How Late Does UPS Deliver? Delivery Times Explained

How Late Does UPS Deliver?

If you ship orders with UPS, knowing delivery cut-off times is critical for setting customer expectations and planning fulfillment schedules. Whether you’re shipping e-commerce orders, B2B freight, or oversized items, UPS delivery windows vary based on the service level you choose. Understanding how late UPS delivers helps ensure your products arrive when promised.

Quick Answer: Typical UPS Delivery Cut-Offs

Residential deliveries: As late as 8:00 p.m. (sometimes later during peak season)


Business deliveries: Usually by 5:00 p.m. local time


Ground & Air Services: Most residential services deliver 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.


Weekend delivery: Available for many UPS Ground and SurePost shipments

UPS Delivery Times by Service in 2025

UPS Ground

UPS Ground typically delivers packages between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to residential addresses Monday through Saturday. Business deliveries usually occur during normal business hours, typically ending by 5:00 p.m.

UPS 3 Day Select

For destinations within the U.S., UPS 3 Day Select delivers by the end of the third business day. Residential addresses may receive deliveries as late as 8:00 p.m.

UPS 2nd Day Air

Packages shipped via UPS 2nd Day Air are delivered by the end of the second business day, often by 5:00 p.m. for businesses and 8:00 p.m. for residences.

UPS Next Day Air Saver

UPS Next Day Air Saver delivers by the end of the next business day, with business addresses receiving packages by 3:00 p.m. and residential addresses by 8:00 p.m.

UPS Next Day Air

UPS Next Day Air guarantees delivery by 10:30 a.m. for most U.S. addresses, with later deliveries in remote areas.

UPS Express Critical

UPS Express Critical is available 24/7 for urgent shipments. Delivery times vary based on distance and mode of transportation, and can include same-day or next-flight-out options.

Weekend Deliveries

UPS delivers to residential addresses on Saturdays for most services, and in many urban areas, Sunday delivery is available through UPS SurePost and select UPS Ground shipments. This can be a competitive advantage for e-commerce brands aiming to meet fast delivery demands.

Additional Factors That May Delay UPS Deliveries

Severe weather conditions


Incorrect or incomplete billing or shipping addresses


Customs clearance for international shipments (UPS Worldwide services may have longer delivery times depending on customs processing)


High seasonal shipping volumes and holiday closures. UPS does not deliver on major holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and cut-off dates apply for holiday shipping. For a full list of deadlines and non-delivery days, see our guide to UPS holiday shipping deadlines.

How 3PL Center Helps You Meet UPS Delivery Windows

At 3PL Center, we make sure your orders leave the warehouse in time to meet the promised UPS delivery window. Our services include:

Nationwide warehouses for faster zone-based delivery


Advanced WMS with rate shopping to choose the best UPS service for each order


Address verification to prevent delays from incorrect information


Reduced surcharges and discounted rates on oversized UPS shipments through our carrier partnerships (see our oversized shipping services)

Making UPS Delivery Times Work for Your Business

Knowing how late UPS delivers for each service level is key to setting accurate customer expectations and avoiding missed deadlines. By partnering with a fulfillment provider like 3PL Center, you can ensure your UPS shipments are processed and shipped on time, every time.

Ready to keep your UPS shipments on schedule? Get a quote from 3PL Center today and take advantage of our discounted carrier rates, nationwide warehouses, and advanced WMS features to improve your delivery performance.