Need to ship a package without waiting for a pickup? UPS runs more than 51,000 drop-off points across the United States, so one is almost always within a short drive. This guide explains every type of UPS drop-off location, how to find the closest one, and what to do before you walk in.
Types of UPS Drop-Off Locations
UPS gives you four main ways to hand off a package. Each option fits a different need.
1. The UPS Store
There are over 5,300 UPS Stores nationwide. Staff can print labels, weigh and pack your item, sell boxes and supplies, and notarize documents. Best choice if your package is not yet labeled or boxed.
2. UPS Access Point
A UPS Access Point is a local retailer that accepts pre-labeled UPS packages on UPS’s behalf. Partners include CVS, Michaels, Advance Auto Parts, and many independent grocery stores and gas stations. They also hold inbound deliveries for up to seven calendar days, which is useful if you cannot receive packages at home.
Your package must already have a printed shipping label and be sealed. Access Points cap individual packages at 20 kg (about 44 lb) and will not take hazardous materials, oversized items, or anything needing special handling.
3. UPS Customer Center
UPS Customer Centers are operated by UPS itself, usually attached to a sorting hub. They accept the widest range of shipments — including hazmat-certified packages, oversized items, and palletized freight — and are the place to pick up parcels held for missed signatures. Hours are limited, so check before you drive over.
4. UPS Drop Box
Drop Boxes are unstaffed metal containers in lobbies, shopping centers, and on street corners. They take pre-labeled letters and small parcels 24/7, with no weight limit on the box itself but a practical limit set by the slot size. Last pickup time is printed on the front; anything dropped after that ships the next business day.
How to Find the Nearest UPS Drop-Off
The official locator is the fastest way:
- Go to ups.com/dropoff in any browser, or open locations.ups.com.
- Enter a ZIP code, city, or full street address.
- Filter by location type — The UPS Store, Access Point, Customer Center, or Drop Box.
- Check the cut-off time and accepted services for each result before you head out.
You can also track an inbound package through the same page using your tracking number or InfoNotice number.
What to Bring Before You Drop Off
Most drop-off locations move faster than a pickup window if you arrive prepared.
- A printed shipping label. Most Access Points and Drop Boxes will not accept handwritten or unlabeled packages. The UPS Store can create one for a fee.
- A sealed, sturdy box. Tape every seam. Loose flaps get rejected.
- Photo ID if the shipment is high-value, international, or being returned for a refund.
- Your tracking number saved on your phone, in case the receipt printer is down.
- Receipt or QR code for paperless returns from Amazon, Apple, or other retailers.
Drop-Off vs. Scheduled Pickup
Drop-off costs nothing extra and you control the timing. Scheduled pickup adds a fee — currently a few dollars for an on-call collection — but the driver comes to your door. Pick drop-off when the package is small, you have a label printed, and a location is on your way. Pick scheduled pickup when you have multiple boxes, heavy freight, or no time to leave the house.
Typical Hours
The UPS Store: roughly 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, shorter on weekends. Access Points (CVS, Staples, grocery): often open later in the evening and on Sundays. Customer Centers: weekday business hours, narrower windows on Saturdays. Drop Boxes: 24/7, but only collected once or twice a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to drop off a UPS package?
No. If your package already has a paid label, every UPS drop-off location accepts it free of charge.
Can I drop off a UPS return without a printed label?
Yes, but only at locations that scan QR codes — typically The UPS Store and select Access Points. Check the locator’s “Print in Store” filter.
What is the maximum size and weight at an Access Point?
20 kg (44 lb) per package, with a longest side limit of about 38 inches. Heavier or longer items must go to The UPS Store or a Customer Center.
Will my package ship the same day?
Only if you drop it off before the location’s cut-off time, which is shown on the locator page. Packages left after cut-off ship the next business day.
Can I drop off USPS or FedEx packages at UPS?
No. UPS locations only accept UPS-labeled shipments.