Sometimes, you may not be at home to find the delivery yourself when shipping a package with UPS. In such cases, UPS keeps your package in a local store or access point until you collect it. This service is especially helpful when you are not available to receive your package.
It is important to know how long UPS holds your package and what happens if you don’t pick it up on time. Knowing UPS’s policies ensures that you won’t miss out on your parcel and can plan ahead of time when to collect it.
UPS Package Hold Duration
The general time when UPS holds a package is normally between 5 and 7 business days. This is the standard duration for most packages. The hold can be extended for longer periods in special situations. USP can hold the package for a few extra days if you request an extension or if there are specific reasons, like operational delays.
After the hold period has ended, if the recipient does not pick up the package, UPS will usually return the package to the sender. It is done to ensure the package is safely returned and not sitting around for long.
If you don't have time to collect the package for the courier, you can request an extended hold. To do this, you are required to contact UPS directly. It enables you to have more time to receive your package if you are unable to pick it up in the usual 5-7 days.
What Happens If You Don’t Pick Up Your Package?
If you don’t collect your package within the hold period, UPS will generally return it to the sender. The hold period is 5-7 days. But if you don't pick it up, it will be sent back.
Failure to pick up your package can result in your package not arriving on time and, in some cases, incurable fees. For example, the sender has to spend extra to ship the package again. These extra fees depend on the shipping service and the package’s destination.
After the hold period expires, UPS will send the package back to the sender. Usually, the sender will be notified of the return, and the delivery process is restarted. It's always recommended to stay informed about your parcel status and collect it before the expiry of the hold period to avoid unnecessary delays and extra fees.
