Can UPS Deliver to a PO Box? UPS PO Box Rules Explained (2025)
No, UPS cannot deliver to PO Box addresses. UPS drivers can only deliver to physical street addresses because PO Boxes are located inside USPS post offices and are only accessible by postal employees. If you try to ship a UPS package to a PO Box, the package will be returned to the sender. This guide explains why UPS can't deliver to PO Boxes, what happens when you try, and alternative solutions for receiving UPS packages.
❌ Quick Answer: UPS and PO Boxes
UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes because:
- • PO Boxes are inside USPS post offices, not accessible to UPS drivers
- • UPS delivers to physical street addresses only
- • Packages sent to PO Boxes will be returned to sender
- • Only USPS can deliver mail and packages to PO Box addresses
- • You must provide a physical address for UPS delivery
📋 Table of Contents
Can UPS Deliver to a PO Box?
No, UPS cannot deliver to PO Box addresses.
UPS drivers deliver packages to physical street addresses only. Since PO Boxes are located inside USPS post offices and are only accessible by postal employees, UPS cannot complete deliveries to PO Box addresses.
✅ UPS CAN Deliver To:
- • Residential street addresses
- • Business addresses
- • Apartment/suite numbers
- • UPS Store mailboxes (with street address)
- • UPS Access Point locations
- • PO Box street addresses (if allowed by post office)
❌ UPS CANNOT Deliver To:
- • PO Box addresses (e.g., "PO Box 123")
- • Post Office Boxes at USPS facilities
- • Rural route box numbers only
- • USPS General Delivery addresses
- • Any address without physical location
- • Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses (USPS only)
Why Can't UPS Deliver to PO Boxes?
UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes due to several logistical and regulatory reasons:
1. Physical Access Restrictions
PO Boxes are located inside USPS post office buildings in locked box areas. Only USPS postal employees have access to these secure areas. UPS drivers cannot enter post office facilities to access PO Boxes.
2. USPS Exclusive Territory
PO Boxes are USPS property and services. By law and postal regulations, only USPS can deliver mail and packages to PO Box addresses. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx are prohibited from accessing USPS PO Boxes.
3. No Physical Street Location
A PO Box address (e.g., "PO Box 456, City, State ZIP") doesn't correspond to a physical street address where a UPS driver can deliver a package. UPS requires an actual building or residence location for delivery.
4. Business Model Difference
UPS is a private carrier that delivers to door-to-door addresses, while USPS operates post offices with PO Boxes for centralized mail pickup. These are fundamentally different delivery models that don't overlap.
What Happens If You Ship a UPS Package to a PO Box?
If you accidentally (or intentionally) ship a UPS package to a PO Box address, here's what happens:
Step 1: UPS Attempts Delivery
UPS receives the package and begins processing it for delivery. The system recognizes the address as a PO Box during sorting or when the driver attempts delivery.
Step 2: Delivery Failure
UPS marks the package as "undeliverable" because they cannot access the PO Box. The tracking status will show "Address Correction Needed" or "Unable to Deliver to PO Box."
Step 3: Return to Sender
The package is returned to the sender. The sender may be charged return shipping fees. You (the recipient) will not receive the package.
Step 4: Sender Reship (Maybe)
The sender must contact you for a valid physical address, then reship the package at their expense (unless you pay for re-shipping). This causes delays of several days or weeks.
⚠️ Problems with UPS to PO Box Attempts
- • Delivery delays: Package returned to sender, then re-shipped to correct address (adds 1-2 weeks)
- • Additional costs: Sender may be charged return fees and re-shipping fees
- • Lost packages: Some senders may not reship, resulting in refunds or lost items
- • Seller frustration: Online retailers may refuse to reship or cancel your order
Alternatives to PO Boxes for UPS Delivery
If you need to receive UPS packages but only have a PO Box, here are your best alternatives:
1. UPS Store Mailbox (Recommended)
Rent a mailbox at a UPS Store. You get a real street address (not a PO Box) that accepts all carriers:
- • Accepts UPS, FedEx, USPS, and all carriers
- • Provides a physical street address (e.g., "123 Main St #456")
- • Package holding and notification services
- • Cost: $20-40/month depending on location and box size
- • More expensive than USPS PO Box, but accepts all carriers
2. UPS Access Point Locations
Have UPS packages delivered to a nearby UPS Access Point for pickup:
- • Free service—no monthly fees
- • Deliver to local businesses (pharmacies, convenience stores)
- • Pick up packages at your convenience
- • Must specify Access Point address when ordering
- • Find locations at ups.com/dropoff
3. USPS General Delivery (for USPS packages only)
For USPS packages (not UPS), use General Delivery as an alternative to PO Boxes:
- • Free USPS service for receiving mail without an address
- • Address format: "Your Name, General Delivery, City, State ZIP"
- • Pick up mail at post office with ID
- • USPS only—does not work for UPS or FedEx
- • Mail held for 30 days, then returned to sender
4. Workplace or Friend's Address
Have packages delivered to a trusted address where someone can receive them:
- • Use your workplace address (with employer permission)
- • Ship to family member or friend's home
- • Trusted neighbor who's usually home
- • Free—no additional costs
- • Requires coordination and trust
5. Package Forwarding Service
Use a mail forwarding service that provides a physical address:
- • Companies like Traveling Mailbox, PostScan Mail, Earth Class Mail
- • Receive packages at their facility, forward to you
- • Scan mail/packages and email you images
- • Cost: $15-50/month + forwarding fees
- • Good for frequent travelers or nomadic lifestyles
Can I Use My PO Box Street Address for UPS?
Yes—sometimes. Some USPS post offices allow "street addressing" for PO Boxes, which can work for UPS delivery:
✅ How PO Box Street Addressing Works
Instead of using "PO Box 123," you use the post office's physical street address with your box number as a unit:
Traditional PO Box Format (UPS cannot deliver):
PO Box 456
Springfield, IL 62701
Street Addressing Format (UPS may deliver):
123 Main Street Unit 456
Springfield, IL 62701
Where "123 Main Street" is the post office's street address and "Unit 456" is your PO Box number.
📞 Check with Your Post Office First
Not all post offices accept street addressing. Before using this format:
- • Call your local post office and ask if they allow "street addressing" for PO Boxes
- • Ask for the exact format they require (some use "#456", others "Unit 456", etc.)
- • Confirm that carriers like UPS and FedEx actually deliver to that address
- • Test it first with a non-critical package before using for important deliveries
⚠️ Street Addressing Limitations
- • Not available at all post offices—must check with your specific location
- • Some online retailers' systems still reject it as a PO Box
- • Carrier drivers may still refuse delivery if they recognize it as a PO Box
- • USPS does not guarantee acceptance by private carriers (UPS/FedEx)
- • Success varies by location and carrier driver familiarity
UPS vs USPS: Delivery Differences
Understanding the difference between UPS and USPS helps explain why PO Box delivery rules differ:
| Feature | UPS | USPS |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Type | Private company | Federal government agency |
| PO Box Delivery | ❌ Cannot deliver | ✅ Only carrier that can |
| Delivery Locations | Physical street addresses only | Street addresses + PO Boxes |
| Mail Types | Packages and freight | Letters, packages, mail |
| Access to Mailboxes | Cannot access any USPS boxes | Exclusive access to all PO Boxes |
| Typical Delivery Time | 1-5 business days | 1-10 business days (service dependent) |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Generally less expensive |
💡 Pro Tip: Use USPS for PO Box Delivery
If you have a PO Box and need to receive packages:
- • When ordering online, choose USPS shipping if available (not UPS or FedEx)
- • Send mail online with USPS delivery for delivery to PO Boxes
- • For large packages, use USPS Priority Mail or Parcel Post
- • USPS delivers to all PO Boxes—UPS and FedEx do not
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UPS deliver to a PO Box?
No, UPS cannot deliver to PO Box addresses. UPS drivers cannot access USPS post office boxes, so packages addressed to PO Boxes will be returned to sender. You must provide a physical street address for UPS delivery.
Why can't UPS deliver to PO Boxes?
UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes because PO Boxes are located inside USPS post offices and are only accessible by postal employees. UPS drivers deliver to physical addresses only and cannot enter post office facilities to access PO Boxes.
What happens if I ship a UPS package to a PO Box?
If you ship a UPS package to a PO Box address, UPS will attempt delivery, realize it's a PO Box, and return the package to the sender. The sender may be charged return shipping fees. You will not receive the package.
Can I use my PO Box street address for UPS delivery?
Some post offices allow 'street addressing' where you use the post office's street address with your box number as a unit number (e.g., '123 Main St Unit 456'). Check with your local post office—if they accept this format, UPS can deliver to it as a physical address.
What are alternatives to PO Boxes for UPS delivery?
Alternatives include: UPS Store mailbox with street address, General Delivery at your local post office, UPS Access Point locations for package pickup, workplace delivery address, or a trusted friend/family member's address.
Does USPS accept UPS packages at PO Boxes?
No, USPS does not accept packages from private carriers like UPS or FedEx for delivery to PO Boxes. Only items mailed through USPS can be delivered to PO Box addresses.
Need to Send Mail to a PO Box?
Use USPS instead of UPS for PO Box delivery. Send mail online with USPS delivery—upload your letter and we'll mail it the same day (orders by 8 PM ET) with delivery to any PO Box address.
Send Mail to PO Box via USPS📚 Related Shipping Guides
Last updated: • Complete UPS PO Box delivery guide
Tags: can UPS deliver to PO box, UPS PO box delivery, UPS to PO box, does UPS deliver to PO boxes, UPS PO box restrictions, UPS PO box alternative