Buуers and businesses often face small fees for holding a delivery at a UPS facility or location. The main cost drivers are hold duration, hold type (Pickup vs Hold at Location), and the service level selected. This guide provides practical price ranges in USD and explains what affects each charge.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hold for Pickup (per package, per day) | $0 | $2 | $12 | Assumes standard hold duration; higher fees for extended holds or special locations. |
| Hold at Location (per package, per day) | $0 | $3 | $10 | Varies by location type and service level. |
| Delivery Reattempt Fee | $0 | $4 | $20 | Applied if the driver must return to the location after a missed delivery. |
| Residential vs Commercial Surcharge | $0 | $1 | $6 | Higher if the package requires home access handling or special procedures. |
| Extended Hold (more than 7 days) | $0 | $5 | $25 | Often tiered; longer durations incur larger daily fees. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges and per-unit pricing vary by hold type, duration, and geographic location. Typical scenarios include 1–3 days of Hold for Pickup or Hold at Location with daily charges, plus occasional reattempt or surcharge fees. Assumptions: region, hold type, and duration affect total.
Cost Breakdown
Tabled view shows the main cost components for a single hold event. Use the per-day figures and multiply by the number of days held, then add any one-time surcharges.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hold for Pickup (per day) | $0 | $2 | $12 | Typical duration-based fee. |
| Hold at Location (per day) | $0 | $3 | $10 | Location-dependent pricing. |
| Delivery Reattempt Fee | $0 | $4 | $20 | Charged if attempted re-delivery occurs. |
| Surcharges (Residential/Business) | $0 | $1 | $6 | Address type impact. |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include hold duration, service type, and address type. Longer holds or select pickup locations typically raise the total. Regional differences and facility capacity can create variation across markets.
Factors That Affect Price
Two niche drivers are crucial: Hold duration thresholds (3 days, 7 days, etc.) and package characteristics (value, size, or required handling). For example, a small parcel held for 2 days at a standard facility may cost less than a large package held 8 days with reattempts, especially if the address is residential and access is restricted.
Assumptions: region, hold type, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Plan ahead to minimize fees by selecting Hold for Pickup when convenient, consolidating multiple deliveries into one hold, and avoiding extended holds when possible. Checking delivery options in advance and using My Choice features can help control fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market. In major metropolitan areas, daily holds at busy centers can trend higher than suburban or rural facilities due to space constraints and demand. Urban holds may incur +5% to +15% more than rural holds, while suburban charges typically fall between these values.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical totals based on common hold choices and durations.
-
Basic Hold for Pickup — 1 day, residential address, standard package, no reattempts.
- Hold for Pickup: $2/day
- Delivery reattempt: $0
- Surcharge: $0
- Total: $2
-
Mid-Range Hold at Location — 3 days, commercial address, small parcel, no reattempts.
- Hold at Location: $3/day
- Delivery reattempt: $0
- Surcharge: $1/day residential vs commercial
- Subtotal: 3 × $3 = $9; Surcharges: $3; Total: $12
-
Premium Extended Hold — 7 days, mixed items, includes at least one reattempt.
- Hold at Location: $10/day
- Delivery reattempt: $20
- Surcharges: $0–$6
- Total: 7 × $10 = $70; Reattempts: $20; Surcharges: $0–$6; Combined: $90–$96
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Pricing can shift with holiday seasons and peak shipping periods. Expect higher hold demand and potential surcharges around Black Friday, Christmas, and back-to-school periods. Off-peak times may see relatively lower daily hold costs and fewer reattempts.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Hold costs are generally straightforward and do not require permits. However, some commercial operations may access negotiated business rates or regional incentives through carrier programs. No universal rebates apply to standard UPS hold fees.
Real-World Pricing Snapshots
Below are practical takeaways for budgeting holds within typical e-commerce or retail shipments. Always verify with the carrier or account manager for current regional rates.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.