How to Ship a Package with UPS® (9 Expert Tips)

We know how time-consuming sending packages can be. Especially when you need to send several at a time. If you don’t send packages often then you may not know how to send a package with UPS® or where to start. Don't worry, we're here to help.

So, you run an eCommerce business and have opted for UPS® as your primary shipping carrier? Great choice! UPS is one of the most reputable and reliable courier services in the world. Delivering to 220 countries and territories globally, UPS can help you reach customers in new markets and grow your business exponentially.

One of the first things you’re probably asking yourself is how long does it take to ship a package with UPS? UPS offers a range of shipping services with different delivery times to suit you. Let’s take a quick look at them:

UPS® Ground - Guaranteed day-definite delivery typically in one to five business days.

UPS Next Day Air® - Guaranteed on-time delivery by 10:30 a.m, 12:00 p.m or the end of next business day.

UPS 2nd Day Air® - Guaranteed delivery by the end of the second business day.

UPS Worldwide Expedited® - Guaranteed delivery by end of business day to more than 220 countries and territories. Delivery is guaranteed in two business days to Canada, three business days to Mexico, three to four business days to Europe and four to five business days to Asia and Latin America.

UPS Worldwide Express® - Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 140 countries and territories. Delivery is guaranteed on the next business day to Canada and for documents to Mexico, the second business day to Europe and Latin America and the second or third business day to Asia.

UPS Next Day Air Saver® - Guaranteed on-time delivery to commercial destinations within the 48 contiguous states and select locations in Alaska and Hawaii by 3:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. the next business day where UPS Next Day Air® delivery is committed by 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m., respectively. Shipments to residential locations within the UPS Next Day Air Saver area are delivered by end of day. Not available to destinations where UPS Next Day Air service is committed by end of day.

UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.® - Guaranteed on-time delivery by 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. on the second business day to metropolitan commercial destinations in the 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii where UPS Next Day Air® delivery is committed by 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m., respectively.

Are you yet to ship your first UPS package and feeling unsure about where (or how) to start? Not to worry, we’ll walk you through the relevant steps.

Related post: Hidden Fees to Be Aware of When Shipping Internationally

Here Are Our 9 Top Tips When It Comes to Shipping a Package With UPS®

1. Order UPS Boxes

First things first, you’ll need to order some boxes to ship your products in. Boxes are available through the UPS website, and come in a range of sizes. Be sure to choose the most appropriate box size for your goods as, ultimately, this will play a significant role in the condition that your customers receive their items. Indeed, whilst you might be tempted to use a box that snugly contains your product, this will likely be too small. After all, you’ll need to wrap your items and use cushioning materials.

2. Wrap Your Items & Protect Your Package

Wrap the item in protective packaging such as bubble wrap. If you're sending more than one item then wrap each item individually. If you’re sending something that could become damaged easily then it’s a good idea to fill the box with something to protect the item during transportation. Biodegradable packing peanuts are a popular and sustainable packaging option. Paper and corrugated packaging are also commonly used as they are recyclable. Always remember to pay special attention when wrapping fragile items to ensure that they make it to your customer in one piece.

3. Be Aware Of Size & Weight Limits

As with every courier, UPS has weight and size limits for each package you send.

• Packages can be up to 150 lbs
• Packages can be up to 165 inches in length and girth combined
• Packages can be up to 108 inches in length
• Packages with a large size-to-weight ratio require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations

It’s important to note that any shipment larger than the above will be subject to an Over Maximum Limits charge.

4. Educate Yourself On Prohibited Items, Local Laws & Regulations

Even though it is easy to ship with UPS, there are certain prohibited items UPS won’t ship due to laws or regulations.

Some of these items include:

• Bank bills, notes, or currency
• Common fireworks
• Hazardous waste or hazardous waste service
• Human remains, fetal remains, human body parts, human embryos or components thereof
• Ivory
• Marijuana, including marijuana intended for medicinal use
• Postage stamps
• Shark fins
• Vape products within, to or from the U.S

It is extremely important to check the rules and regulations before your ship to make sure that item you’re sending isn’t prohibited.

5. Create A Shipping Label

Creating a shipping label has never been easier. All you need to do is fill in the required information: Senders/recipient info, packaging type, weight and dimensions and package value. Add a reference number so you can easily track the package. TIP: The order number is commonly used as a reference.

With Easyship's branding suite you can add your own branding to your shipping labels. This can include your logo as well as adding advertising materials to your packing slips, landing pages, and tracking emails. This will help to personalize your shipping experience.

6. Seal The Package Securely

It’s recommended to secure the bottom of the box with tape such as nylon or plastic tape which is at least two inches wide before filling the box. Once the items you’re shipping have been added, then tape the top of the box closed. Remember to ensure there is enough packaging material inside the box so the item(s) can’t move around freely.

7. Calculate Your Shipping Costs With Easyship

Weigh and measure your package then calculate your shipping costs with the Easyship Shipping Rates Calculator. By using this, you will instantly have access to high-volume discounts from major couriers and have access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers.

How Much It Costs to Ship with UPS

You may be asking yourself- how much does it cost to ship a package with UPS? Well, there are many factors to consider that impact the final shipping cost. These factors include:

• Courier service
• Delivery speed
• Package weight/dimensions
• Shipping distance

UPS Ship a Package Quote - What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship With UPS?

Let’s say you’re shipping a 5-pound package with UPS from New York to Los Angeles.

Here is how much it would cost when shipping direct with UPS vs when shipping through Easyship:

That means, if you choose to ship with UPS Next Day Air® Early you’d save $85.34 simply by shipping through Easyship! That’s a huge saving for any business or individual. Easyship customers automatically get discounted rates when shipping with UPS® and can get discounts on domestic and international shipping, including up to 77% off on UPS® Ground shipments, up to 72% for UPS 2nd Day Air® service and UPS Next Day Air® service, and up to 88% off on international services. These rates include Fuel Surcharge and Residential Surcharge for all services and Delivery Area Surcharge for Domestic Services. Other great benefits that UPS offer include shipping insurance, and package pickup. UPS is best for sending heavier shipments and can offer guaranteed express shipping to put your mind at ease.

8. Drop Off Or Schedule A Pick-Up For Your Package

There are 2 main quick and easy ways that you send a parcel with UPS. The main question a lot of people ask is: Can I ship a UPS package from home? The answer is yes! We know how busy life can get, so if you need to stay in then there’s an option which means you won’t need to leave your premises.

Head to Your Local Drop-off Point

There are over 15,000 drop-off locations all over Europe. Find your local UPS location and drop your package off hassle-free.

Book a Collection

Avoid traveling and leaving the premises by arranging for the parcel to be collected. Stay in and book a collection so your local UPS driver can come to you (additional fee required)

9. Use Easyship To Track Your UPS Package In Real-Time

Once your package has been sent off and is out of your hands then you can keep an eye on it to track its journey, all from your Easyship dashboard. Every time your package is scanned on its travels then the tracking system will update. You will be able to check your delivery window and reroute the package if required. Whatever happens, you will know that your package is in safe hands and be able to follow its every movement using the tracking number.

That's it! You now know how to ship a package with UPS successfully. We hope our 9 expert tips helped! Remember that with Easyship you automatically get discounted shipping costs and can track your packages all from one dashboard.

Easyship Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from major couriers. Plus, get instant access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers

Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and get instant access to high-volume discounts for UPS® shipping