UPS Holidays 2017 in the USA: What You Need to Know

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many people, it’s a time to reconnect with family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy holiday traditions. However, the holiday season can also be a stressful time, especially when it comes to shipping and receiving packages. This is where UPS comes in – one of the largest shipping companies in the world, UPS offers reliable and convenient shipping options for the busy holiday season. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the UPS holiday schedule for 2017, key dates to remember for holiday shipping, how UPS holiday hours impact delivery times, and much more. So, let’s get started!

Understanding the UPS Holiday Schedule for 2017

Before we dive into the specifics of holiday shipping with UPS, it’s important to understand their holiday schedule. UPS recognizes several major holidays throughout the year, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. During these holidays, most UPS retail locations, as well as their customer service centers, are closed. However, UPS Express Critical service is available 24/7.

It’s also important to note that during the holiday season, which typically runs from late November through December, UPS experiences a significant increase in package volume. This can lead to delays in delivery times, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and ship packages as early as possible to ensure they arrive on time. Additionally, UPS offers a variety of shipping options during the holiday season, including expedited and guaranteed delivery services, to help meet the needs of their customers.

Key Dates to Remember for UPS Holiday Shipping

If you’re planning on shipping packages with UPS during the holidays, it’s important to stay informed about shipping deadlines. This ensures that your gifts will arrive on time for the holidays. UPS offers several holiday shipping options, including UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS 3 Day Select, and UPS Ground. The shipping deadlines for each of these options vary depending on the destination of your package. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to ship your packages as early as possible to avoid any potential delays or surcharges.

It’s also important to note that UPS may experience higher than usual shipping volumes during the holiday season, which can lead to longer delivery times. To avoid any potential delays, consider using UPS’s online tools to schedule a pickup or drop-off time, or use their UPS Access Point network to have your package delivered to a nearby location for easy pickup. Additionally, be sure to properly package your gifts to ensure they arrive safely and securely.

How UPS Holiday Hours Impact Delivery Times

As mentioned earlier, most UPS retail locations and customer service centers are closed during major holidays. This means that package pick-ups and deliveries may be affected. However, UPS does offer holiday operations to ensure that packages are delivered on time. During peak seasons, delivery times may take longer than usual due to increased demand, so plan ahead and ship your packages early to avoid any delays.

It’s important to note that UPS also observes regional holidays, which may not be recognized as national holidays. This means that delivery times may be impacted in certain areas, even if it’s not a major holiday. To avoid any confusion, it’s best to check with your local UPS office to confirm their hours of operation during holidays.

In addition, UPS offers a variety of shipping options to accommodate different delivery needs. For example, if you need a package delivered on a specific day, you can choose UPS Next Day Air or UPS 2nd Day Air. These options may come at an additional cost, but they can be a lifesaver if you need a package delivered quickly during the holiday season.

Tips for Planning Ahead During the Busy Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a hectic time, but there are several things you can do to make the shipping process smoother. First, make a list of all the gifts you need to send and their destinations. This helps you to plan ahead and stay organized. Second, choose the appropriate shipping option for your package and note the shipping deadlines. Third, consider using UPS My Choice, a free service that lets you track and manage your packages and alerts you to any changes in delivery dates or times.

Another helpful tip for planning ahead during the busy holiday season is to order your gifts early. This not only ensures that you have enough time to receive and wrap them, but it also helps to avoid any potential shipping delays or out-of-stock items. Additionally, consider using eco-friendly packaging materials, such as recycled boxes and biodegradable packing peanuts, to reduce your environmental impact during the holiday season.

Navigating Peak Season Surcharges and Fees with UPS

During the busy holiday season, UPS may apply peak season surcharges to certain packages. These surcharges vary depending on the size, weight, and destination of your package. In addition, UPS also offers options such as Saturday Delivery, Signature Required, and Delivery Confirmation, all of which may come with additional fees. To avoid any surprises, be aware of these potential fees when choosing your shipping options.

It’s important to note that UPS also offers discounts and promotions during peak season to help offset some of these additional fees. For example, they may offer discounted rates for certain shipping methods or waive fees for certain package sizes. It’s worth checking their website or contacting customer service to see if there are any current promotions that can help you save money on your holiday shipping.

The Impact of Weather on UPS Holiday Deliveries

Winter weather can be unpredictable and sometimes result in delayed deliveries. While UPS does everything they can to keep deliveries on schedule, weather can impact their operations and cause delays. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and ship your packages as early as possible. UPS does offer weather alerts to help you stay informed about potential weather-related delays.

In addition to weather-related delays, the holiday season can also cause an increase in package volume, which can lead to longer delivery times. To avoid any potential delays, it’s recommended to use UPS’s online tools to track your package and sign up for delivery notifications. This way, you can stay up-to-date on the status of your package and make any necessary arrangements to ensure a successful delivery.

Shipping Deadlines for Guaranteed Holiday Delivery with UPS

To ensure your packages arrive on time for the holidays, it’s important to ship them by the appropriate deadlines. UPS offers guaranteed delivery with their Next Day Air and 2nd Day Air shipping options. For Next Day Air, the shipping deadline for delivery on December 22nd is December 21st, and for 2nd Day Air, the deadline is December 20th. Be sure to check the UPS website for specific deadlines regarding other shipping options.

It’s also important to note that the shipping deadlines may vary depending on the destination of your package. For international shipments, the deadlines may be earlier than those for domestic shipments. Additionally, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances may cause delays in delivery, so it’s always best to plan ahead and ship your packages as early as possible.

If you’re shipping fragile or valuable items, UPS offers additional services such as signature confirmation and insurance to ensure that your package arrives safely and securely. You can also track your package in real-time using the UPS website or mobile app, so you can stay updated on its delivery status and estimated arrival time.

How to Track Your UPS Holiday Shipments in Real-Time

Want to keep tabs on your holiday shipments? UPS offers several tracking options to help you stay informed about the status of your package. With UPS My Choice, you can receive notifications about the estimated delivery time, changes in delivery dates, and more. You can also track your package in real-time through the UPS website using your tracking number.

Another option for tracking your UPS holiday shipments is through the UPS mobile app. The app allows you to track your package in real-time, receive push notifications about delivery updates, and even customize your delivery preferences. You can also use the app to schedule a delivery, redirect a package to a different address, or hold your package at a UPS location for pickup. With the UPS mobile app, you can stay on top of your holiday shipments no matter where you are.

Preparing Your Packages for Safe and Secure Delivery During the Holidays

When shipping packages during the holidays, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure they arrive safely and securely. This includes properly packing your gifts, using sturdy shipping boxes, and choosing appropriate packaging materials such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Don’t forget to also label your packages clearly and include a return address in case of any delivery issues.

That’s a wrap! With these tips and information, you can navigate the busy holiday season with ease and ensure your packages arrive on time and safely. Happy holidays!

Another important consideration when shipping packages during the holidays is to be aware of shipping deadlines. Make sure to check with your shipping carrier for their holiday shipping deadlines to ensure your packages arrive on time. Additionally, consider purchasing shipping insurance for valuable items to protect against loss or damage during transit. By taking these extra steps, you can have peace of mind knowing your packages are well-protected during the holiday season.