UPS tracking

What is UPS?

UPS, an acronym for United Parcel Service, is an American parcel transport and logistics company founded in 1907 in Seattle by James E. Casey, who was only 19 years old at the time. In its early days, the company was called American Messenger Company and focused on delivering messages and small parcels in the Seattle area. Today, UPS has established itself as one of the global leaders in the logistics sector, often nicknamed Big Brown due to the distinctive brown color of its delivery trucks and employee uniforms. The company's headquarters is located in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, in Georgia, United States.

UPS's history demonstrates remarkable growth throughout the 20th century. In 1913, the company merged with a rival business and adopted the name Merchants Parcel Delivery. It was in 1919 that it definitively took the name United Parcel Service to reflect its ambition to offer unified parcel delivery service at the national level. Initially limited to the West Coast of the United States, UPS progressively expanded its geographic coverage and became in 1975 the first carrier to serve all 48 contiguous American states. That same year marked the beginning of its international expansion with the opening of services in Canada, followed in 1976 by operations in West Germany, the starting point of its European network.

Over the decades, UPS has significantly diversified its activities and completed numerous strategic acquisitions. In 1985, the company launched its Next Day Air express delivery service. In 1988, it created its own cargo airline, UPS Airlines, after obtaining the necessary federal authorizations. The 1999 IPO represented one of the most significant of that era. In the early 2000s, UPS acquired Mail Boxes Etc., a network of shipping centers later renamed The UPS Store. In 2012, UPS attempted to acquire TNT Express to strengthen its European position, but the deal was blocked by competition authorities in 2013. That same year, the acquisition of Belgian company Kiala enabled the development of the UPS Access Point network in Europe.

• Date of establishment: 1907, in Seattle, Washington State, United States
• Founder: James E. Casey, a visionary American entrepreneur who founded the company at age 19
• Headquarters: Sandy Springs, suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• Global presence: More than 200 countries and territories served worldwide
• Workforce: Nearly half a million employees globally
• Volume of activity: Millions of parcels delivered daily across all continents

Today, UPS positions itself not only as a simple parcel carrier, but as a global logistics provider capable of supporting companies throughout their entire supply chain. The company offers a comprehensive range of services including parcel and document delivery, air, maritime and road freight, warehouse management, customs clearance, as well as specialized solutions for e-commerce and healthcare products. Through its international scope, the reliability of its network, and constant investments in technology, UPS remains an indispensable reference in the global logistics sector.

Which countries does UPS deliver to?

UPS has exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, serving more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. This massive international presence makes UPS one of the most comprehensive carriers in terms of accessible destinations. Whether you wish to ship a parcel to Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, or Oceania, UPS offers tailored solutions for each destination with varying delivery times and rates depending on geographic zones and selected services.

In Europe, UPS has developed a particularly dense network since its initial establishment in West Germany in 1976. The company has a major air hub at Cologne Airport, which serves as the primary European hub for parcel sorting and routing. All European Union countries are served, as well as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, and other continental nations. Cross-border services within Europe benefit from optimized logistics allowing competitive delivery times.

For North America, UPS ensures complete coverage of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The UPS Standard service notably allows cross-border shipments between these three countries with predictable delivery times and controlled costs. UPS's historical presence in the United States guarantees coverage of all American postal codes, from major metropolitan areas to the most remote rural zones.

• Europe: All European Union countries, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, and other European nations with a main hub in Cologne
• North America: United States (complete coverage since 1975), Canada, and Mexico with cross-border ground services
• Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the entire region
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and all Central and South American countries
• Middle East and Africa: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and numerous other destinations

UPS relies on a network of logistics partners and local postal operators in certain regions to ensure last-mile delivery. This hybrid model enables reaching destinations where UPS does not have its own infrastructure while maintaining service quality and shipment tracking. The company also has regional sorting centers in Asia, notably in China and Hong Kong, to optimize flows to this rapidly growing area.

UPS's main global logistics platform, called Worldport, is located at Louisville Airport in Kentucky. Each night, hundreds of UPS cargo planes transit through it, enabling the sorting and redistribution of millions of parcels to all worldwide destinations. This unique infrastructure forms the heart of the company's air network and ensures rapid connections between all continents.

What are UPS delivery services and timeframes?

UPS offers a complete range of delivery services tailored to different shipper needs, whether urgent shipments requiring next-day delivery or economical shipments where cost takes priority over speed. Each service is characterized by guaranteed delivery timeframes, specific options, and an appropriate pricing level. This diversity allows both individuals and businesses to find the solution exactly matching their requirements.

For the most urgent express shipments, UPS Express Plus guarantees next-day delivery in the early morning, typically before 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. depending on destinations. This premium service meets the needs of businesses where every hour counts. UPS Express Saver offers a slightly slower but more economical alternative, with next-day afternoon delivery and 1 to 3 business day timeframes for international destinations. These express services automatically include complete tracking and delivery guarantees.

For less urgent shipments, UPS Standard is the company's flagship service. This service allows next business day delivery for major urban areas, with 24 to 48-hour delivery times depending on national destinations. For international shipments, UPS Standard offers 2 to 5 business day timeframes in Europe and longer timeframes for distant destinations. Parcels are typically delivered Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• UPS Express Plus: Next-day early morning delivery before 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. depending on zones, for the most urgent shipments
• UPS Express Saver: 1 to 3 business day timeframe with afternoon delivery, offering good balance between speed and cost
• UPS Standard National: Delivery within 24 to 48 business hours depending on destination, ideal for domestic shipments
• UPS Standard International: 2 to 5 business day timeframe for Europe, economical and reliable ground service
• UPS Expedited: International service with estimated 4 business day timeframe, for priority non-express shipments
• UPS Worldwide Express: International express delivery guaranteed in 1 to 3 days with customs clearance included
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: Economical alternative for non-urgent international shipments

UPS also offers specific services adapted to certain needs. UPS SurePost is a hybrid service where UPS transports the parcel to the local post office, which then completes final delivery to the recipient. This option reduces costs for low-value residential shipments. In the United States, UPS Ground offers a balance between cost and speed with 1 to 5 business day timeframes depending on distance, while UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select provide intermediate alternatives between standard ground service and express options.

Regarding weekend deliveries, UPS performs deliveries on Saturday in certain geographic zones, particularly for express services for an additional fee. Sunday deliveries are generally not offered. Holidays are also excluded from standard delivery schedules. For businesses, deliveries to commercial addresses occur during normal business hours.

What are UPS rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

UPS shipping rates vary depending on several criteria including parcel weight, dimensions, destination, selected service, and additional options subscribed. UPS offers competitive base rates that vary by country. As a reference, domestic shipments typically start around 5 to 7 dollars, while European destinations begin around 15 to 20 dollars. Shipments between UPS Access Point locations in major European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland) start at approximately 12 to 15 dollars, while intercontinental shipments begin at approximately 45 dollars.

Rate calculation takes into account billable weight, which is the greater of the actual parcel weight or its volumetric weight. Volumetric weight reflects parcel density, that is, the ratio between volume occupied and actual weight. For national and international services, the volumetric weight calculation formula is: (Length × Width × Height) / 5000. This method ensures fair pricing for bulky but lightweight parcels that occupy significant space in transport vehicles.

Regarding dimensions, UPS applies strict limits to ensure transport safety and efficiency. The maximum weight allowed per parcel is 70 kg. The maximum length of a parcel must not exceed 270 cm, and the combination of length and girth must not exceed 419 cm. For UPS Economy service, stricter restrictions apply with a maximum length of 122 cm and maximum weight of 30 kg for DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipments.

• Domestic rate: Starting at approximately 5 to 7 dollars for standard domestic shipments
• Europe rate: Starting at approximately 15 to 20 dollars for European destinations
• Europe Access Point rate: Starting at approximately 12 to 15 dollars between relay points in major countries
• Intercontinental rate: Starting at 45 dollars for long-distance shipments
• Maximum weight: 70 kg per parcel for standard services
• Maximum length: 270 cm for the longest side of the parcel
• Length + girth: 419 cm maximum combined

Additional fees may apply in certain situations. Oversized handling is automatically charged for parcels whose longest side exceeds 100 cm or whose second longest side exceeds 76 cm. Parcels exceeding 31.5 kg require a fluorescent yellow sticker to alert handlers to their weight. International processing fees may also apply for imports into the United States.

Regarding coverage and guarantees, each UPS shipment automatically benefits from basic coverage for loss or damage up to 100 dollars without additional charges. For higher-value merchandise, supplementary coverage can be purchased up to 1,000 dollars for 1% of the declared value, with a minimum of 10 dollars. UPS's refund guarantee allows reimbursement of shipping fees if the carrier fails to meet its guaranteed delivery timeframes.

What are UPS delivery options?

UPS offers great flexibility in delivery methods to accommodate recipient constraints and preferences. Home delivery is the standard option, with direct handover to the recipient or to a person present at delivery time. For residential addresses, deliveries typically occur Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and sometimes later during peak activity periods. Business addresses are served during normal business hours.

The UPS Access Point network represents a particularly convenient alternative for recipients frequently away from home. These relay points, located in partner neighborhood businesses, allow parcel deposit or pickup during business hours, sometimes including weekends. UPS has developed a dense network of these access points in major European countries, thanks in particular to the acquisition of Belgian company Kiala in 2013. Parcels are kept at relay points for 5 to 7 days before being returned to the sender if not retrieved.

For deliveries to Access Points, certain limitations apply: maximum weight is 20 kg, maximum length is 97 cm, and maximum total size is 300 cm. These restrictions ensure that parcels can be stored and handled in partner businesses that do not necessarily have professional logistics infrastructure.

• Home delivery: Direct parcel delivery to the indicated address, typically between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays
• UPS Access Point: Network of partner businesses for parcel pickup or deposit with extended hours
• Business delivery: Delivery to commercial addresses during normal business hours
• Automatic lockers: Self-service compartments accessible 24/7 in certain areas
• Saturday delivery: Available in certain areas for express services for an additional fee

The UPS My Choice program offers recipients increased control over their deliveries. Free enrollment allows receiving notifications on parcel progress, rescheduling delivery for another day, rerouting a parcel to another address, or requesting deposit at a relay point or UPS center. This flexibility proves particularly useful for avoiding failed delivery attempts and associated delays.

If absent during the first delivery attempt, UPS can make up to three attempts at the indicated address on subsequent delivery days. A UPS InfoNotice is left at each unsuccessful attempt, informing the recipient of available options: rescheduling, pickup at a relay point or UPS center. After 7 calendar days without successful delivery, the parcel is returned to the sender as undeliverable. However, certain shippers may restrict the modification options available to recipients.

For parcels requiring signature at delivery, particularly those containing valuable merchandise or regulated products, an adult must be present to sign. This adult signature delivery option does not allow redirecting the parcel to a relay point and requires mandatory hand-to-hand delivery. When no signature is required, the driver may deposit the parcel in a safe location out of sight and protected from weather, such as a porch or garage.

What should I do if my UPS parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of lost or damaged parcels, UPS provides a structured claims procedure allowing shippers and recipients to obtain compensation. The process is conducted primarily online via the UPS.com website, where claims can be filed after logging into a user account. Claims may concern three types of situations: lost parcel, damaged parcel, or cash-on-delivery payment not received. It is also possible to file a claim as a guest without a UPS account.

Timeframes for filing claims are limited and must be strictly observed. Generally, the timeframe is 14 calendar days for domestic and international shipments. It is recommended to report any issues as soon as possible, ideally within 8 to 15 days after discovering the damage or loss. Beyond 60 days, claims are generally no longer admissible. Quick reporting facilitates investigations and increases chances of a favorable resolution.

For any claim, supporting documents are required. In case of a damaged parcel, several photographs should be provided: a photo showing the damaged item and its packaging inside the carton, a close-up photo of the shipping label with the tracking number visible, and a photo of the parcel exterior showing any apparent packaging damage. A physical inspection of the parcel at a UPS center may also be requested. An invoice indicating merchandise value is also necessary to determine the compensation amount.

• Filing timeframe: Maximum 14 calendar days for domestic and international shipments
• Processing timeframe: 8 to 15 business days after receiving the complete claim
• Payment timeframe: 3 to 5 days after claim approval
• Payment method: Electronic bank transfer (depending on countries)
• Basic coverage: 100 dollars per shipment included automatically without charge
• Supplementary coverage: Up to 1,000 dollars for 1% of the declared value

UPS's liability is governed by general transport conditions. This liability is generally capped at approximately 100 dollars per shipment or, if this amount is higher, at 8.33 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per kilogram of merchandise involved, with amounts varying depending on countries. This limitation explains the importance of purchasing supplementary coverage for valuable shipments. Compensation may take different forms: partial or full reimbursement of the article cost depending on declared value, article replacement, assumption of repair costs, or credit toward shipping fees.

For claims by postal mail, it is possible to send a written request to the UPS headquarters in your country. UPS generally has 60 days after receipt of the request to respond. Beyond this timeframe without satisfactory response, the customer has the right to contact the UPS ombudsman to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably. This mediation procedure constitutes a prerequisite step before any potential legal action.

Does UPS handle international shipments and customs procedures?

UPS has recognized expertise in managing international shipments and offers comprehensive support for customs procedures. The company ensures shipping services to more than 200 countries and territories, with customs clearance procedures included in most international services. This ability to manage the complexity of cross-border exchanges constitutes one of UPS's major strengths for exporting and importing businesses.

For any international merchandise shipment (excluding documents without commercial value), a commercial invoice is mandatory. This essential document serves for import control, assessment, and determination of customs duties. UPS recommends providing accurate and precise information on this invoice to avoid any customs delays. Customers with UPS accounts can submit their commercial invoice electronically via the Paperless service, which significantly accelerates the customs clearance process. In the absence of electronic submission, three paper copies must be attached to the parcel.

Beyond the commercial invoice, other documents may be required depending on merchandise nature and countries involved. The certificate of origin verifies the manufacturing country of shipped articles and may be required depending on trade agreements or preferential treatments granted based on origin. Harmonized tariff codes (HS codes) allow customs authorities to precisely identify products and calculate applicable duties and taxes. UPS strongly recommends adding these codes for each merchandise item to facilitate customs clearance.

• Commercial invoice: Mandatory document for all cross-border merchandise shipments, can be submitted electronically
• Certificate of origin: Required for certain destinations depending on trade agreements and preferential treatments
• Harmonized tariff codes: Recommended to identify products and precisely calculate customs duties
• EORI number: Mandatory identifier for businesses importing or exporting between the EU and third countries
• Specific documents: Export licenses, health or phytosanitary certificates depending on products

For businesses conducting exchanges between the European Union and third countries, the EORI number (Economic Operator's Registration and Identification) is essential. This unique identifier tracks merchandise movements and must appear on the commercial invoice. Without this number, products may be held in customs until the situation is regularized. Obtaining an EORI number is done with the customs authorities in the country where the business is established.

The customs brokerage service proposed by UPS significantly facilitates administrative procedures. A customs broker acts as intermediary between the shipper and customs authorities, preparing and submitting all documents required for merchandise customs clearance. This service is particularly valuable for businesses beginning in international trade or shipping to destinations with complex regulations. The UPS Import Control service also allows retaking control of the import process by coordinating different steps and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Regarding customs duties and taxes, payment is generally the responsibility of the recipient in DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) shipments. For DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipments, the shipper bears these costs which are included in the total shipment cost. The choice between these two options influences the shipping rate but also the recipient's experience who, in the DDU case, must pay duties before receiving their parcel. International delivery timeframes can be impacted by customs procedures, particularly for shipments requiring thorough document verification or physical merchandise inspection.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a UPS parcel online, different statuses can appear to indicate your shipment's progress through the delivery process. UPS's tracking system, pioneering in the industry since 1992, allows consulting in real time the position and status of each parcel via the website, mobile application, or through SMS and email notifications. Each parcel is assigned a unique tracking number, typically composed of 18 characters beginning with 1Z, which allows access to the complete movement history. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: