Can I Advance a Ship Date for UPS Shipments? Find Out Now !

Shipping can often be a time-sensitive task, especially when deadlines are looming. Whether you’re shipping a package for personal reasons or business needs, you might wonder if you can advance the ship date for UPS shipments.

The answer is yes, but with certain conditions. Let’s eplore the details.

Can I Advance a Ship Date for UPS Shipments? Under The Process

To “advance” a ship date essentially means to make the delivery arrive earlier than the original date set when the shipment was arranged.

While you can’t always directly adjust the date once a package is on its way, UPS offers several options to help move up the timeline either before or during transit.

These methods depend on factors like the shipment’s status and the service you selected.

How to Advance a UPS Shipment Before It Ships

If your package hasn’t been shipped yet, you have several options for speeding up delivery. Here’s what you can do:

1. Ship It Earlier

The simplest way to advance a ship date is to send the package earlier than originally planned. If you’ve scheduled a pickup but the package hasn’t been collected yet, consider rescheduling the pickup for an earlier date.

Steps to Ship Earlier

• Log into your UPS account and modify your shipment schedule.
• Drop off the package at a UPS location before the scheduled date.
• Use the UPS app to manage your shipment on the go.

2. Upgrade Your Shipping Method

Another option is to switch to a faster shipping service. By upgrading to UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, or UPS Express Critical, you can ensure that your package arrives earlier than initially scheduled.

Advantages of Upgrading Shipping

• UPS Next Day Air ensures next-business-day delivery.
• UPS Express Critical provides same-day and time-definite delivery services.
• Faster services give peace of mind, especially for urgent shipments.

Can You Advance a Ship Date After a UPS Package is Shipped?

Once your package is on its way, changing the delivery date becomes more complicated but not impossible.

UPS offers services that give you some control over the delivery timeline even after the package is in transit.

1. Use UPS My Choice® to Modify Delivery Timing

With UPS My Choice®, customers can modify delivery times, request a package to be held at a UPS Access Point, or even redirect a package.

These options give you a degree of control over when your shipment will arrive.

Key Features of UPS My Choice®

• Request early delivery or a specific delivery window.
• Hold the package at a UPS Access Point for pickup.
• Receive delivery notifications to stay updated.

2. Leverage UPS Delivery Intercept®

For even more control, UPS Delivery Intercept® allows you to redirect your package to a different address, have it held for pickup, or even return it to the sender.

While this won’t exactly change the ship date, it gives you flexibility to manage the delivery timeline.

How UPS Delivery Intercept® Works

• Redirect to another address: This can save time if you know the recipient can receive the package sooner at a different location.
• Hold for pickup: Have the package held at a UPS facility or Access Point for quicker collection.
• Return to sender: If advancing the shipment date is no longer necessary, you can halt the delivery.

Read Also : What happens if I use UPS to ship to a P.O. Box?

What are the Premium Options to Ensure Earlier Delivery?

For those dealing with highly time-sensitive packages, UPS offers premium shipping services designed to ensure the fastest possible delivery.

1. UPS Express Critical

If speed is non-negotiable, UPS Express Critical is your go-to service. It provides same-day delivery and is available 24/7 for emergencies.

This is the fastest service UPS offers and is ideal for time-sensitive shipments that need to arrive without delay.

2. UPS Next Day Air and 2nd Day Air

For customers who need next-day or two-day delivery, upgrading to UPS Next Day Air or UPS 2nd Day Air is a reliable way to advance your ship date.

These services provide a guaranteed arrival within the next day or two business days.

Explore this article : UPS Tracking Older Than 120 Days

Tips for Advancing a UPS Shipment

1. Plan Ahead and Schedule Early

Shipping deadlines often sneak up on us. Always plan ahead, especially during peak seasons like the holidays. UPS locations may have cut-off times, so getting your package there early is key.

2. Stay in Contact with Your UPS Account Manager

If you’re a frequent shipper, building a relationship with your UPS account manager can work in your favor. They may help facilitate changes or offer advice on the best shipping service for your needs.

3. Track Your Package

Stay on top of your package’s status by tracking it in real-time. With services like UPS My Choice, you’ll get alerts when the package is nearing delivery, allowing you to react quickly if you need to make changes.

FAQs About Advancing UPS Ship Dates

Can I change my shipping method after the package is en route?

Yes, with services like UPS Delivery Intercept® or UPS My Choice®, you can adjust certain aspects of your shipment, such as redirecting it to a different location or holding it for pickup.

However, changing the delivery speed itself may not always be possible after the package is in transit.

How much does it cost to advance a UPS ship date?

Costs vary depending on the shipping method you choose.

Upgrading to faster services like Next Day Air or Express Critical will incur additional fees. Using UPS Delivery Intercept® or My Choice® services may also come with charges depending on your adjustments.

Can I change the delivery date once the package is shipped?

While you can’t directly change the ship date, UPS My Choice and Delivery Intercept provide options to influence the delivery time, like holding the package for pickup or redirecting it.

Conclusion

While advancing a UPS ship date isn’t always as simple as changing a number, there are plenty of tools and services at your disposal to get your package delivered earlier.

Whether you’re upgrading your shipping method or using UPS’s advanced options like My Choice or Express Critical, planning ahead and staying informed will help you manage time-sensitive shipments.

By understanding your options and leveraging UPS’s flexible services, you can ensure that important packages arrive right when you need them to.