Are you having a package being sent to your apartment, and want to know if UPS will be able to deliver it?
While shipping to a home or business address is certainly never a problem, apartments can pose more of an issue due to the way that they are structured.
So, in this article I’ll be covering everything you need to know about UPS, and apartment delivery. I’ll also be covering other important topics such as what to do if you forgot your apartment number, what to do if your apartment requires special access, and more!
Does UPS Deliver To Apartments?
Yes! UPS has no problem delivering to apartments, provided that they are able to physically access the apartment itself.
If your apartment has a doorman, the UPS delivery person has an access code, or they are otherwise able to reach your front door, they will always attempt to deliver it there first.
Otherwise, they may leave your package at the front of the apartment building if it’s secure to do so, or leave the package inside your apartment complex’s mail room if one is available.
Note that unlike USPS, UPS is not authorized to use your mailbox. So, even if your package is small enough to fit inside of your mailbox, they are legally unable to deliver your package there.
Keep in mind however that whether or not UPS delivers the package at all will be up to the individual’s best judgement, particularly if there is no secure place to leave the package.
So, let’s look over what happens if UPS runs into trouble delivering your package!
What Happens If UPS Has Problems Delivering?
Just because UPS can deliver to apartments, does not mean that they always will. This is particularly true if your package needs to be signed for, or your front door is impossible for the delivery person to access.
So, what happens in these situations?
Typically, UPS will attempt to redeliver the package up to 3 times, leaving a UPS Delivery Notice each time.
On the notice, they will indicate whether they will attempt to redeliver it again on the next delivery day, or whether it will be held at a UPS pickup location.
If it’s being held at a UPS pickup location, you will need to go there to collect your package. If you don’t pick up your package from the pickup location, it will eventually be returned to the sender. The time limit for picking up a package is usually 7 days after you’ve been given the delivery notice.
Again, UPS typically only refuses to deliver if you are not home, or there is no secure location available.
You can use the UPS app to get a delivery estimate, so consider staying home during the hours your package is expected to arrive!
What Happens If I Forgot My Apartment Number When Ordering?
Let’s say that you ordered something online, but you forgot to put your apartment number in your address.
What happens?
Thankfully, it’s still possible that your package will be delivered!
First things first, if you’ve ever had a package delivered to that address before, the UPS driver should be able to look your name up in their system, and find the correct apartment.
Additionally, all apartment complexes with 15 or more apartments are required to keep a directory with the people living at each address. This will include your name, which the UPS delivery person can match to the name on your package.
Finally, consider downloading the UPS My Choice app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
Within the app, you’ll be able to leave delivery instructions for the driver – including updating your apartment address.
If you are still concerned however, you should contact UPS before delivery is attempted by calling them at 1-800-742-5877.
My UPS Package Says Delivered, But I Don’t Have It. What Now?
Finally, let’s look over one more issue. What should you do if your package was delivered, but it’s nowhere to be found when you check outside your door?
First of all, don’t panic!
Check the tracking number for your shipment (either online, or through the UPS My Choice app), and see if there were any notes left by the driver.
Sometimes, UPS tracking will state where exactly they left the package, so you should check there first.
If no details are found, check the locations where you would usually receive mail or packages. For example, some apartment complexes have dedicated mail or package delivery offices for their residents, and your package may be held there.
Alternatively, if your package has parcel lockers, see if your package is being kept inside one of them.
Finally, try asking your neighbors if they may have received your package by mistake.
If it is still unable to be found, it is possible that your package may have been stolen, or marked as delivered by mistake.
In either instance, you should contact UPS at 1-800-742-5877 to see what can be done.
Conclusion
Thankfully, UPS does ship to apartments – and most of the time, there aren’t any issues.
However, if UPS cannot access your door or there is no secure location to leave the package, they may attempt to redeliver it later before finally holding it at a UPS pickup location. At that point, you will need to visit the pickup location yourself to retrieve the package.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful, and that it’s answered all of your questions.
If you have any other questions about UPS, ask them below and I’ll be happy to help.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister