Does UPS Deliver on Saturday
Many of the primary carrier’s services offer convenient weekend delivery options for you to choose from—for example, UPS ground service, which sends parcels domestically within the US. The only drawback is that you have to pay an extra charge and specifically request this delivery option when booking your shipping. Saturday pickup services began in 2019 and are now available in 122 countries.
During non-Peak and non-Holiday weekends (Valentines and Mother's Day where the holiday falls on a Sat., Sun., or Monday are possible exceptions), centers will deliver EAM (Early AM) packages before or on the commit time of 9:30 am and Next Day Air packages before or on the commit time of noon.
There is a way to get around this. You can use their Express Critical Care Packages service for urgent deliveries, an exclusive, costly service that you can request time-sensitive shipments. This service only operates within the US.
Ground, three-day Select, and 2nd Day Air service packages are not delivered on Saturdays.
Related: How Late Does USPS Deliver? A Complete Guide
Note: UPS is testing the viability of delivering all delivery service levels (Ground, 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air) on Saturdays in some select cities across the country. Delivery times in those test cities will vary depending on package volume and the available drivers' percentage.
Recommended: Why Did My UPS Package Get Rescheduled?
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.
