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Does UPS Ship to PO Boxes? (Full Guide)

does ups ship to po boxes

Are you searching for a convenient way to receive parcels and other mail? 

Renting a post office box is a good option if you operate a small business from your home. This is the perfect way of making sure your business-related mail stays separate from your personal mail. It is also an excellent option if you live in a shared space and need to keep your mail safe. However, you need to make sure that different mail service providers will take your mail to your post office box. 

So, let’s find out, ‘does UPS ship to PO boxes?’

The UPS Policy 

Post office boxes are federal property that is owned by the United States Postal Service. This means that only the United States Postal Service mail carriers can access this box. As a result, UPS does not usually ship packages to PO boxes

Military mail

Military mail is processed and handled by a dedicated and separately governed postal channel. This means that all types of mail carriers can ship parcels to military bases. The addresses for these boxes are either Army Post Office addresses or APO addresses, or FPO or Fleet Post Office addresses.

If you are a member of the armed forces, you can be sure that your mail will always be delivered to you. Many service members are deployed to different bases on very short notice. However, you can be sure that your mail will be redirected and will still reach you. 

How To Get Around The Issue

Not being able to receive your mail through UPS is sure to be a problem. If a package cannot be delivered, it is likely to be returned to the sender. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to resolve the issue. 

Contact your local post office branch

Contact your local post office branch

The first step is to visit your nearest post office branch and see if they will hold your parcels. This means that a UPS mail carrier can deliver your parcels to the branch. You can then collect all your mail at a convenient time. To secure this service, the postmaster has to sign off on it. Although success is not guaranteed, it is worth enquiring. You will then use the address of the post office branch as your delivery address. 

Use your street address

It is worth considering having your parcels and other mail delivered to your home address. This is a fairly simple option that can save you time and trouble in the long run. If you are concerned about security, it may be worth installing a Ring camera. You can also schedule deliveries for a time when you are sure to be home. 

Use an alternative address

If you regularly receive UPS packages, it is best to provide a different delivery address. This could be your work address or the address of a close friend or family member. Make sure you get permission if you plan to use someone else’s address.  

Include your phone number

It is important to include your phone number on every order you place. This is particularly important if you are using a PO box. If there is an issue with the delivery, the mail carrier can call you and arrange an alternative option. You can give the mail carrier permission to deliver to your post office box, which should resolve the situation. 

Choose a Post Office Box alternative

Choose a Post Office Box alternative

A number of companies offer alternatives to PO boxes. This gives you more control over the types of mail you can receive. When searching for the best solution, choose an option that allows UPS deliveries. 

International Post Office Boxes

The company is known for offering a wide range of international shipping services. However, UPS is not permitted to deliver mail to international PO boxes unless you are a member of the armed forces.

Restrictions On Other Mail Carriers

Restrictions On Other Mail Carriers

UPS is not the only mail carrier that can not deliver your mail to a PO box. Only the United States Postal Service is permitted to manage shipments to these boxes. Therefore, you will need to search for an alternative if you want to receive other types of mail.

Facts To Know About UPS Deliveries

Firstly, you might be wondering Does UPS Notarize when sending official documents, What Does In Transit Mean At UPS once you send off your parcel, as well as How Fast Is UPS 2nd Day Air, and Does UPS Deliver On A Sunday if it’s the weekend.

Are you on the hunt for a job? Then learn more about the company with our UPS Mission And Vision Statement Analysis, followed by How Much Does UPS Pay, for your working hours, along with our in-depth guide to the UPS Application for 2023.

However, before applying, you’ll need to check up on Does UPS Do Background Checks, or perhaps Does UPS Drug Test Package Handlers and Does UPS Hire Felons if you’ve had some trouble in the past.

Does UPS Ship To PO Boxes? – Final Thoughts 

If you rent a post office box, it remains the property of the United States Postal Service. You can use this box to receive letters and parcels that are delivered by a USPS mail carrier. However, you will not usually be able to receive mail from competing companies.

Fortunately, there are a few workable ways around this issue. It is best to check with the United States Postal Service if the location is part of the Street Address program. This allows you to address your mail so that it can be accepted and dropped off by a UPS employee.

Good luck with your new PO Box!

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