In many instances, a shipment receiver may wonder “Can UPS Hold Packages?” One of the most irksome circumstances happens when someone cannot be home to receive a shipment and the package ends up returning to sender. It is a waste of money to both the shipper and the receiver. If UPS tries and fails to deliver a package just three times for any reason, they will return it to the sender. Packages can be held at a store or warehouse location to be picked up by the recipient if pre-arranged. Also, if someone lives in a neighborhood where they do not feel safe having a standard shipment sitting for several hours before it can be collected, store pickup is also a better option.

When a shipper communicates with the customer and determines that a “Hold for Pickup” is a better option, they simply need to label the package as such, and provide a telephone number for UPS to call when the box arrives at its store location. The shipper can go online, determine the best location to ship to and send it through the mail. When the shipment is dropped, the store will call the receiver with a notice that the package has arrived. From the day the parcel is delivered, the recipient has five days to obtain their delivery. After the five-day period is over, the receiver looses the shipment in a return to sender.

When a package is held for pickup, its shipping guarantee is still met. It will arrive in the designated time period (pending no disruptions in service), and a receiver can pick up his or her package by 8:30am on the stated date. When a question of availability hinders a receiver from being home, but a signature is preferred for pickup, the hold is a fine option. Also, those who live in neighborhoods where deliveries might not be safe sitting unprotected, the hold is the best option. It can be a hassle to drive to a nearby UPS store or warehouse, but compared to the dreaded return to sender or a stolen package, simply asking “Can UPS Hold Packages?” is worth the time and effort to receive a package safely.