If you’ve ever waited eagerly for a weekend package, you’ve probably wondered: does UPS deliver on Sundays? The short answer is—yes, in some cases. But the details depend on where you live, the type of service you choose, and whether you’re shipping a personal parcel or a business order.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about UPS Sunday delivery—including service options, delivery hours, costs, exceptions, and insider tips to ensure your package reaches its destination without delay.
Understanding UPS Delivery Operations
Before diving into Sunday-specific details, it helps to understand how UPS (United Parcel Service) manages its delivery network.
UPS operates one of the largest logistics infrastructures in the world. It handles over 24 million packages daily across 220+ countries. Traditionally, UPS only delivered from Monday to Saturday, leaving Sundays as a rest and maintenance day.
However, eCommerce growth—especially from Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify retailers—forced UPS to adapt. In 2020, the company officially expanded delivery to Sundays in many major U.S. markets.
Does UPS Deliver on Sundays Nationwide?
Not exactly. UPS Sunday delivery isn’t universal. It primarily covers residential addresses in large urban and suburban areas across the United States.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Area Type | Sunday Delivery Availability | Example Cities |
| Major Urban Centers | ✔ Available | New York, Los Angeles, Chicago |
| Suburban Regions | ✔ Limited | Dallas suburbs, Atlanta metro |
| Rural Areas | ❌ Rare | Small towns, remote locations |
| International | ❌ Not Available | Outside U.S. (except special contracts) |
UPS currently partners with UPS SurePost (a hybrid service with USPS) to cover some weekend deliveries, ensuring Sunday options reach more zip codes than ever before.
Which UPS Services Deliver on Sundays?
While not every UPS service offers Sunday delivery, a few key ones do. Let’s break them down:
1. UPS SurePost
- Partnered with USPS for last-mile delivery
- Ideal for lightweight residential packages
- USPS completes final delivery, including Sundays
- Often used by eCommerce retailers like Amazon and eBay
2. UPS Ground Residential
- Sunday delivery available in select metro areas
- Ships directly via UPS trucks (no USPS handoff)
- Suitable for heavier parcels up to 150 lbs
- Delivery typically between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
3. UPS Express Critical
- Premium, time-sensitive shipping for urgent items
- Available 365 days a year, including Sundays and holidays
- Designed for medical, manufacturing, and tech industries
| Service Type | Sunday Availability | Delivery Time Frame | Ideal For |
| UPS SurePost | Yes (via USPS) | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Small residential packages |
| UPS Ground Residential | Limited Areas | 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Heavy or larger items |
| UPS Express Critical | Nationwide | 24/7 | Urgent business deliveries |
What Time Does UPS Deliver on Sundays?
For areas that support Sunday delivery, UPS usually operates between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
However, the exact time depends on:
- Your delivery address and zip code
- Weather or route delays
- Volume of packages in your region
UPS provides real-time tracking updates through the UPS My Choice app or website, so you can see when your driver is nearby.
Does UPS Deliver to Businesses on Sundays?
Mostly no. Sunday delivery is reserved for residential addresses. Business deliveries remain limited to Monday through Saturday, except for those using UPS Express Critical, which operates every day.
If you’re a business owner who needs Sunday deliveries, consider:
- UPS Express Critical for urgent shipments
- Partnering with UPS Access Point locations to receive parcels over the weekend
Does UPS Pick Up Packages on Sundays?
Standard UPS pickups aren’t available on Sundays.
But you can still drop off packages at:
- UPS Drop Boxes
- UPS Access Point partners (like CVS or Michaels)
- UPS Customer Centers (in select cities)
For emergencies, Express Critical Pickup operates 24/7. You’ll pay a premium, but your shipment moves instantly.
How to Schedule a UPS Sunday Delivery
Here’s how to ensure your package arrives on a Sunday:
- Check ZIP Code Eligibility: Visit the UPS Service Map and enter your location.
- Choose the Right Service: Pick UPS Ground Residential or SurePost if available.
- Ship Before Cut-Off Time: Most drop-off deadlines are Friday evening.
- Enable Tracking: Use UPS My Choice for delivery notifications.
- Add Delivery Instructions: If you’re not home, request a safe place or neighbor delivery.
UPS Sunday Delivery Costs
UPS doesn’t charge a specific “Sunday fee” for residential deliveries. However, pricing depends on the service type, package weight, and delivery speed.
| Service | Estimated Cost Range (Domestic) | Delivery Time |
| UPS SurePost | $8 – $20 | 2–7 days |
| UPS Ground Residential | $10 – $30 | 1–5 days |
| UPS Express Critical | $100+ | Same day |
Pro Tip: If you ship often, sign up for a UPS account to access bulk and loyalty discounts.
Does UPS Deliver Amazon Packages on Sundays?
Yes, UPS sometimes delivers Amazon orders on Sundays—especially if they’re sent via UPS SurePost.
However, Amazon also uses its own drivers and USPS, so not every Sunday delivery comes from UPS.
For Amazon Prime members, this means faster delivery options—even over the weekend.
Holiday Season and UPS Sunday Deliveries
During peak periods like Christmas or Black Friday, UPS temporarily expands its weekend operations to handle demand.
Expect more Sunday routes from mid-November through early January, especially for online retailers.
During these months, UPS drivers often deliver until 10 p.m., ensuring packages arrive before major holidays.
Real-World Example: Sunday Delivery in Action
Imagine you live in Houston, Texas, and order a laptop on Friday morning with UPS Ground Residential.
- The seller ships it the same day.
- UPS sorts and dispatches it on Saturday night.
- Your package arrives on Sunday afternoon at your doorstep.
That’s the power of weekend logistics—speed and convenience tailored for modern consumers.
Pros and Cons of UPS Sunday Delivery
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster residential deliveries | Limited coverage areas |
| Ideal for eCommerce and gifts | Higher cost for urgent services |
| Works with USPS for reach | Business addresses excluded |
| Real-time tracking | Not available internationally |
Alternatives to UPS Sunday Delivery
If your area doesn’t have UPS weekend delivery, consider these alternatives:
- FedEx Home Delivery – Offers Sunday deliveries to most residential areas.
- USPS Priority Mail Express – Delivers 365 days a year, including holidays.
- Amazon Logistics – Available for Prime members with weekend delivery options.
| Carrier | Sunday Delivery | Average Delivery Time |
| UPS | Yes (limited) | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| FedEx | Yes (nationwide residential) | 8 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| USPS | Yes (via Priority Mail Express) | 1–2 days |
| Amazon | Yes (Prime exclusive) | Same or next day |
Tips for Faster Weekend Deliveries
If you often need packages on weekends, try these hacks:
- Ship early in the week to avoid bottlenecks
- Use UPS Access Points for flexible pickups
- Upgrade to Express services during busy seasons
- Avoid remote zip codes if possible
- Track your shipment proactively using the UPS app
The Future of UPS Sunday Deliveries
UPS continues to expand weekend services, focusing on automation, AI route optimization, and electric delivery fleets.
The company aims to make Sunday delivery standard by 2026 across all major metro areas in the U.S.
As eCommerce keeps booming, you can expect even faster, greener, and more predictable weekend deliveries.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose UPS for Sunday Delivery?
If you live in a large U.S. city and want reliable weekend delivery, UPS is a smart choice. It’s especially useful for residential shipments, online purchases, and urgent deliveries that can’t wait until Monday.
However, always verify your ZIP code’s eligibility and service options before shipping. For urgent or high-value packages, consider UPS Express Critical or FedEx alternatives to guarantee delivery.
Ultimately, Sunday deliveries from UPS symbolize how modern logistics are evolving to match your lifestyle—fast, flexible, and available when you need them most.
Sources:
- UPS Official Service Guide
- USPS Sunday Delivery Information
- FedEx Home Delivery Options
In short: UPS does deliver on Sundays—but only in select areas and under specific service types. As the demand for weekend delivery continues to rise, expect broader coverage and faster service options from this shipping giant.
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