In the modern age, fast and reliable shipping is more important than ever. Whether you’re a business owner shipping products to customers or simply someone sending a gift to a loved one, knowing when your package will arrive can make a big difference in your plans. For many people, Saturday deliveries are particularly important—whether they’re hoping to receive a package before the weekend or need to send something that will be delivered quickly. If you’ve ever wondered whether UPS delivers on Saturday, the answer is yes. However, there are a few details to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about UPS’ Saturday delivery services, including the types of services available, costs, and what to expect when shipping or receiving packages on a Saturday.
1. UPS Saturday Delivery Overview
UPS offers Saturday delivery for both domestic and international shipments, but it is not automatic for all types of services. If you need to have a package delivered on a Saturday, it’s important to choose the right shipping option, as not all UPS services include Saturday delivery.
Types of UPS Services that Offer Saturday Delivery:
- UPS Ground (Residential Delivery):
UPS offers residential delivery for UPS Ground shipments on Saturdays, but this service is only available in certain areas. It is generally available in larger cities or metropolitan areas but may not be an option in rural locations. - UPS Next Day Air® and UPS 2nd Day Air® (Express Services):
UPS’ express services, such as Next Day Air and 2nd Day Air, also offer Saturday deliveries. These services are designed for urgent shipments that need to be delivered quickly, including overnight or two-day shipping options that can include a Saturday delivery. - UPS SurePost® (With Saturday Delivery):
UPS SurePost is a cost-effective shipping solution that relies on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for final delivery. Some SurePost shipments can be delivered on Saturdays, depending on the destination and service area.
2. UPS Saturday Delivery Service Hours
While UPS does deliver on Saturdays, it’s important to know that the service hours for Saturday deliveries are different from regular weekdays.
Saturday Delivery Times:
- Residential Deliveries:
For residential deliveries, UPS usually delivers on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, but delivery times may vary depending on the location. For remote areas, deliveries may happen later in the day or may be delayed to the next available delivery day. - Business Deliveries:
UPS does not typically deliver on Saturdays to businesses unless it’s a service explicitly offered, such as UPS Next Day Air Saturday or UPS 2nd Day Air Saturday. If your business needs a package delivered on a Saturday, it’s crucial to confirm that the service you’ve selected includes Saturday delivery.
Cutoff Times for Saturday Delivery:
Keep in mind that the cutoff time to select Saturday delivery is generally the same as the cutoff time for other UPS services during the week, but this will depend on the service and location. UPS recommends that you check with your local UPS center or their website to ensure that you have enough time to schedule a Saturday delivery.
3. UPS Saturday Delivery Costs
While UPS provides Saturday delivery, it’s important to note that this service is not included with every shipping option. Certain services will require an additional fee for Saturday deliveries, which can vary based on the destination, service type, and package size. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Additional Saturday Delivery Fee:
- UPS Next Day Air® and UPS 2nd Day Air®:
These expedited services typically require an additional Saturday Delivery charge. The exact fee will depend on the type of shipment and the destination, but expect to pay more than regular weekday deliveries. - UPS Ground Residential Delivery:
For residential deliveries via UPS Ground, the cost may vary based on your area. In general, it is more common for UPS to deliver Ground shipments on Saturdays in urban areas rather than rural areas. If Saturday delivery is available, you may need to pay an extra fee.
Shipping and Handling:
When using UPS’ expedited services, it’s also important to consider the overall shipping and handling costs. Express shipping services with Saturday delivery are usually more expensive than regular ground shipping, so make sure to factor in the extra charges when planning your shipment.
4. Tracking and Monitoring Your Saturday Delivery
Once you’ve scheduled a Saturday delivery with UPS, you may be wondering how to track your package and confirm when it’s arriving. Fortunately, UPS makes tracking easy with a variety of tools to keep you updated.
Tracking Your UPS Package:
- UPS Tracking Number:
When you send a package through UPS, you will receive a tracking number that can be used to monitor your shipment’s progress. The tracking number will provide real-time updates on the status of your package, including its expected delivery time. You can track your package on the UPS website, via the UPS mobile app, or through third-party tracking services. - UPS My Choice®:
If you want to receive more detailed updates about your delivery, UPS My Choice is a service that allows you to monitor and manage your deliveries. You can receive alerts about upcoming deliveries, reschedule deliveries if needed, and view a detailed tracking history for your shipments. - Saturday Delivery Notifications:
If you’ve selected UPS Saturday Delivery, you should receive updates on your package’s status. Make sure your contact information is up to date, as UPS will send notifications via email or text message when your package is out for delivery or if there are any delays.
5. What to Know About UPS Delivery Delays on Saturdays
While UPS is reliable for Saturday deliveries, like all shipping services, delays can sometimes occur. There are a few factors that may cause delivery delays on Saturdays:
- Weather:
Inclement weather such as snowstorms or hurricanes can delay deliveries, including Saturday deliveries. If your package is affected by weather, UPS will typically update your tracking information and provide a new estimated delivery date. - High Volume of Shipments:
During busy times of the year, such as the holiday season, UPS might experience a higher volume of shipments, which could cause some delays in both regular weekday and Saturday deliveries. - Remote Locations:
While UPS delivers to most areas on Saturdays, remote or rural locations may not always be covered by Saturday delivery. If you live in an area that is far from a UPS center, there’s a possibility that your package won’t arrive on Saturday.
6. UPS Holiday Schedule and Saturday Delivery
UPS also adjusts its delivery schedule during the holidays. On major holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, UPS may alter its regular operating hours, and Saturday deliveries may be impacted. Before scheduling a Saturday delivery around a holiday, it’s a good idea to check UPS’s official holiday schedule to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Yes, UPS does deliver on Saturdays, and this service can be incredibly useful for those who need a package delivered quickly, whether it’s for business or personal reasons. However, it’s important to choose the right service, as Saturday delivery is not available for all types of shipments. Expedited services like UPS Next Day Air® and UPS 2nd Day Air® offer Saturday deliveries, but they often come with additional fees. For residential deliveries via UPS Ground, Saturday delivery may be available in some areas, but not all locations are covered.
If you want to stay updated on your package’s delivery status, make sure to track it using your UPS tracking number, and consider signing up for UPS My Choice® to get real-time alerts. Remember that, like any shipping service, UPS is subject to delays during peak periods or adverse weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.
Whether you’re shipping gifts, business materials, or personal items, knowing how and when your UPS package will arrive can help you stay on top of your deliveries.
