This guide contains:
- What services does UPS provide? And how are they different?
- Summary of UPS Service Levels
- What is UPS Ground?
- What is UPS Standard?
- What is UPS Worldwide Saver?
- What is UPS Worldwide Express?
- What is UPS Worldwide Express Plus?
- What is UPS Worldwide Expedited?
- What is UPS Next Day Air?
- What is UPS Next Day Air Saver?
- What is UPS Next Day Air AM?
- What is UPS 2nd Day Air?
- What is UPS 2nd Day Air AM?
- What is UPS 3-Day Select?
- Saturday Pickup
- Saturday Delivery
What services does UPS provide? And how are they different?
UPS provides two major sets of services for domestic and international.
U.S. Shipping Services
| Service Name | Delivery Commitment | Delivery Time (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Express Critical | Same Day | Delivery time set at order |
| UPS Next Day Air Early | Next Business Day | As early as 8 A.M. |
| UPS Next Day Air | Next Business Day | Typically by 10:30 A.M. |
| UPS Next Day Air Saver | Next Business Day | Typically by 3:00 P.M. |
| UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. | 2 Business Days | Typically by 10:30 A.M. |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | 2 Business Days | Typically by end of day |
| UPS 3 Day Select | 3 Business Days | By end of day |
| UPS Ground | 1-5 Business Days | Based on distance to destination |
| UPS Ground with Freight Pricing | 1-5 Business Days | Based on distance to destination |
| UPS Hundredweight Service | 1-5 Business Days | Based on UPS shipping service used |
| UPS Mail Innovations | 1-5 Business Days | Based on distance to destination |
International Shipping Services (Import/Export)
| Service Name | Delivery Commitment | Delivery Time (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Express Critical | Best Available Flight | Delivery time set at order |
| UPS Worldwide Express Plus | 1-3 Business Days | Typically by 8:00-9:30 A.M. |
| UPS Worldwide Express | 1-3 Business Days | Typically by 10:30-12:00 A.M. |
| UPS Worldwide Express Freight | 1-3 Business Days | By end of day |
| UPS Worldwide Saver | 1-3 Business Days | By end of day |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | 2-5 Business Days | By end of day |
| UPS Standard | Defined by schedule | By end of day |
International Shipping Services (Import Only)
| Service Name | Delivery Commitment | Delivery Time (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Worldwide Express NA1 | Next Business Day | Typically by 10:30 A.M. |
| UPS 3 Day Select from Canada | 3 Business Days | By end of day |
To learn more about UPS’ freight shipping options, click here.
Summary of UPS Service Levels - Supported by EasyPost
UPS has twelve service levels supported by EasyPost. Service levels have to do with both the speed and type of shipments. In order to ship any UPS shipments, the following must be true:
- Packages can be up to 150 lbs.
- Packages can be up to 165 inches in length and girth combined.
- Packages can be up to 108 inches in length.
- Packages with a large size-to-weight ratio require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations.
|
Service |
Service Variable |
Transit Time |
|
Ground |
1-5 Business Days |
|
|
UPSStandard |
1-5 Business Days |
|
|
UPSSaver |
Next Day to 4 Business Days |
|
|
Express |
Next Day to 3 Business Days |
|
|
ExpressPlus |
Next Day to 2 Business Days |
|
|
Expedited |
3 to 5 Business Days |
|
|
NextDayAir |
Next Business Days by 10:30am |
|
|
NextDayAirSaver |
Next Business Days by 3:00pm |
|
|
NextDayAirEarlyAM |
Next Business Days by 8:00am |
|
|
2ndDayAir |
2 Business days by end of day |
|
|
2ndDayAirAM |
2 Business Days by end of day |
|
|
3DaySelect |
3 Business Days by end of day |
UPS Service Levels - Detailed
Below, you will find the delivery times and destinations for UPS shipping services and API references regarding how to create a shipping label from your home or office using EasyPost.
What is UPS Ground?
UPS Ground is UPS’ shipping cheapest way to send a package by utilizing the UPS Ground vehicle network. For most eCommerce shipments (unless the customer specifies a rush delivery), UPS Ground is the cheapest way to mail a package.
UPS Ground covers all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Shipping times range from 1 to 6 business days based on the total distance between origin to destination addresses.
What is UPS Standard?
UPS Standard is another one of the cheapest ways to send a UPS shipment for non-urgent packages between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Delivery time is contingent on origin and destination. Most packages will arrive anywhere within 4-7 business days.
What is UPS Worldwide Saver?
UPS Worldwide Saver is an international shipping service that guarantees afternoon delivery within 3 business days for your international shipments.
For UPS Worldwide Saver Exported Packages (assuming the origin is within the U.S.):
- Shipping offers delivery by end of day
- Next business day delivery to Canada for all packages, Next business day delivery to Mexico for document packages
- 2 business day delivery to Europe and Latin America for all packages
- 3 business day delivery to Asia for all packages
For UPS Worldwide Saver Imported Packages (assuming the destination is within the U.S.):
- Delivery by end of day
- Next day delivery from Canada and Mexico
- Delivery within two business days from Asia, Europe, and Latin America
UPS Worldwide Saver supports 215 countries and territories as destinations and over 185 countries as origins.
What is UPS Worldwide Express?
UPS Worldwide Express promises guaranteed morning delivery within 3 business days for your international shipments.
For Exported Packages (assuming origin is U.S.):
- Delivery between 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- Next business day delivery to Canada for all packages, Next business day delivery to Mexico for document packages
- 2 business day delivery to Europe and Latin America for all packages
- 3 business day delivery to Asia for all packages
For Imported Packages (assuming destination is U.S.):
- Delivery between 10:30 A.M. and 12:00 P.M.
- Next day delivery from Canada and Mexico
- Delivery within two business days from Asia, Europe, and Latin America
UPS Worldwide Express supports over 60 countries and territories as destinations, and over 185 countries as origins.
What is UPS Worldwide Express Plus?
If you are looking for a UPS international shipping option for UPS next day delivery, UPS Worldwide Express Plus offers guaranteed early morning, next business day delivery for your international shipments.
For UPS international shipping exports (assuming origin is U.S.):
- Next business day delivery by 8:30 A.M. to Canada
- 2 business day delivery by 9:00 A.M. to Europe
- 3 business day delivery by 9:00 A.M. to Asia
For UPS international shipping imports (assuming destination is U.S.):
- Delivery by 8:00 A.M., 8:30 A.M., and 9:00 A.M. (delivery time dependant on origin)
- Delivery in 2 business days by from Canada
- Delivery in 2-3 business days from Mexico
- Delivery within 4-5 business days from Europe, Asia, and Latin America
UPS Worldwide Express supports over 60 countries and territories as destinations and over 185 countries as origins.
What is UPS Worldwide Expedited?
UPS Worldwide Express Expedited is a UPS shipping option that provides reliable shipping for non-urgent international shipments.
For Exported Packages (assuming origin is within the U.S.):
- Delivery in 2 business days to Canada
- Delivery in 2-3 business days to Mexico
- Delivery in 3-4 business days to Europe
- Delivery in 4-5 days to Asia and Latin America
For Imported Packages (assuming the destination is within the U.S.):
- Delivery in 2 business days from Canada
- Delivery in 2-3 business days from Mexico
- Delivery within 4-5 business days from Europe, Asia, and Latin America
UPS Worldwide Express supports over 220 countries and territories as destinations and over 70 countries as origins.
What is UPS Next Day Air?
UPS Next Day Air provides next business day delivery to most of the U.S.
All Next Day Air packages are delivered anywhere between 10:30 A.M. to End of Day. Time of delivery is determined by distance between origin and destination.
UPS Next Day Air is available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with some limitations in Hawaii and Alaska.
What is UPS Next Day Air Saver?
UPS Next Day Air Saver is the cheapest UPS shipping option for a shipping label/package needing delivery the next business day. While this service is a fast overnight mail service with UPS, Next Day Air is also affordably priced. The time of delivery is determined by the type of address as well as the destination:
Commercial Addresses
Next business day delivery between 3:00 - 4:30 P.M.
Residential Addresses
Next business day delivery by the end of the day.
Destinations
Available to the Continental 48 states, limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii. If the destination is already one that UPS Next Day Air has committed to an end-of-day delivery time towards, UPS shipping of Next Day Air Saver is unavailable.
In other words, if you generated a UPS Next Day Air shipping label and it’s already promised an end-of-day delivery to a destination, it’s the only next business day UPS shipping option you can purchase.
Origins
Available in all 50 states with limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii.
Does UPS Next Day Air Saver deliver on Saturday?
No. Regretfully, UPS Next Day Air Saver isn't part of the UPS' Saturday delivery service offering.
EasyPost does support the ability to pass the shipment option saturday_delivery: “true” upon shipment creation. There will be a potential surcharge included in the rate from UPS when saturday_delivery is passed with the request, and UPS will only return service levels supported for Saturday delivery.
See more about the saturday_delivery option in our documentation.
The UPS API is a live rating service and will return the rates applicable to the shipment details and destination that is included in the request. According to the UPS website, the Saturday Delivery service is available for US domestic shipping labels for these service levels:
- UPS Next Day Air Early
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS Ground
- UPS 3 Day Select
What is UPS Next Day Air AM?
If you are looking to print an overnight UPS shipping label from your home or office, UPS Next Day Air Early A.M. is one of the fastest overnight mail options available. This UPS shipping service guarantees next business day, early morning delivery for urgent shipments. If the shipment needs to arrive early-to-mid-morning, considering selecting Next Day Air Early A.M. for your shipping label.
- Delivery Time: Once you create your shipping label and send out your UPS package, Delivery by the next business day at 8 A.M. to all major cities in the Continental 48 states. Delivery by 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. to most other U.S. cities, including Anchorage, Alaska. Delivery by 10 A.M. to remote U.S. cities.
- Destinations/Origins: The Continental 48 States, plus Anchorage, Alaska, and Oahu, Hawaii.
Reasons you’d want to use our API to create shipping labels for the UPS Next Day Air Early A.M. service:
- If you have urgent packages and need the fastest overnight mail option, UPS Next Day Air Early A.M. is a great option to create shipping labels quickly and ensure timely delivery.
- You want to easily compare shipping rates between UPS and other carriers.
- You want to create a UPS shipping label from home.
Additionally, you can request a Verbal Confirmation of Delivery for your UPS Next Day Air Early AM shipments. After completing the delivery in question, the UPS agent will call you for confirmation. UPS will use the preferred contact information included on the package.
There is a $3.00 surcharge to attach Verbal Confirmation to your Next Day Air Early AM packages. Also, Verbal Confirmation is NOT available to packages being delivered to Hawaii addresses.
What is UPS 2nd Day Air?
UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery for your shipments within 2 business days.
- Delivery Time: Within 2 Business days. Transit to Alaska and Hawaii may require additional time.
- Destinations/Origins: The Continental 48 States and Puerto Rico with limited access in Alaska and Hawaii.
What is UPS 2nd Day Air AM?
UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. is a 48-hour delivery option that guarantees delivery for your shipments within 2 business days. This UPS shipping service is available for packages that don’t need overnight delivery as a shipping option.
UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. is available within two business days to and from the Continental 48 States and Puerto Rico with limited access in Alaska and Hawaii. Transit to Alaska and Hawaii may require additional transit time.
Additional Details for UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.
- Visit UPS or call 1-800-PICK-UPS® for UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. guarantee details, service availability and delivery time commitments
- A Heavy Package sticker is required for any package weighing more than 70 pounds for this service
- Dimensional weight may apply
- UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. is best suited for domestic UPS shipping that does not require an overnight delivery
What is UPS 3-Day Select?
UPS 3 Day Select is an economical option for less time-sensitive UPS shipments. The 3 Day Select shipment option guarantees that your domestic UPS shipments are delivered within 3 business days. If the UPS package is not delivered by the guaranteed delivery date, the postage fees paid for the shipment are eligible for a refund from the carrier. The service area for UPS 3 Day Select includes the contiguous 48 United States.
UPS Saturday Pickup
With EasyPost, you can use options with UPS to schedule a UPS Saturday pickup. UPS offers the option to pick up your packages on Saturday for a fee. According to the UPS shipping website, the Saturday Pickup service is available for US domestic shipping labels for these service levels:
- UPS Next Day Air Early
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS Next Day Saver
- UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS Ground
The UPS API is a live rating service and will return the UPS rates and quotes applicable to the shipment details and destination that is included in the request. The normal UPS shipping surcharge is $16.00 per package for all air services. UPS Ground packages are charged $3.00 per package when requesting Saturday Pickup for their shipping label. More rate information can be found here.
Learn more about setting up UPS pickups option in our API documentation.
UPS Saturday Delivery
UPS Saturday Delivery is an available option for some of the UPS shipping service levels. UPS Saturday Delivery is available to shipments to select domestic areas in the US. It is also offered in other metropolitan regions for UPS Worldwide Express shipments to:
- United States
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
The service levels that accept UPS Saturday Delivery are:
- UPS Next Day Air Early
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS Ground
- UPS 3 Day Select
To obtain UPS Saturday Delivery rates, you will need to set the Shipment options saturday_delivery boolean to true like this:
options: {
saturday_delivery: true,
}
As noted above, the normal surcharge is $16.00 per package for air service. When requesting Saturday Delivery for Worldwide Express Freight packages, the price is $200.00 per shipment.