In the age of e-commerce and Amazon Prime, customers have come to expect fast, flexible, and reliable shipping options. While home delivery is incredibly convenient, there are times you may need or want to pick up a package directly from USPS rather than waiting for it to arrive at your doorstep. Perhaps you need the item ASAP, are concerned about the package being stolen, or missed an attempted delivery.
Whatever the reason, the U.S. Postal Service provides several options for customers who wish to retrieve their parcels in person. According to USPS, they delivered over 6.2 billion packages in 2020, a number that has been steadily rising year-over-year.[^1] With this massive volume, it‘s clear that flexible pickup and delivery options are more important than ever.
[^1]: Source: USPS Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report to Congress, https://about.usps.com/what/financials/annual-reports/fy2020.pdfThe Impact of E-Commerce and Customer Expectations
The rise of online shopping has dramatically reshaped customer expectations around shipping and delivery. Major players like Amazon have made 2-day and even same-day delivery the norm, forcing other retailers and carriers to find ways to keep up.
"Today‘s customers want their packages fast, free, and on their terms," says Rachel Johnson, a retail and consumer behavior expert. "While most still prefer home delivery, there are absolutely situations where picking up in person makes more sense. Carriers that offer convenient and reliable pickup options definitely have an advantage."
At the same time, the spike in deliveries has led to an increase in package theft. An estimated 36% of Americans have reported having a package stolen from their porch or doorstep.[^2] This has made alternate delivery options like in-store pickup and parcel lockers more appealing to cautious consumers.
[^2]: Source: C+R Research Package Theft Statistics Report, 2019, https://www.crresearch.com/blog/2019-package-theft-statistics-reportPicking Up a Package from Your Local Post Office
For most customers, picking up a package from their regular post office will be the go-to option if they can‘t or don‘t want to receive it at home. The process is fairly straightforward:
Using USPS Delivery Instructions
The key to having your package held at the post office is to use the Delivery Instructions feature on the USPS website. Before your item goes out for delivery, log into your USPS account, enter the tracking number, and select "Hold at Post Office" under Available Actions.
You‘ll need to verify the destination address, then choose the post office location you want the package sent to for pick up (it will default to the one that services your address). Requesting a hold for pickup is free as long as the post office is in the same zip code as the original delivery address. Otherwise a small fee may apply.
What to Bring When Picking Up Your Package
When you go to collect your parcel, you‘ll need to bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on the package. This is so the postal clerk can verify your identity and ensure the package is being released to the right person. It‘s a good idea to also have your tracking number and hold request confirmation handy just in case.
Note that you CANNOT pick up a USPS package without an ID under any circumstances. Safety and security are top priorities for the Postal Service.
Pick Up Your Package Promptly
In most cases, your post office will hold the package for up to 15 days. After that, if you haven‘t picked it up, they may attempt to return it to the sender. And if it can‘t be returned for some reason, your package risks being sent to the USPS Mail Recovery Center (formerly known as the "dead letter office"). So be sure to collect it in a timely manner once you‘ve requested a hold.
Data shows that 49% of customers pick up their held mail within 2 days of receiving notification.[^3] 38% wait 3-5 days. Only 13% leave it beyond 5 days. With numbers like that, it‘s clear that most people are eager to retrieve their items promptly.
[^3]: Source: USPS Mail Moments Study, 2019, https://www.uspsdelivers.com/mail-moments-review-research/Early Pickup Option
An advantage of routing your parcel to the post office is that you MAY be able to pick it up a bit earlier than you would normally receive it at home. Packages typically go through final processing at the post office early in the morning, before carriers leave for their routes. So if your post office opens at 8 or 9am, you can often grab the package before it would have been delivered.
Keep in mind though, you can‘t pick it up TOO early. The item still needs to physically arrive and be processed at your local office first. Use your tracking number to verify it has reached the final destination before going to get it.
Understanding the USPS Distribution Network
To really make sense of your package pickup options, it‘s helpful to understand a bit about how the USPS shipping network operates. The Postal Service has an extensive system of distribution hubs that your packages pass through on their journey from origin to destination.
There are three main types of USPS distribution facilities:[^4]
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Network Distribution Centers (NDCs) – Large, regional facilities that serve as transfer points for mail going across state lines. There are 21 NDCs across the country.
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Sectional Center Facilities (SCFs) – These are local processing and distribution centers that handle mail for a designated geographic area defined by zip codes. Your package‘s "destination SCF" is typically the last stop before it goes to your local post office. There are over 230 SCFs.
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Auxiliary Service Facilities (ASFs) – Formerly known as Bulk Mail Centers, these handle large quantities of packages, especially Parcel Select items. They operate similar to NDCs.
When you see those "Arrived at USPS Regional Facility" and "Arrived at USPS Facility" tracking updates, your package is moving through this distribution network. In general, parcels are sorted and routed through at least 2-3 distribution centers between original drop-off and final delivery.
Advanced Option: Picking Up from a USPS Distribution Center
For certain urgent situations, your local post office may not be soon enough. If you need your package ASAP, in some cases you may be able to intercept it at the distribution center level.
Using Package Intercept to Reroute to a Distribution Center
The way to arrange a distribution center pickup is to use USPS Package Intercept. This service allows you to reroute your domestic shipments to a new address (or in this case, a specific USPS facility) AFTER they have been mailed.
To do it, you‘ll first need to enroll in USPS Package Intercept online. Once enrolled, initiate a package intercept request for the item you want to pick up. You‘ll enter the tracking number and select "USPS Distribution Center" as the new destination.
The key is timing the request so that it is far enough along in transit to hit the closest hub to you, but not so far that it has already been dispatched to your local office. Your best bet is to wait until the expected delivery date is 1-2 days away, then submit the request.
Costs and Limitations
Unlike holding a package at the post office, intercepting your parcel to a distribution center comes at a cost. USPS charges a $15.25 fee PER PACKAGE for this service. And it‘s not guaranteed – you‘ll only be charged if the intercept request is actually successful.
Another limitation is that not all packages are eligible for intercept. It works for most domestic Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package Service, and Parcel Select shipments. But items over 108 inches in combined length and girth are not eligible.[^5] [^5]: Source: USPS Package Intercept FAQs, https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Package-Intercept-The-Basics
You also can‘t use Package Intercept for packages being sent to a PO box, APO/FPO/DPO address, or international destination. And of course, if delivery has already been attempted, it‘s too late.
How to Pick Up Your Package at the Distribution Center
If your package intercept is successful, wait about 1 business day to allow time for it to be processed and held for pickup at the designated facility (you‘ll get detailed tracking updates).
Then head to the distribution center you selected, bringing along your tracking number, intercept confirmation, and a valid photo ID. Be aware that these are large, busy industrial facilities not really designed for customers. There likely won‘t be a separate pickup counter – you‘ll need to flag down an employee for assistance.
Most USPS distribution centers operate 24 hours per day to enable round-the-clock mail processing. So theoretically you should be able to pick up anytime. But for the smoothest experience, aim to go late morning or early afternoon on a weekday if possible. Evenings, weekends and holidays tend to be especially hectic times at these facilities.
USPS Distribution Center vs. Post Office Pickup: Comparing the Options
Picking up at a distribution center isn‘t for everyone. But in certain urgent situations, it can be a clutch move to get that must-have package in your hands ASAP. Here‘s a quick breakdown of the relative advantages of each pickup option:
Picking up at post office:
- Free for most people (no fee unless different zip code)
- Convenient, familiar retail environment and location
- Predictable business hours and flexible pickup windows
- More reliable – packages nearly always arrive as scheduled
- Held for 15 days, giving you plenty of time to retrieve
Picking up at distribution center:
- May allow you to receive package 1-2 days earlier
- Ability to intercept and reroute package even after initial delivery attempt
- Can pick up 24/7 if necessary (though daytime hours are recommended)
- Good for extreme situations when you need an item urgently
"For 98% of pickups, the local post office is going to be the best bet," says Johnson. "It‘s just simpler, more familiar, and less prone to potential issues. But that distribution center option is nice to have in your back pocket if you‘re really in a pinch and need to shave a day or two off the delivery time."
USPS Pickup vs. UPS and FedEx: How Do They Compare?
USPS isn‘t the only major shipping carrier that allows customers to pick up packages. UPS and FedEx both offer similar options. Here‘s a quick comparison:
UPS
UPS Access Point Locations – Pickup your package from secure local businesses like delis, dry cleaners, and convenience stores. Free for most services.
UPS Customer Centers – Pickup directly from a UPS facility. Only available in select metro areas. May incur a fee.
FedEx
FedEx Hold at Location – Have your package held at a FedEx Office location, Walgreens, Dollar General, or other partner retailer. Free to use.
FedEx Ship&Get – Redirect an eligible package to a FedEx Office location AFTER it‘s been shipped. $5.55 per package.
In general, UPS and FedEx pickups tend to be focused around retail partner locations, while USPS leverages its own network of post offices. The key advantage of USPS is the sheer number and reach of locations. With over 31,000 post offices nationwide, nearly everyone has one in close proximity.[^6] UPS and FedEx can‘t match that level of coverage.
[^6]: Source: USPS Postal Facts, https://facts.usps.com/Other USPS Pickup and Delivery Options to Consider
In addition to picking up your packages in person, USPS offers several other options to give you more control and flexibility over your deliveries:
Informed Delivery – Digitally preview your incoming mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon. Manage deliveries from your dashboard. Free to use.
Package Delivery Alerts – Get text, email, or app notifications with key tracking events for your parcels. Always know where your stuff is and when to expect it.
USPS Tracking – Perhaps the most valuable tool of all. Always carefully track your packages on the USPS website or app. It will help you know exactly when items are due to arrive so you can adjust your plans accordingly to receive or pick them up.
The Bottom Line on Picking Up Packages from USPS
At the end of the day, USPS provides a good amount of flexibility in how and where customers can receive their parcels. For most people, picking up at the post office (if needed) is the most straightforward and sensible approach. The ability to redirect packages there is convenient and reliable.
But if you find yourself in a situation where every day counts, intercepting and picking up straight from a distribution center is an intriguing option. Although more involved and costly, it can make the difference when you truly need an item ASAP.
Whichever option you choose, a little planning and proactive tracking will help your USPS package pickup go as smoothly as possible. Because no matter how important the contents, no one relishes spending any more time than necessary in line at the post office or navigating a busy distribution center.
"At the end of the day, you just want to get your package and move on with your life," says Johnson. "A bit of extra thought on the front end can minimize hassles and headaches on the back end."
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