Is UPS Drop Off Open on Sunday? Yes, But with Limits

Yes, UPS drop off is open on Sunday — but only at certain locations. If you're asking is UPS drop off open on Sunday, the answer depends on where you're going. Most standard UPS Customer Centers are closed on Sundays, but many UPS Access Points and The UPS Store locations offer Sunday drop-off services with limited hours. This makes it possible for customers to send time-sensitive packages over the weekend without waiting until Monday. However, not all drop-off points operate on Sundays, and service availability varies by location, ownership type, and local regulations. Always verify your nearest site’s hours before heading out.

Quick Overview: Is UPS Open for Package Drop-Off on Sundays?

The short answer is yes — but not everywhere. While traditional UPS-operated Customer Centers typically follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule and remain closed on weekends, alternative drop-off options such as The UPS Store (many of which are independently owned) and authorized UPS Access Points (often located inside pharmacies, grocery stores, or convenience stores) frequently offer Sunday access.

These locations may have reduced Sunday hours compared to weekdays, usually operating between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., though this can vary significantly depending on the city, store type, and day of the year. Therefore, while UPS does provide Sunday drop-off capabilities in many areas, relying solely on a general rule could lead to disappointment if you don’t confirm specifics ahead of time.

Typical Weekend and Holiday Policies for UPS Drop-Off Locations

Standard Operating Hours Across Location Types

Understanding how different types of UPS-affiliated locations operate is key to knowing whether UPS drop off is open on Sunday. There are three main categories:

UPS Customer Centers: These are corporate-run facilities primarily designed for business shipping needs. They generally operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no weekend service. Most are closed on Sundays.
The UPS Store: Over 5,000 locations nationwide, many independently franchised. These stores often stay open later and on weekends, including Sundays. Around 60% of The UPS Store locations report offering Sunday service, though hours vary.
UPS Access Points: Partner retail locations (e.g., CVS, Albertsons, Kroger) that accept UPS packages. Many of these are open seven days a week, making them ideal for Sunday drop-offs.

Because franchise ownership plays a major role, there's no universal Sunday policy across all locations. A The UPS Store in downtown Chicago might be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays, while one in a rural town may be closed entirely.

Impact of Local Laws and Retail Partnerships

Local zoning laws and labor regulations can also affect weekend operations. Some states restrict commercial activity on Sundays (known as "blue laws"), particularly in parts of Texas, New Jersey, and Indiana. Additionally, since many UPS Access Points operate within third-party retailers, their availability aligns with the host store’s schedule. For example, if the CVS pharmacy closes at 8 p.m., the UPS section will close then too.

This decentralized model allows flexibility but requires individual verification. Never assume a location is open based on national branding alone.

Holiday and Weekend-Specific Factors Affecting Sunday Availability

Regular Sundays vs. Holiday Weekends

While regular Sundays often see partial service at select sites, holiday weekends introduce additional complexity. Major holidays like Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day almost always result in full closures, even at normally open locations.

However, the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) and the Sunday before Christmas tend to see increased demand, prompting extended or special Sunday hours at many The UPS Store and Access Point locations. In contrast, the Sunday immediately following Christmas (December 26) may have reduced staffing or early closures due to holiday fatigue and lower volume.

Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th weekends also influence availability. On the Sunday of a long holiday weekend, some locations extend hours to accommodate last-minute shippers, especially near airports or tourist zones.

Special Considerations for Post-Holiday Returns

January brings a surge in return shipments. The Sunday after New Year’s Day often sees high foot traffic at UPS drop-off points. Many Access Points and The UPS Store franchises respond by staying open, sometimes adding extra staff. However, this isn’t guaranteed — it depends on regional demand forecasts and staffing levels.

If you’re returning gifts purchased online during the holiday season, don’t wait until the last minute. Use tools like the UPS website to find participating Sunday-accessible locations early in the week.

How to Plan Your Sunday UPS Drop-Off Successfully

Best Practices for Confirming Service Availability

To ensure your package gets picked up when you need it, follow these practical planning tips:

Use the Official UPS Locator Tool: Visit ups.com and use the “Find Locations” feature. Filter by “Sunday Service” to see only those sites open on weekends.
Call Ahead: Even if a location shows Sunday hours online, call directly to confirm. Staff changes or weather events can cause unexpected closures.
Check Host Store Hours (for Access Points): If dropping off at a CVS or Walgreens-hosted Access Point, verify the host store’s Sunday operating times first.
Prepare Your Shipment in Advance: Print labels and pack securely before leaving home. This reduces wait time and ensures smooth processing.
Avoid Peak Times: Sundays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. tend to be busiest, especially before holidays. Arrive early or late to avoid lines.

What to Do If No Sunday Drop-Off Is Available

If no nearby location accepts packages on Sunday, consider these alternatives:

Schedule a Pickup: Use UPS My Choice to request a Monday morning pickup at your home or office.
Use a UPS Drop Box: Some secure outdoor drop boxes accept packages 24/7, provided they fit and are properly labeled.
Ship via USPS: The U.S. Postal Service offers Sunday delivery and accepts Priority Mail Express items at post offices and approved collection boxes.
Hold for Pickup: If sending a gift, choose “Hold for Pickup” so the recipient collects it during weekday hours.

Location Type	Sunday Open?	Typical Sunday Hours	Best For
UPS Customer Center	No	Closed	Business shipping, heavy freight
The UPS Store (Franchise)	Yes (60% of locations)	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Packing services, retail customers
UPS Access Point (e.g., CVS)	Yes (varies by host)	Varies with host store	Convenience, evening/weekend drops
UPS Drop Box (Outdoor)	Yes	24/7 access	Pre-labeled small packages

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Confirm Sunday Drop-Off Availability

Go to ups.com/findlocations.
Enter your ZIP code or city/state.
Select “Services” > “Sunday Service” under filters.
Review results showing confirmed Sunday hours.
Click on the preferred location and check detailed hours.
Call the number listed to double-check current status.
Print your label and head out during posted hours.

Remember: UPS policies can change annually, especially around peak seasons. What was true in 2023 may differ slightly in 2024 or 2025. Always rely on real-time data rather than past experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off a UPS package on Sunday at The UPS Store?

Yes, most The UPS Store locations that offer Sunday service will accept package drop-offs, typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, not all franchises are open on Sundays, so check your local store’s hours online or by phone before visiting.

Are UPS Access Points open on Sundays for drop-offs?

Many UPS Access Points — especially those inside CVS, Walgreens, or grocery stores — are open on Sundays. Since they operate within host retailers, their availability matches the store’s hours. Always confirm both the host store and UPS service window before going.

Do UPS Customer Centers accept packages on Sundays?

No, most UPS Customer Centers are closed on Sundays. These corporate-run centers typically operate Monday through Friday only. For weekend service, use The UPS Store or an authorized Access Point instead.

Can I schedule a Sunday pickup with UPS instead of dropping off?

No, scheduled pickups are not available on Sundays. UPS drivers do not perform residential or commercial pickups on Sundays. You must either drop off at a Sunday-open location or schedule a Monday pickup through UPS My Choice.

Is Sunday drop-off available year-round at UPS locations?

Sunday drop-off availability remains relatively consistent, but it can be affected by holidays, staffing, or extreme weather. During major holidays like Christmas or New Year’s Day, even normally open locations may close. Always verify current hours before traveling.