Q: Does Amazon deliver with UPS? → A: Yes, Amazon still uses UPS for delivery, but this partnership is dramatically shrinking. UPS will reduce Amazon deliveries by more than 50% by the second half of 2026, as Amazon now handles over two-thirds of its own deliveries through Amazon Logistics.
For more information, see our complete guide: amazon business and logistics.
For more information, see our complete guide: Amazon.
Amazon’s shipping strategy has evolved from complete reliance on third-party carriers to building the world’s largest private logistics network. While UPS remains a delivery partner, their relationship represents a fundamental shift in e-commerce fulfillment as Amazon prioritizes its own delivery infrastructure.
Understanding how Amazon and UPS work together—and where they’re diverging—helps businesses and consumers navigate the changing landscape of package delivery. This transformation affects shipping costs, delivery speeds, and service reliability across the entire logistics industry.
How Does Amazon’s Current Shipping Network Actually Work?
Amazon operates a hybrid delivery model that combines its proprietary Amazon Logistics network with strategic partnerships across multiple carriers. Amazon Logistics now handles approximately 67% of Amazon’s U.S. package deliveries, while third-party carriers including UPS manage the remainder.
The Amazon delivery ecosystem includes:
- Amazon Logistics: Amazon’s internal delivery service using contracted drivers and delivery service partners
- Amazon Flex: Gig-economy drivers delivering packages using personal vehicles
- Traditional carriers: UPS, FedEx, and USPS for specific routes and service types
- Regional carriers: Local and regional delivery companies for specialized coverage
Amazon accounted for nearly 12% of UPS’s total revenue in 2024, representing 20-25% of UPS’s U.S. package volumes. This makes Amazon one of UPS’s largest customers, despite the planned volume reduction.
Why Is the Amazon-UPS Partnership Changing?
UPS reached an agreement in principle with Amazon in January 2025 to cut package delivery volumes by more than 50% by the second half of 2026. This strategic decision reflects UPS’s focus on higher-margin customers rather than high-volume, low-profit business.
The volume reduction allows UPS to pursue more profitable opportunities with small and medium businesses, medical product shippers, and international commerce. UPS has already reduced Amazon deliveries by 1 million packages per day during 2025.
What UPS Services Does Amazon Currently Use?
Amazon utilizes multiple UPS service levels depending on delivery requirements, package characteristics, and customer location. UPS handles specific types of Amazon shipments where their network provides advantages over Amazon’s internal logistics, and reviewing Amazon Shipping Policies And Methods can help clarify which carrier handles a given order.
Express and Time-Definite Services
UPS delivers Amazon packages requiring guaranteed delivery times, particularly for Prime members in areas where Amazon Logistics cannot meet service commitments. Key services include:
- UPS Next Day Air: Guaranteed next business day delivery by 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, or end of day
- UPS N
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon still use UPS for delivery in 2026?
Yes, Amazon continues using UPS for delivery, but the volume is decreasing significantly. UPS will reduce Amazon deliveries by more than 50% by the second half of 2026, while Amazon Logistics handles over two-thirds of Amazon’s deliveries independently.
Why is UPS reducing deliveries for Amazon?
UPS is focusing on higher-margin customers rather than high-volume, low-profit business with Amazon. This strategic shift allows UPS to pursue more profitable opportunities with small businesses, medical product shippers, and international commerce customers.
Can I choose UPS delivery for my Amazon orders?
Amazon automatically selects the carrier for each delivery based on factors like location, package type, and service level. Customers cannot manually choose UPS delivery, though Prime members can influence delivery speed through shipping preferences.
How will UPS rate increases affect Amazon deliveries?
UPS rates increased 5.9% on average starting December 2025, with minimum charges rising in 2026 (see current UPS pricing). These increases may accelerate Amazon’s shift away from UPS toward lower-cost alternatives like Amazon Logistics and USPS.
What happens if Amazon stops using UPS completely?
UPS doesn’t plan to eliminate all Amazon business after 2026, maintaining the remaining volume. However, any further reduction would likely be offset by Amazon’s continued expansion of its proprietary logistics network and partnerships with other carriers like FedEx.
Are there better shipping alternatives than UPS for small businesses?
Small businesses can access discounted UPS rates through platforms like ParcelPath, which offers 60-89% savings off retail UPS and USPS rates. Multi-carrier strategies using both UPS and USPS often provide the best combination of cost savings and service reliability.
This article is part of our comprehensive UPS guide, covering key topics like UPS Tracking and Delivery. Explore more in our Shipping Services and Solutions hub. ParcelPath helps you find the best shipping solutions for any need.
Part of our Amazon guide. Related: Amazon Peak Seasons and Holidays, Other Amazon Topics, Amazon Policies and Regulations.
