Does UPS deliver to PO Boxes? (Everything is known!)
United Parcel Service is an American multinational corporation that provides a complex range of services. However, there is one thing about UPS that consumers seem to be trying to clarify: do they ship your stuff to a standard PO Box! The answer is, unfortunately, they don’t.
This article looks at UPS delivery options, specifically PO Box Delivery: what they are, why the UPS doesn’t use them, and what you can do to fix the problem.
Does UPS deliver to PO Boxes?
UPS does not deliver to PO Boxes. Only the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers to PO Boxes. However, UPS will deliver to PO Boxes with a “street address”.
To learn more about UPS and PO Boxes, read on…
Why doesn’t UPS deliver to PO Boxes?
United Parcel Service has a policy that they will not ship it to PO Boxes. This is because UPS and Postal Service are two completely different companies.
It seems that if UPS wants to ship an item to a PO Box, someone needs to pay for the item’s postage first – and UPS doesn’t pay for it.
PO Boxes are for postal service use only and are not available for items delivered by other services.
However, there is one exception: Citizens and companies with private mailboxes (rather than PO Boxes) are able to receive shipments from other carriers like UPS (and FedEx). This is achieved by using private arrangements.
Does UPS deliver to PO Boxes with street addresses?
United Parcel Service will deliver to PO Boxes with the correct “Street Address”. This refers to a specific street address format that needs to clarify that these items are “delivered” rather than “posted”.
The only institution that can Legally It is the postal service itself that delivers mail to PO boxes. UPS requires a “physical” address for delivery.
Consumers have found that deliveries can be completed if they provide the “street address” format.
Basically, all you have to do to format your address is write your name, Street address of the post office Use your PO Box number as the “work” (or house) number. Consumers say this approach is perfectly acceptable to both UPS and the Postal Service.
What happens if your PO Box receives UPS Express?
If you know you have something shipped at UPS and the delivery address you gave them is a standard PO Box address, don’t panic.
First, when making a transaction, you will be asked for a pone number. UPS will use this number to contact you for a shipping address they can use – such as a friend or family member’s address.
If you are unable to deliver, you will have to arrange for pickup at your local UPS or retail store, which may be inconvenient for you.
From time to time, your local post office may agree to accept and hold UPS delivery for you (without charging either party). However, it’s up to the employee’s judgment and may depend a lot on how busy they are and how often you seek help.
Therefore, it is best not to rely on this option.
How to get UPS to deliver to your PO Box?
There are several ways to ensure your package arrives at your PO Box. One is using a “street address” and the other is shopping with a company using a service called SurePost.
Providing a clear street address is essential for UPS to be able to deliver your shipment. When purchasing a PO Box, ask the post office staff whether to include the “Street Address Edition” feature. This is a feature that should be offered when purchasing a PO Box.
SurePost is a shipping service from United Parcel Services designed to reduce the “last mile” cost of shipping.
For example, if you ordered a package from Amazon and Amazon delivered it using SurePost, you would be able to receive it using a PO Box.
Anyone can use SurePost, and many large e-commerce businesses (like Amazon) have been buying the service for some time.
If none of these options work for you, consider shipping your purchases to a friend’s address or work address.
Want to learn more about UPS? Check out our related articles on Does UPS Deliver Amazon Packages and Does UPS Sell Stamps?
generalize
Although consumer information for UPS services is clearly stated on its website, it is not easy to know exactly what shipping address UPS needs to efficiently deliver your package. Fortunately, the answer is there – just a little tracking down.
remember:
- Always include a current phone number with your shipping information
- Check SurePost Options When Shopping Online
- Make sure your PO Box has Street Address enabled
- Always check the delivery method before completing any online purchase transaction
