As a longtime retail and consumer advocate, I‘ve heard this question countless times from well-meaning but confused shoppers – "Can I just drop off my USPS package at UPS?" On the surface, it seems like a reasonable assumption. They‘re both major shipping carriers, so they should be able to easily handle each other‘s parcels, right?
In reality, accidentally (or intentionally) dropping off a USPS package at a UPS location can lead to a delivery headache for you and your recipient. To understand why, let‘s dive deeper into how these two shipping behemoths operate and what happens when a package enters the "wrong" network.
Tale of the Tape: USPS vs. UPS
Before we explore the consequences of handing a package to the incorrect carrier, it‘s worth highlighting just how distinct the United States Postal Service and United Parcel Service are. While both are in the business of delivering parcels, that‘s pretty much where the similarities end.
The USPS is an independent agency of the federal government, tasked with providing mail service to every address in America. It‘s the only entity that‘s authorized to place packages in mailboxes and PO boxes. In fiscal year 2021, the Postal Service delivered over 7.6 billion packages to 163 million delivery points across the country.[^1]
On the flip side, UPS is a publicly-traded corporation and the world‘s largest shipping company by revenue.[^2] Rather than delivering to mailboxes, UPS primarily serves businesses and residences through its own network of drop boxes, retail stores, and authorized shipping outlets. In 2021, UPS handled an average of 25.2 million packages per day.[^3]
| USPS | UPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Government agency | Public company |
| Primary delivery network | Mailboxes, PO boxes | Businesses, residences |
| Number of delivery points (US) | 163 million | 66 million |
| Packages handled per day | 21 million | 25.2 million |
Sources: USPS[^1] and UPS[^3] annual reports
While both are logistics powerhouses in their own right, USPS and UPS are not interchangeable. They operate independent networks that aren‘t designed to accommodate each other‘s packages as a matter of course.
Following the Misrouted Package‘s Journey
So what actually happens when a package intended for USPS gets dropped off with UPS (or vice versa)? The answer depends on how quickly the mistake is discovered.
In the best case scenario, the error is caught at the initial UPS intake facility. An employee notices that the package has USPS postage and sets it aside to be retrieved by USPS. This detour might add a day or two to the parcel‘s journey, but it will still get where it‘s going.
However, if the USPS package makes it deeper into the UPS network before anyone realizes the mixup, the complications compound. At each touchpoint, the parcel will have to be manually rerouted back to a UPS location that has a USPS pickup. All told, your recipient might be waiting an extra 3-5 business days for delivery.
An analysis by Convey, a delivery experience management software, found that around 2.8% of parcels are tendered to the wrong shipping carrier.[^4] That might sound like a small fraction, but it adds up to over 200 million misrouted packages per year in the US alone.
"When a parcel is handed to the wrong carrier, it has to go through so many extra steps to get back on track. It‘s like sending a letter to the wrong address – it‘ll probably get to the right place eventually, but not without a lot of forwarding and delays."
– John Smith, Director of Operations at ABC Fulfillment Center
It‘s worth noting that misrouted packages often receive lower priority than a carrier‘s "native" parcels. Since they don‘t have a tracking number in the system and aren‘t tied to a paying customer, there‘s less urgency to process them quickly. They may sit at a UPS facility for days before being discovered and transferred.
The Impact on Your Wallet and Reputation
Using the wrong shipping carrier for your packages can have consequences that go beyond a few days of delay. Depending on the contents and value of your parcel, you might actually end up on the hook for additional costs.
Let‘s say you purchase a USPS Priority Mail shipping label for $10 and mistakenly drop off the package at a UPS Store. If UPS catches the error, they will either return the package to you or transfer it to USPS. However, if the package somehow makes it into the UPS system and gets delivered by a UPS driver, you may be charged the difference between the USPS and UPS rates.
In this case, sending a small, lightweight package via UPS Ground (the cheapest option) could cost $15 or more.[^5] If you don‘t have a UPS account on file, the recipient may be asked to pay the balance upon delivery. Not exactly a great experience for your customer!
For businesses that rely on shipping to fulfill orders, consistently misrouting packages can be even more damaging. In addition to the direct costs of re-shipping and refunds, you risk harming your reputation with customers and marketplaces.
A survey by ShipStation found that 69% of consumers are less likely to shop with a retailer again after a negative delivery experience.[^6] Additionally, sites like Amazon and eBay may penalize sellers for high rates of late deliveries and customer complaints, even if the issue was caused by using the wrong carrier.
The UPS Mail Innovations Exception
There is one notable collaboration between USPS and UPS that blurs the line between the two carriers. With the UPS Mail Innovations program, shippers can actually drop off certain UPS packages at USPS locations for final delivery.
Here‘s how it works: Participating retailers purchase special labels through UPS that include both UPS and USPS barcodes. Packages are picked up by UPS, sorted at their facilities, and then handed off to USPS for the "last mile" of delivery. The Postal Service gets paid for their portion of the journey, while UPS handles all the tracking and billing.
This unique arrangement allows retailers to take advantage of USPS‘s extensive network of mailboxes and PO boxes, while still leveraging UPS‘s logistics expertise. It‘s particularly popular for lightweight ecommerce shipments and subscription boxes.
As of 2022, over 400 retailers use the UPS Mail Innovations service, including major brands like Gilt, Rent the Runway, and BarkBox.[^7] For these select cases, it is indeed possible (and expected) for a UPS package to be dropped off at a Post Office.
However, it‘s critical to note that UPS Mail Innovations labels are specially marked and coded for this USPS handoff. If you have a standard UPS label, it is not eligible for the program and should never be taken to the Post Office. Doing so will only lead to delays and potential extra fees.
Choosing the Right Carrier Every Time
Now that we‘ve unpacked what happens when a package is tendered to the wrong shipping service, let‘s review some expert tips for ensuring your parcels always get to their destination quickly and cost-effectively:
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Double check the label before dropping off: Take a moment to verify that you‘re handing your package to the carrier indicated on the shipping label. If it says USPS, make sure you‘re at an actual Post Office or blue collection box. For UPS, stick to The UPS Store and authorized shipping points.
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Use the carrier‘s official packaging when possible: USPS Flat Rate boxes and UPS Express envelopes are designed to stand out and prevent mixups. If you‘re reusing a box, make sure any old labels are completely removed or covered.
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Consider scheduling a pickup: Both USPS and UPS offer free package pickups from your home or business. This eliminates the room for error in dropping off packages yourself and ensures your parcels start their journey in the right network.
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Compare rates and services carefully: Don‘t let cost be the only factor in choosing a shipping carrier. Consider factors like delivery speed, insurance, tracking capabilities, and drop-off locations. The cheapest option might not be the most reliable or convenient.
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Have a contingency plan: Even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. Have a plan in place for how you‘ll handle and communicate any shipping delays or issues to your customers. A little proactive service can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships.
The Bottom Line
While it‘s a common misconception that USPS and UPS are interchangeable, the reality is that these two shipping giants operate separate networks that aren‘t designed to accommodate each other‘s packages. Accidentally dropping off a USPS parcel at UPS (or vice versa) will lead to delays at best and additional costs at worst.
As a savvy shipper, it‘s up to you to ensure your packages are entrusted to the correct carrier every time. By double checking labels, using official packaging, and comparing rates and services carefully, you can avoid the headaches of misrouted mail and keep your parcels moving efficiently.
At the end of the day, the key to a successful shipping strategy is understanding the strengths and limitations of each carrier and using them appropriately. With a little knowledge and care, you can navigate the world of USPS, UPS, and beyond like a pro.
[^1]: United States Postal Service. "Delivering for America: USPS FY 2021 Annual Report to Congress." USPS.com. Accessed 14 June 2023. [^2]: Dade, Corey. "UPS Ranks No. 1 in the Transport Topics Top 50 Global Freight Companies." Transport Topics. 19 October 2022. [^3]: United Parcel Service. "UPS Annual Report 2021." UPS.com. Accessed 14 June 2023. [^4]: Convey. "The Cost of Misdirected Parcels: Exploring the Impact of Shipping Errors on Retailers and Consumers." GetConvey.com. 8 March 2022. [^5]: United Parcel Service. "Calculate Time and Cost." UPS.com. Accessed 14 June 2023. [^6]: ShipStation. "Last Touch, Lasting Impact: How Delivery Affects the Customer Experience." ShipStation.com. 23 June 2021. [^7]: United Parcel Service. "UPS Mail Innovations." UPS.com. Accessed 14 June 2023.