UPS Ground Turnaround Time: Comprehensive Guide to Domestic Shipping Options

What are the different UPS domestic shipping options. How long does UPS Ground shipping take. What is the turnaround time for UPS 2nd Day Air and 3 Day Select. How fast is UPS Next Day Air shipping. What are the weight and size limits for UPS packages. How to calculate UPS shipping rates.

UPS Ground Shipping: Cost-Effective and Reliable

UPS Ground is a popular domestic shipping option that offers a balance of affordability and efficiency. This service provides delivery within one to five business days, making it suitable for non-urgent shipments. Here are some key features of UPS Ground:

• Delivery to all 50 states and Puerto Rico
• Saturday delivery standard to most residential addresses
• Free 24/7 tracking information
• 90% of packages delivered in three days or less

How long does UPS Ground shipping typically take? While the service window is one to five business days, the actual transit time depends on the distance between the origin and destination. For many shipments, especially those traveling shorter distances, delivery occurs within three days or less.

Weight and Size Limits for UPS Ground

When considering UPS Ground for your shipments, it’s important to be aware of the package restrictions:

• Maximum weight: 150 lbs
• Maximum length: 108 inches

These limits ensure that the service can handle a wide range of package sizes while maintaining efficiency in its logistics network.

UPS 2nd Day Air and 3 Day Select: Balancing Speed and Cost

For shipments that require faster delivery than UPS Ground but don’t need next-day service, UPS offers two intermediate options: UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select. These services provide a good balance between speed and cost-effectiveness.

UPS 2nd Day Air

UPS 2nd Day Air is available in two variations:

• UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.®: Delivers to the 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Delivers to all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with some limitations in Alaska and Hawaii

UPS 3 Day Select

UPS 3 Day Select provides delivery within three business days to addresses in the 48 contiguous states. This option is ideal for shipments that need to arrive faster than ground service but don’t require the urgency of 2nd Day Air.

What are the benefits of using UPS 2nd Day Air or 3 Day Select? These services offer:

• Faster delivery than UPS Ground
• More affordable rates compared to next-day options
• Saturday delivery availability
• The same weight and size limits as UPS Ground (up to 150 lbs and 108 inches long)

UPS Next Day Air: Guaranteed Overnight Delivery

For time-critical shipments that require the fastest possible delivery, UPS offers its Next Day Air services. These options guarantee overnight delivery, with various time commitments to suit different needs.

UPS Next Day Air Early

This premium service provides the earliest possible delivery for urgent shipments:

• Guaranteed delivery by 8 a.m. to major cities
• Delivery by 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., or 9:30 a.m. to most other cities
• Available to the 48 contiguous states and select cities in Alaska and Hawaii
• Saturday delivery as early as 9 a.m. in some locations

UPS Next Day Air

The standard overnight service offers slightly later delivery times:

• Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., or end of day, depending on the destination
• Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico (with some limitations in Alaska and Hawaii)
• Saturday delivery by 12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.

UPS Next Day Air Saver

This is the most economical next-day option:

• Guaranteed delivery by 3 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. to most commercial destinations
• Available in the 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii

How does UPS Next Day Air compare to competitors? UPS claims to deliver earlier to more ZIP codes and businesses than FedEx, making it a strong choice for time-sensitive shipments.

Calculating UPS Shipping Rates and Transit Times

To determine the most suitable shipping option for your needs, it’s essential to consider both cost and delivery time. UPS provides tools to help you estimate these factors:

Shipping Rate Calculator

UPS offers an online rate calculator that allows you to estimate shipping costs for various services. To use this tool effectively:

1. Enter the origin and destination addresses
2. Specify the package dimensions and weight
3. Select the desired service level
4. Add any additional services or insurance if needed

The calculator will then provide you with an estimated shipping cost, helping you compare different options and make an informed decision.

Transit Time Calculator

To check the expected delivery time for your shipment, UPS provides a transit time calculator. This tool allows you to:

• Enter origin and destination ZIP codes
• Select the shipping date
• Choose the desired service level

The calculator will then display the estimated delivery date and time, helping you plan your shipments more effectively.

Specialized UPS Shipping Services

In addition to its standard domestic shipping options, UPS offers several specialized services to meet specific shipping needs:

UPS SurePost

UPS SurePost is a cost-effective option for low-weight residential shipments. This service combines the efficiency of UPS’s network with final delivery by the US Postal Service. Key features include:

• Delivery to all residential addresses in the US, including PO boxes and APO/FPO destinations
• Typically takes 2-7 business days for delivery
• Ideal for lightweight packages (less than 10 lbs) with no time-sensitive requirements

UPS Mail Innovations

This service is designed for high-volume shippers of lightweight parcels and flat mail. UPS Mail Innovations offers:

• Cost-effective rates for large quantities of lightweight items
• Delivery through the US Postal Service for the final mile
• Tracking capabilities throughout the shipping process

UPS Worldwide Express

For international shipments, UPS Worldwide Express provides guaranteed delivery on the next possible business day to over 220 countries and territories. This service includes:

• Customs clearance services
• Door-to-door delivery
• Saturday delivery to select destinations

Enhancing Your UPS Shipping Experience

To make the most of UPS’s shipping services, consider these tips and additional features:

UPS My Choice

UPS My Choice is a free service that provides greater control and flexibility over your incoming deliveries. Benefits include:

• Delivery alerts via text, email, or mobile app
• Option to reroute packages to a different address or UPS Access Point location
• Ability to provide delivery instructions for the driver
• Vacation hold for packages when you’re away

UPS Access Point Locations

UPS Access Point locations are secure alternative delivery sites where you can pick up or drop off packages. These locations offer:

• Convenient pickup times, often with extended hours
• Secure storage of packages until you’re ready to collect them
• Option to redirect packages to an Access Point if you won’t be home for delivery

Packaging Guidelines

Proper packaging is crucial for ensuring your items arrive safely. UPS provides guidelines and supplies to help you package your shipments effectively:

• Use appropriate box sizes and cushioning materials
• Seal all seams with pressure-sensitive packing tape
• Remove old labels and markings from reused boxes
• Consider using UPS-provided packaging for certain services, such as UPS Express Boxes for Next Day Air shipments

Navigating UPS Shipping Policies and Restrictions

Understanding UPS’s shipping policies and restrictions can help you avoid delays and additional charges. Here are some important considerations:

Prohibited Items

UPS maintains a list of items that cannot be shipped through its network. Some examples include:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Hazardous materials (with some exceptions for limited quantities)
• Illegal substances
• Live animals (with some exceptions for certain insects and crustaceans)

Always check the UPS website or consult with a representative if you’re unsure about shipping a particular item.

Dimensional Weight

UPS uses dimensional weight pricing for all domestic and international shipments. This means that the billable weight of a package is based on whichever is greater: its actual weight or its dimensional weight. To calculate dimensional weight:

1. Measure the length, width, and height of the package in inches
2. Multiply these dimensions together
3. Divide the result by 139 (the dimensional weight divisor for domestic shipments)

Understanding dimensional weight can help you optimize your packaging and potentially reduce shipping costs.

Delivery Guarantees and Refunds

UPS offers guarantees on many of its services, promising delivery by a specific time or date. If UPS fails to meet this guarantee, you may be eligible for a shipping charge refund. However, it’s important to note:

• Refund requests must typically be submitted within 15 calendar days of the scheduled delivery date
• Certain circumstances, such as weather events or customs delays, may void the guarantee
• Some services, like UPS Ground, have more limited guarantees

Always review the specific terms and conditions for each service to understand the applicable guarantees and refund policies.

Leveraging Technology for Efficient UPS Shipping

UPS offers various technological solutions to streamline your shipping process and improve efficiency. Here are some key tools and integrations to consider:

UPS WorldShip

UPS WorldShip is a powerful software application designed for high-volume shippers. It offers features such as:

• Batch processing of shipments
• Integration with your existing business systems
• Customizable reports and labels
• Address validation and correction

UPS API Integration

For businesses looking to integrate UPS shipping functionality directly into their websites or applications, UPS provides a range of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). These APIs allow you to:

• Get real-time shipping rates and transit times
• Generate shipping labels programmatically
• Track shipments and receive notifications
• Validate addresses and schedule pickups

UPS Mobile App

The UPS Mobile App offers convenient features for both senders and recipients:

• Track packages in real-time
• Find nearby UPS locations
• Estimate shipping costs
• Receive push notifications about package status

By leveraging these technological solutions, businesses can significantly improve their shipping efficiency and provide better experiences for their customers.

Domestic Shipping | UPS – United States

Fast: One to Five Business Days

UPS Ground^® gives you cost-effective, reliable ground delivery within one to five business days. You also get free tracking information for your shipment, 24/7.

Faster: Second or Third Business Day

For important, but not critical shipments, use two-day or three-day options like UPS 2nd Day Air^® or UPS 3 Day Select^®.

Even Faster: Next Day

For urgent shipments, we offer time-definite next day delivery by morning, noon or end-of-day, depending on your needs.

• What’s UPS Ground Shipping?
• What’s UPS 2nd Day Air and 3 Day Select Shipping?
• What’s UPS Next Day Air^® Shipping?

Did you know? 90% of UPS Ground packages are delivered in

three days or less.

UPS Ground gives you cost-effective, day definite delivery within one to five business days, with more on-time deliveries than FedEx.

Where Can I Ship?

• UPS Ground delivers to businesses and homes in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

What Can I Ship?

• Packages can be up to 150 lbs. and up to 108” long.

How Fast Will It Get There?

• Transit times are between one to five business days, with Saturday delivery standard to most residential addresses.
• Check transit times for your shipments.

How Much Will It Cost?

• Calculate your UPS ground shipping rates.

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Go

further, faster with nationwide two-day and three-day coverage.

Meet your deadline without breaking the bank using UPS two-day and three-day options.

Where Can I Ship?

• UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.^® delivers to the 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii, UPS 2nd Day Air delivers to all 50 states and Puerto Rico with some limitations in Alaska and Hawaii and UPS 3 Day Select delivers to the 48 contiguous states.

What Can I Ship?

• Packages can be up to 150 lbs. and up to 108” long.

How Fast Will It Get There?

• It’s all in the name. It will either be two or three days, depending on which product you select.
• Saturday delivery is available for UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select.
• Check transit times for your shipments.

How Much Will It Cost?

• Calculate your UPS air shipping rates.

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UPS delivers

earlier to more ZIP codes and businesses than Fedex.

For urgent shipments, UPS Next Day Air offers guaranteed, time-definite next day delivery with industry leading on time performance.

Where Can I Ship?

• UPS Next Day Air^® Early delivers to the 48 contiguous states and Anchorage, AK, UPS Next Day Air delivers to all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and UPS Next Day Air^® Saver delivers from all 50 U. S. states to the 48 contiguous states.

What Can I Ship?

• Packages can be up to 150 lbs. and up to 108” long.

How Fast Will It Get There?

• Next Day means next day, with Saturday delivery available for UPS Next Day Air Early and UPS Next Day Air.
• Check transit times for your shipments.

How Much Will It Cost?

• Calculate your UPS air shipping rates.

Do I Need Special Packaging?

• Get free UPS Next Day Air shipping supplies, including packaging, forms and labels.

Log In To ShipTalk to an Expert

Understanding UPS Shipping Delivery Options

We know that more UPS delivery options means more flexibility for your business. That’s why, when you ship with Unishippers and UPS, you receive access to a wide range of cost-effective delivery options to meet your specific needs.

Depending on what your UPS shipment is, where it needs to go and how quickly it needs to get there, there is a delivery type to help make it happen. Read on to learn the ins and outs of each UPS delivery type. Need help remembering your options? You can also download Unishippers’ handy e-guide for reference.

1 Business Day

UPS Next Day Air^® Early gives you guaranteed early morning delivery for time-critical shipments.

• Recommended for shipments that must arrive at the start of the next business day
• Guaranteed delivery by 8 a.m. to major cities and by 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. to most cities, with Saturday delivery to some locations as early as 9 a.m.
• Available to major cities in the 48 contiguous states, plus select cities in Alaska and Hawaii

UPS Next Day Air^® offers guaranteed overnight service for time-sensitive shipments.

• Ideal for shipments that must arrive earlier in the business day
• Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. or the end of the day, depending on the destination, with delivery by 12 p. m. or 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays
• Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with some limitations in Alaska and Hawaii

UPS Next Day Air Saver^® provides guaranteed next-day service with afternoon delivery.

• The most affordable service for next-day shipments
• Guaranteed delivery by 3 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. to most commercial destinations where UPS Next Day Air delivery is committed by 10:30 a.m. or 12 p.m., respectively
• Available in the 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii

2 Business Days

UPS 2nd Day Air^® A.M. offers guaranteed early morning delivery for second business day shipments, although it is not available for residential destinations.

• Recommended for shipments that must arrive early on the second business day
• Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m. or 12 p.m. to most commercial destinations
• Available in the 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii

UPS 2nd Day Air^® provides guaranteed service for second business day shipments, but is also not available for residential delivery.

• Ideal for shipments that have the flexibility to arrive any time during the second business day
• Guaranteed delivery by the end of the day, including Saturday delivery for shipments picked up on Thursday
• Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with additional transit time in some parts of Alaska and Hawaii

1-5 Business Days

UPS 3 Day Select^®offers cost-effective guaranteed service for your less time-sensitive shipments.

• Guaranteed delivery by the end of the third business day, including Saturday
• Available in the 48 contiguous states

UPS^® Ground provides the most cost-effective guaranteed service* with day-definite delivery in one to five business days.

• A dependable and economical choice for all of your routine shipments
• Day-definite delivery within one to five business days, including Saturday
• Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico

Ready to get started?

As part of the nation’s largest non-retail Authorized Reseller of UPS shipping services, Unishippers is sure to offer the flexible shipping options you need at a price that fits your budget. Unishippers customers can easily compare and select UPS pick-up and delivery options through our easy-to-use online, myUnishippers™, transportation management system. Or, you can contact Unishippers today to learn how we can help you save on your UPS shipping.

*All UPS services and service guarantees are subject to the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, available at www.ups.com.

FAQs

How late does UPS deliver?

In general, UPS delivery times are 9:00 am with a UPS end of day time of 9:00 pm., excluding time-definite air freight.

How long does UPS Ground take?

All UPS Ground packages are guaranteed to be delivered within 1-5 business days. The delivery date is set at the time of pick up according to the distance the package is traveling.

Does UPS deliver on the weekend?

Yes, UPS delivers on Saturdays to homes in more than 100 U.S. metro areas. Plus, through a partnership with USPS, UPS can deliver your economy packages on Sunday as well (where coverage is available).

What days does UPS deliver during the holidays?

Additional pickup and delivery charges may be applied on major holidays. UPS typically considers the following non-shipping holidays: Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. UPS Express Critical^® is still available.

World Synchronization | Air transport review

Analytics

April 21, 2014 Alexey Sinitsky

Tags:

Analytics, Airports, Freight, Construction and Renovation, UPS , Cologne-Bonn Airport (Germany)

In late March, UPS opened its refurbished European hub at Cologne/Bonn Airport in Germany following its expansion. This project, one of the largest investments in UPS history, cost $200 million and took two years to complete.
UPS (United Parcel Service) is the world’s largest express delivery company with a turnover of more than $54.1 billion in 2013. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, USA. UPS operates in more than 220 countries and territories around the world. UPS’s main European aviation hub is located at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Together with the UPS Worldport hub in Louisville (USA) and the Asian ports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai, Cologne/Bonn plays a central role as an international logistics hub for both large international companies and small and medium-sized companies in Europe, which use the capabilities of the UPS global logistics network.
“The Cologne/Bonn hub remains our flagship hub in Europe and continues to serve customer needs,” says UPS Europe President Cindy Miller. “Our strategic investment in Germany, one of the world’s largest exporters, underscores our commitment to growing the European economy. This is part of a long-term strategy to enable our clients to successfully compete and conduct their business both on important trade routes within Europe and on routes linking Europe with North America and Asia, in an era when planned free trade agreements promise growth and development of large and small companies.”
As part of the reconstruction, the existing center was equipped with the latest technology, and the sorting area for larger cargo was also significantly expanded. The UPS Air Hub in Cologne has a unique feature: the sorting system is divided between two buildings, which are connected by two bridges 126 and 152 meters long, respectively. Each bridge has eight conveyors to move goods between the two buildings. The operating area currently occupies over 105 thousand m2. The UPS sorting center is the largest employer at Cologne/Bonn Airport, now with over 2,500 employees; as a result of the reconstruction, 200 new jobs were created.
At the same time, there are completely deserted floors in the three-level building of the sorting center, where all sorting takes place automatically. Loads move along conveyor belts, with each box lying on a separate concave platform. Scanners read barcodes, at the right moment the platform tilts and the box slides onto another conveyor. Smaller items are sorted in the same way – parcels and parcels.
The addition of eight new automatic sorting lines increases the capacity of the air hub sorting center by 70%, to 190 thousand shipments per hour or about 53 shipments per second. The length of the conveyor system is currently about 40 km, while the time it takes for a shipment to move from the unloading point to the loading point takes an average of 15 minutes.
Every day on weekdays, Cologne/Bonn Airport receives and then sends almost 40 cargo flights, that is, a total of about 80 takeoff and landing operations are performed. The main work is done at night. It is very important that Cologne/Bonn is one of the few airports in Germany that has retained the ability to operate around the clock. Most airports have banned night flights due to noise restrictions. UPS Europe has 17 owned and 20 leased aircraft. And around the world, UPS Airlines has a fleet of 234 own and 293 chartered aircraft. It is curious to note that UPS has not only its own cargo air fleet, but also containers of its own design.
In the European market, UPS has been able to significantly increase export volumes over the past decade. With the expansion of the air hub at Cologne/Bonn Airport, UPS will be able to provide trade routes to and from Europe for the whole world and gain opportunities to further develop the international express delivery business. One of the promising areas for the further development of UPS is participation in global logistics supply chains, including production ones. At UPS, global distribution and logistics includes managing the movement of not only goods, but also the information and money that moves with those goods. The formation of such schemes allows, for example, to organize assembly production without own warehouses, since all the necessary components are delivered to the conveyor at the right time. This allows you to save on inventory, but, of course, requires a well-established supply chain. At UPS, such schemes are called the synchronization of world business processes.

The conveyor system is currently about 40 km long // Photo: UPS

April 21, 2014 Alexey Sinitsky

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