Understanding a carrier’s delivery procedures is important for receiving packages seamlessly, especially when a signature is required or no one is available. Missed deliveries often cause frustration and delays, requiring rescheduling or pickup. Knowing the number of delivery attempts and the subsequent steps can save recipients time. This knowledge allows for proactive management of incoming shipments, minimizing delivery failures.
The Standard Number of Delivery Attempts
UPS generally makes up to three attempts to deliver a package to a residential or commercial address. An attempt is recorded when a driver arrives and tries to hand off the package, even if a required signature cannot be obtained or the location is inaccessible.
If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the driver leaves a physical notice and attempts delivery again on the next regular delivery day. The second attempt occurs the following business day, followed by a third and final attempt if the second fails. This three-attempt policy applies to most standard and express shipments. However, certain high-value or restricted items requiring an adult signature may be exceptions, sometimes being returned to the sender after only the first or second failed attempt.
Actions After the Final Attempt
Once the third delivery attempt fails, the package is marked as undeliverable. It is then held at a local UPS facility or a nearby UPS Access Point location for typically five to seven calendar days, allowing the recipient one final opportunity to collect it.
If the package is not picked up within this window, it is processed as “Return to Sender” (RTS). Once RTS is initiated, the recipient cannot stop the return or reschedule delivery. Further resolution, such as reshipment or a refund, must be coordinated directly with the original sender.
Understanding the UPS InfoNotice and Delivery Exceptions
When a UPS driver is unable to complete a delivery, they leave a physical slip called a UPS InfoNotice at the location. This notice contains the package’s tracking number and the 12-digit InfoNotice number, which allows the recipient to manage the shipment online. The notice indicates the reason for the missed delivery, such as a signature requirement, and provides the date of the next scheduled attempt.
A “Delivery Exception” is a status update in the tracking information indicating an unforeseen event has delayed the delivery schedule. These exceptions prevent the package from moving or being delivered as planned, and are not always the result of a missed attempt. Common examples include severe weather, damage during transit, or an incorrect or incomplete address.
Options for Managing and Rescheduling Delivery
Recipients have several ways to manage their delivery and prevent missed attempts, primarily through UPS My Choice. This free membership service provides real-time delivery alerts via email or text, giving recipients advanced notice of when a package is expected. Members can use the platform to make adjustments before the first attempt is made, ensuring a successful delivery.
One utilized option is the ability to redirect the package to a UPS Access Point or a UPS Store location for pickup, often referred to as “Hold for Pickup.” This allows the recipient to collect the package at their convenience, with the package typically held for up to seven calendar days. For packages that have already been attempted, the recipient can digitally request to reschedule the delivery for a different day that fits their schedule. They can also provide specific instructions, such as authorizing the driver to leave the package in a secure location without a signature, provided the shipment does not require an adult signature.