UPS Access Point is UPS’s retail network for parcel drop-off and pickup outside the UPS Customer Center and UPS Store footprint. As of 2026, the US Access Point network exceeds 40,000 locations — wider geographic coverage than UPS Stores combined with USPS Post Office locations. For a side-by-side look at every drop-off option, see our guide to UPS access points and Customer Centers. For small business shippers and online consumers alike, Access Point is the path of least friction for getting a parcel into or out of the UPS network.
What is a UPS Access Point?
A UPS Access Point is a participating retail location — typically a pharmacy, hardware store, grocery, or convenience store — that accepts pre-labeled UPS packages for drop-off and holds inbound UPS deliveries for pickup. The retailer is not a UPS employee; they receive parcels on UPS’s behalf and tender them at the next UPS pickup. Access Points handle UPS Ground, UPS Air, and UPS International shipments equally.
How much does it cost to use UPS Access Point?
UPS Access Point service is included free with any UPS shipment. There is no per-drop charge and no per-pickup charge to the consumer. For ParcelPath shippers, the only cost is the underlying UPS shipping rate, which ParcelPath provides at up to 89% off UPS retail.
| Drop-off / pickup option | Locations (US) | Fee | Hours typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Access Point | 40,000+ | Free | Retail hours (often 8am–10pm) |
| UPS Customer Center | ~1,000 | Free | Business hours, M–F |
| UPS Store | ~5,000 | Free for pre-labeled drop-off | Retail hours, M–Sat |
| UPS Drop Box | ~40,000 | Free | 24/7 |
| Scheduled UPS Pickup | n/a (your address) | $5–10 per pickup or included with daily pickup contract | Driver’s normal route |
How to find a UPS Access Point near you
Use the UPS locator at ups.com/dropoff — filter by Access Point only and enter a ZIP code or address. Most US ZIP codes have at least one Access Point within 1 mile; dense urban areas typically have 5–10. The locator shows operating hours, current package counts (where displayed), and the next scheduled UPS pickup time.
Access Point for inbound deliveries (recipients)
Recipients can opt into Access Point delivery via UPS My Choice (free signup at ups.com/mychoice). Once enrolled, any UPS inbound shipment can be redirected to the nearest Access Point — typical use cases: avoiding porch theft, accepting a delivery while at work, or having a place to receive a package when traveling. UPS holds inbound parcels at the Access Point for 7 calendar days before returning to sender.
Who should use UPS Access Point through ParcelPath?
Small businesses without a daily UPS pickup contract save trip time by dropping pre-labeled UPS shipments at the nearest Access Point — often closer than the local UPS Customer Center and with longer hours. Ecommerce sellers who ship multiple packages a day from a home office or small storefront can typically clear an entire day’s outbound at a single Access Point visit. Print your ParcelPath UPS labels at home (or use UPS Mobile Barcode for printerless shipping), drop at any Access Point, done.
Is UPS Access Point free?
How many UPS Access Points are there in the US?
Can I ship UPS packages from an Access Point?
How long does an Access Point hold my inbound UPS delivery?
References
- UPS. (2026). UPS Access Point Network. ups.com/dropoff
- UPS. (2026). UPS My Choice. ups.com/mychoice
- ParcelPath. (2026). Printerless UPS Shipping.
Disclosure: Drafted with AI assistance, verified against UPS Access Point public documentation. ParcelPath ships UPS and USPS labels only. Last updated: June 4, 2026.
Part of our UPS Locations and Access Points guide. Related: UPS Drop Off Locations, UPS Locations, UPS Store Services.
