Does UPS Deliver On Sunday?

When you’re expecting an important package or running an eCommerce business, knowing the delivery schedule of major carriers like UPS is crucial.

While traditionally known for weekday deliveries, UPS has expanded its services in recent years to meet growing demand. But what about Sundays? Does UPS deliver on Sunday, and if so, under what conditions?

In this guide, we’ll break down UPS’s Sunday delivery options, availability, and what you need to know to ensure your package arrives on time—even at the end of the week.

Does UPS Deliver On Sundays?

Yes, UPS does deliver on Sundays, but with some important limitations.

UPS has expanded its weekend delivery options to meet growing eCommerce demand, but Sunday delivery is not as widely available as weekday or even Saturday delivery. Here’s what you need to know:

UPS offers Sunday delivery primarily through its partnership with the USPS via the UPS SurePost service.

SurePost is a hybrid service where UPS handles most of the delivery journey, and the U.S. Postal Service delivers the package to your door—including on Sundays in some areas.

Additionally, Sunday delivery may be available for urgent or high-volume shipments, but it’s not a standard option for most UPS services.

UPS Services That Offer Delivery On Sundays?

1. UPS Express Critical:

This is UPS’s premium, on-demand service for time-sensitive shipments, available 24/7/365, including Sundays and holidays.

It offers customized options like door-to-door air, ground, or hand-carry delivery, but it comes at a high cost.

It’s ideal for urgent needs, such as medical supplies or critical business documents.

2. UPS SurePost (in partnership with USPS):

UPS handles the initial transport, then hands off to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for final delivery.

Since USPS delivers on Sundays in select areas (e.g., via Informed Delivery or Amazon partnerships),

SurePost packages may arrive on Sunday depending on the destination ZIP code and USPS capabilities.

This is a cost-effective ground option but not guaranteed for Sundays everywhere.

3. Amazon Sunday Delivery:

Through UPS’s collaboration with Amazon, Prime members in eligible areas can receive Sunday deliveries for Amazon orders. This leverages UPS’s network but is managed via Amazon’s system, not direct UPS shipping.

What Are The UPS Delivery Options?

UPS offers a range of delivery options tailored to different needs, including domestic and international shipping.

Below is an overview of the primary UPS delivery services, including their typical delivery schedules and key features.

Note that Sunday delivery is limited and depends on specific services or partnerships.

UPS Domestic Delivery Options

1. UPS Ground

• Delivery Time: 1–5 business days, depending on distance.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday; Saturday delivery available for an additional fee (e.g., $4 for commercial ground shipments).
• Details: Cost-effective for non-urgent shipments. Suitable for businesses and individuals. No guaranteed delivery date unless specified.

2. UPS 3 Day Select

• Delivery Time: Within 3 business days.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Details: Faster than ground, ideal for less time-sensitive shipments.

3. UPS 2nd Day Air

• Delivery Time: By end of the second business day.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday; Saturday delivery available for an extra fee.
• Details: Guaranteed delivery for time-sensitive packages, with morning delivery options (e.g., 2nd Day Air A.M.).

4. UPS Next Day Air

• Delivery Time: By next business day (morning or end of day options).
• Schedule: Monday–Friday; Saturday delivery available for an extra fee.
• Details: Fastest option for urgent shipments, with variants like Next Day Air Early (by 8:00–9:30 AM) or Next Day Air Saver (by end of day).

4. UPS SurePost

• Delivery Time: 2–7 business days.
• Schedule: Monday–Saturday; Sunday delivery possible in select areas via USPS partnership.
• Details: Economical for lightweight, non-urgent packages. UPS handles transport, and USPS completes final delivery. Sunday delivery depends on USPS capabilities in the destination ZIP code.

5. UPS Express Critical

• Delivery Time: Same-day or time-critical delivery, customized to needs.
• Schedule: Available 24/7/365, including Sundays and holidays.
• Details: Premium, on-demand service for urgent shipments (e.g., medical supplies, critical parts). Options include air, ground, or hand-carry. Expensive and requires a quote.

UPS International Delivery Options

1. UPS Worldwide Express Plus

• Delivery Time: 1–3 business days, by 9:00 AM or earlier.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Details: Fastest international option for time-sensitive shipments to major global markets.

2. UPS Worldwide Express

• Delivery Time: 1–3 business days, by 10:30 AM or noon.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Details: Guaranteed delivery for urgent international shipments.

3. UPS Worldwide Express Saver

• Delivery Time: 1–3 business days, by end of day.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Details: Cost-effective for less urgent international shipments.

4. UPS Worldwide Expedited

• Delivery Time: 2–5 business days.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Details: Reliable for non-urgent international ground shipping.

3. UPS Standard

• Delivery Time: Varies by destination (typically longer than express options).
• Schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Details: Economical for international ground shipping to Canada, Mexico, or Europe.

How To Ensure Your UPS Sunday Delivery Arrives On Time?

1. Choose a Sunday-Eligible Service

• UPS Express Critical: This premium, 24/7/365 service guarantees delivery on Sundays for urgent shipments (e.g., medical supplies, critical documents). It offers customized options like same-day air, ground, or hand-carry. Contact 1-800-714-8779 for a quote and to confirm Sunday delivery.
• Roadie (a UPS Company): Ideal for same-day local delivery, available 24/7 across all 50 U.S. states. It supports packages of any size and is accessible via Roadie.com. Create a free business account for instant quotes and scheduling to ensure Sunday delivery.
• UPS SurePost: This economical option partners with USPS for final-mile delivery. In select U.S. areas where USPS operates on Sundays, SurePost packages may arrive on Sunday, though it’s not guaranteed. Check USPS Sunday delivery availability for your ZIP code at USPS.com.

2. Confirm Availability and Schedule

• Use the UPS Time and Cost Calculator to verify Sunday delivery is available for your origin and destination. Input your shipping details to get accurate transit times and service options.
• Check if your destination supports Sunday delivery, as it’s limited to specific ZIP codes, often urban areas with high demand. For SurePost, confirm USPS Sunday operations in your area.
• Ship early in the week (e.g., Wednesday or Thursday) to align with a potential Sunday arrival, as UPS facilities are closed on Sundays, and no regular pickups occur.

3. Track and Manage Delivery

• Track your package in real time using your tracking number at UPS.com/track or the UPS mobile app. Sunday delivery windows are typically 10 AM–6 PM, sometimes extending to 8 PM.
• Enroll in UPS My Choice (free) for delivery alerts via email, text, or app. This lets you monitor progress, reschedule, or redirect to a UPS Access Point® (e.g., local stores or lockers) if delays are possible.
• For Roadie, use the tracking dashboard or enter the 16-digit tracking number at track.roadie.com for live updates.

4. Mitigate Delays

• Ensure accurate delivery details (address, contact info) when shipping. Provide specific instructions via UPS My Choice to avoid missed deliveries.
• Be available or arrange for someone to receive the package, as UPS may require a signature for high-value items. Alternatively, redirect to an Access Point with weekend hours.
• Monitor for delays due to weather, high volume, or holidays via UPS service alerts on their website. If issues arise, contact UPS at 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) or use their 24/7 chat support. For Express Critical or Roadie, use their dedicated support lines for immediate assistance.

Conclusion: Can You Count On UPS For Sunday Delivery?

While UPS does not offer widespread Sunday delivery like some competitors, it does deliver on Sundays under specific conditions—mainly through UPS SurePost (with USPS) or the premium UPS Express Critical service.

If Sunday delivery is essential, your best strategy is to choose the right service, confirm eligibility in your area, and track your shipment closely. With the right planning, UPS can deliver even on the weekend—just not by default.

For the most reliable results, always verify with UPS or your retailer before placing your order.