1. Go to UPS.com and click on the “Tracking” tab.
2. Enter your tracking number and click “Track”.
3. You will see the status of your package and an estimated delivery date and time.

It is important to note that UPS also offers a mobile app that allows you to track your package on-the-go. Simply download the app, enter your tracking number, and you will be able to see the status of your package and receive push notifications for any updates. Additionally, if you have a UPS My Choice account, you can customize your delivery preferences and receive alerts for when your package is out for delivery or has been delivered.

How to File a Claim with UPS for Lost or Damaged Holiday Packages

If your UPS holiday package is lost or damaged, you can file a claim with UPS for reimbursement. Here is what you need to do:

1. Visit the UPS “Claims” page on the UPS website.
2. Fill out the appropriate form based on whether your package was lost or damaged.
3. Provide all required documentation, including the tracking number, proof of value, and photos of the damaged package.
4. Submit your claim to UPS for review.

It is important to note that there are certain time limits for filing a claim with UPS. For lost packages, you must file the claim within 60 days of the scheduled delivery date. For damaged packages, you must file the claim within 7 days of receiving the package. If you miss these deadlines, your claim may be denied. Additionally, UPS may require an inspection of the damaged package before approving your claim. Make sure to keep all packaging materials and the damaged items until the inspection is complete.

The Benefits of Using UPS for Your Holiday Shipping Needs

UPS is a reliable and efficient shipping carrier that offers a range of holiday shipping options to meet your specific needs. Here are the benefits of using UPS for your holiday shipping:

• UPS has a strong network of delivery drivers and transportation options for quick and reliable delivery.
• UPS offers competitive pricing and a range of shipping options to meet your specific needs and budget.
• UPS provides convenient online tracking and customer service options for easy communication and package status updates.
• UPS has a reputation for exceptional customer service and responsiveness to customer concerns.

But that’s not all! UPS also offers additional services to make your holiday shipping experience even better. One such service is UPS My Choice, which allows you to customize your delivery preferences and receive alerts about your package’s status. This means you can have your package delivered to a different address, reschedule the delivery time, or even have it held for pickup at a UPS location.

Another benefit of using UPS for your holiday shipping needs is their commitment to sustainability. UPS has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as using alternative fuel vehicles and optimizing delivery routes to reduce emissions. By choosing UPS, you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint while still getting your packages delivered on time.

Comparing UPS to Other Shipping Carriers During the Holidays

There are several other shipping carriers that you can choose from during the holiday season. Here is a comparison of UPS to other popular carriers:

• FedEx: FedEx offers a similar range of shipping options to UPS, but their rates can be higher for certain packages.
• USPS: The United States Postal Service offers some of the lowest shipping rates, but delivery times can be unpredictable during the holiday season.
• DHL: DHL is an international shipping carrier that offers expedited shipping options, but their rates can be higher than other carriers.

Overall, UPS is a reliable and efficient shipping carrier that offers a range of holiday shipping options to meet your specific needs. By following the tips and information provided in this article, you can ensure smooth and stress-free delivery of your holiday packages with UPS.

However, it is important to note that UPS may not be the best option for every situation. For example, if you are shipping a small package that is not time-sensitive, USPS may be a more cost-effective choice. Additionally, if you are shipping internationally, DHL may be a better option due to their expertise in international shipping.

Another factor to consider when choosing a shipping carrier is their customer service. UPS has a reputation for excellent customer service, with a dedicated team available to assist with any issues or questions. However, FedEx and USPS also have customer service teams available to help with shipping inquiries.