Wondering “Does UPS deliver on Sunday?” you’re not alone.
Many customers and ecommerce stores struggle with weekend shipments, urgent packages, and last-minute orders.
While UPS provides reliable weekday deliveries, its Sunday operations are limited and often misunderstood.
Standard services like UPS Ground delivery doesn’t arrive on Sundays, leaving businesses and shoppers searching for alternatives.
However, certain premium services, such as UPS Express Critical service, guarantee Sunday delivery for high-priority shipments.
Understanding UPS’s weekend policies, tracking methods, and ZIP-based service areas can save time, avoid missed deliveries and more reliable weekend shipments in 2025.
Does UPS Deliver on Sundays? (Quick Answer & Updated Policy for 2025)
The short answer is that UPS offers limited UPS Sunday delivery policy options in the United States.
Standard services like UPS Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS 3-Day Select, and UPS Next Day Air don’t operate on Sundays.
Only the premium UPS Express Critical service guarantees delivery on Sundays because it operates 24/7/365 in every major region.
This option is designed for industrial parts, emergency freight, and high-value items that cannot wait, and it comes with a premium Sunday delivery cost based on distance, weight, urgency, and equipment type.
Despite online rumors, UPS SurePost service no longer automatically relies on USPS for Sunday delivery, although USPS may still provide USPS final-mile delivery on Sundays during peak seasons.
This creates pockets of Sunday availability in certain ZIP codes, but they are not part of UPS’s official Sunday policy.
If you’re trying to answer the question “Will UPS deliver on Sunday?” for a specific shipment, your tracking page is the best source of truth.
Even before movement begins, UPS will show expected delivery windows that reflect whether Sunday is included.
Does UPS Deliver on Weekends? (Saturday vs Sunday Delivery Explained)
UPS absolutely delivers on Saturdays, and UPS Saturday delivery is fully integrated into the UPS delivery schedule for many residential areas.
Most U.S. cities now receive UPS Ground delivery on Saturdays with no additional fee, which helps people who work weekdays receive their packages without hassle.
Business addresses may incur a UPS Saturday delivery fee, especially in regions where staffing is limited.
Saturday availability also extends to UPS 2nd Day Air delivery, UPS Next Day Air delivery, and UPS 3-Day Select, which gives senders a wider range of weekend options.
Sunday is a completely different story. UPS does not treat Sunday as a standard delivery day in its UPS business day schedule, so even express shipments like Next Day Air won’t arrive on Sunday unless they’re upgraded to Express Critical.
This difference often confuses customers who search “Does UPS deliver on weekends?” because most weekend delivery misinformation lumps Saturday and Sunday together.
If you’re planning weekend shipments for an online store delivery planning workflow, remember that Saturday is reliable while Sunday remains the exception.
Where Does UPS Deliver on Sundays? (Eligible Locations & Service Areas)
Sunday coverage is primarily determined by ZIP-based delivery availability, and only two models distribute packages on Sundays: Express Critical and occasional USPS-supported SurePost deliveries.
Express Critical is available in all major U.S. regions including the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, Midwest, Mountain West, and Alaska.
The real limitation isn’t geography but cost, since Express Critical pricing is quote-based and often used only for high-priority shipments.
The more common question people ask is “Can I get UPS Sunday delivery in my area?”, and the answer depends on your location’s access to a nearby air hub, available courier teams, and USPS participation.
Some densely populated metro regions such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta occasionally see Sunday shipping availability when USPS handles the last mile.
These aren’t guaranteed by UPS, so customers should rely on their shipment’s estimated delivery tab rather than assumptions about Sunday delivery locations.
Because UPS no longer uses the SurePost handoff model as widely as before, Sunday delivery pockets are slowly shrinking in 2025.
UPS Weekend Delivery Schedule (Business Days, Holidays & Cutoff Times)
Understanding the UPS weekend delivery schedule starts with UPS’s strict definition of business days.
Monday through Friday count as standard transit days for all Ground and Air shipments.
When you ship with UPS, the delivery estimate never includes Sunday unless the service is Express Critical.
So even UPS delivery times listed at checkout won’t count Sunday as a valid day.
This matters when planning weekend shipments because missing a Friday cutoff could push a package to Monday delivery.
Cutoff times for weekend shipments vary by service and region. Some urban UPS hubs accept Saturday drop-offs until late afternoon, while rural regions close earlier.
Express Critical is the only service not affected by closures.
For ecommerce sellers handling weekend order fulfillment,
Understanding these timelines helps avoid the common issue of UPS delivery delays on weekends caused by late drop-offs.
UPS Store Hours on Saturday and Sunday
Many UPS Stores maintain generous Saturday hours, often from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the exact times vary by state and location.
These extended hours make it easier for people who work all week to ship returns, send packages, or pick up shipments without relying on weekday availability.
Some UPS Stores in larger metro areas even stay open until early evening on Saturdays, giving more flexibility to customers who need last-minute weekend mailing services.
Sunday hours are much more limited. Some locations stay open for a few hours, typically around 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while many remain fully closed.
This difference depends heavily on regional demand and labor availability.
If you’re planning a drop-off on a Sunday, it’s wise to check your local store’s hours instead of assuming uniform schedules across locations.
UPS Access Points, such as partner stores and retail counters, sometimes offer broader hours but usually don’t handle premium Sunday delivery transactions.
UPS Weekend Delivery Services Explained (Ground, SurePost, Express & More)
The backbone of UPS weekend shipping revolves around four main services: Ground, Air, SurePost, and Express Critical.
UPS Ground Saver and Ground are the most common low-cost choices, enabling faster residential movement on Saturdays without extra residential surcharges.
These options are ideal for customers looking for dependable weekend shipping without paying premium fees.
While Ground does not offer official Sunday delivery, its Saturday performance is strong enough for regular weekend shipments.
UPS Air services introduce greater speed. UPS 2nd Day Air delivery, UPS Next Day Air delivery, and 3-Day Select are important for ecommerce brands that need predictable timelines and faster shipping speed for online stores.
However, none of these services move on Sundays.
Only UPS Express Critical service operates on Sundays and major holidays.
It provides same-day, next-flight-out, and ground-exclusive rush shipments for industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
Although expensive, it remains the only official answer when people search “What UPS services deliver on Sunday?” because it’s guaranteed.
How to Know if Your Package Will Arrive on Sunday (Tracking Steps + Tips)
The most reliable way to know whether a package will arrive on Sunday is by checking UPS package tracking.
The tracking portal reveals estimated arrival dates based on service level, ZIP code, and shipment speed.
If your shipment isn’t listed with a Sunday date, it simply won’t arrive then. UPS updates delivery estimates as soon as the shipment enters its network, so you can monitor changes easily with the mobile app or website.
When a package qualifies for Sunday delivery usually through Express Critical or limited USPS handoffs the tracking page displays a specific Sunday arrival window.
Customers who ask “How to ensure a package arrives on Sunday?” should check tracking early, confirm with the sender, and verify that the selected service includes Sunday coverage.
The system won’t hide Sunday deliveries, so if the page reflects Sunday, you can rely on it.
Tracking is especially important for people dealing with tracking UPS packages on weekends, where movement may look slow until the parcel reaches a local hub.
Real-World Scenarios When UPS Sunday Delivery Makes a Difference
Scenario Examples (Emergency Work Orders, Last-Minute Gifts, Ecommerce Rush Orders)
Sunday delivery usually matters when timing is critical.
Emergency shipments for medical facilities, industrial repairs, or machinery failures often rely on Express Critical as an emergency option.
Families shipping a forgotten document or travelers needing a replacement passport also benefit from Sunday delivery.
Even weekend shoppers who need last-minute gift delivery Sunday appreciate when retailers offer faster options that integrate with UPS’s Sunday exceptions.
Weekend Delivery Options for Ecommerce Stores (Best Practices 2025)
Ecommerce brands must understand ecommerce shipping options to stay competitive.
Most online sellers rely on UPS Ground for regular fulfillment because it balances cost, speed, and reliability.
When orders spike during holidays, many brands upgrade to Air services or diversify their carriers to include USPS and FedEx.
Stores on platforms like Shopify and Etsy benefit from offering multiple weekend choices because customers expect fast delivery options for Shopify and Etsy sellers.
A smart strategy involves preparing orders early, printing labels in batches, and aligning cutoffs with UPS’s UPS weekend shipping guidelines.
Adding Saturday delivery upgrades during peak months can dramatically improve ecommerce customer expectations, especially for gift-heavy seasons.
Although UPS doesn’t provide broad Sunday coverage, properly timed Saturday shipments and diversified carrier usage can give stores more weekend flexibility and reduce customer complaints.
UPS Sunday Delivery Alternatives (USPS, FedEx & Others)
If UPS can’t meet your weekend deadline, you still have strong alternatives.
USPS Sunday delivery remains one of the most popular choices, especially through USPS Priority Mail Express Sunday service.
USPS operates seven days a week in many metro areas and provides highly predictable last-mile movement.
Ecommerce sellers often use USPS for lightweight shipments because the pricing is steady and faster than expected for local deliveries.
FedEx offers another solid option. FedEx Sunday delivery is available to most U.S. homes through its Home Delivery network, which operates Tuesday through Sunday without extra fees.
In a carrier weekend delivery comparison, FedEx performs better than UPS on Sundays but worse on Saturdays.
Amazon’s logistics network also provides Sunday coverage for certain shipments through its Amazon Sunday delivery program, though this option applies primarily to Amazon orders rather than general shipping needs.
Choosing the right carrier depends on package size, urgency, and cost tolerance.
Tips for Customers and Businesses Handling Sunday Delivery Gaps
Customers who need fast weekend shipping should always plan ahead. Ordering or shipping early helps avoid delays caused by tight cutoffs or limited weekend service.
When possible, use tracking to monitor movement and confirm whether a package is on schedule for weekend delivery.
Businesses can reduce weekend bottlenecks by preparing inventory early, pre-packing common orders, and working with multiple carriers to offer Sunday-capable options when UPS isn’t available.
Businesses handling large volumes benefit from workflow optimization, including clear website messaging about weekend service limitations.
Sellers should highlight expected transit times, note when Sunday isn’t available, and offer USPS or FedEx alternatives at checkout.
This transparency reduces unexpected customer frustrations and allows for smooth coordination during peak shopping seasons, especially when holiday traffic strains every shipping network.
Final Thoughts: Will UPS Deliver on Sundays in 2025?
So “Does UPS deliver on Sundays?” in 2025? Only through Express Critical and limited USPS-supported exceptions.
UPS continues to focus on reliable weekday performance and strong Saturday coverage but hasn’t expanded into mainstream Sunday operations.
While it’s possible UPS may broaden Sunday availability in the future, the current UPS Sunday delivery exceptions remain consistent with previous years.
For most customers, Saturday delivery offers enough flexibility, and USPS or FedEx fill the remaining weekend gap.
Whether you’re managing personal shipping needs or running a busy ecommerce shop, planning ahead, checking ZIP-code eligibility, and understanding the limits of UPS’s Sunday schedule will help you make smarter shipping choices.
By combining UPS with other carriers, you can cover the full weekend without compromising speed, reliability, or customer satisfaction.
FAQs
Will UPS deliver my package on Sunday?
Yes, but only with specific services like UPS Express Critical; standard deliveries don’t usually arrive on Sundays.
Do UPS work on a Sunday?
Regular UPS operations don’t run on Sundays, except for premium or urgent services.
Do packages still get delivered on Sundays?
Only certain shipments through UPS Express Critical or USPS final-mile partnerships may arrive on Sundays.
Does UPS count Saturday and Sunday as business days?
No, UPS considers Monday through Friday as standard business days.
Saturday delivery may be available for some services, but Sunday is not.
How late do UPS drivers deliver?
Delivery times vary, but standard packages usually arrive by 7 p.m., while premium services may extend later.