Dropping Off Shipments and Scheduling Pickups

Once you've generated your labels in ShipGenius, you have two options for getting your packages into the carrier network: dropping them off at a carrier location or scheduling a pickup from your address. This article covers both options for UPS and USPS.

Dropping Off USPS Shipments

USPS shipments can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

• Your local Post Office — the most reliable option. Any staffed Post Office counter will accept prepaid shipments regardless of size or weight.
• USPS blue collection boxes — suitable for packages that fit in the slot. Most blue boxes have a maximum thickness of around 3/4 inch for the slot opening, so larger parcels won't fit.
• Your own mailbox — if the package fits and your carrier can take outgoing mail from your box, you can leave it with the flag up. This works for lightweight packages but is not always reliable for larger parcels.
• Some retail partners — select Staples, Walmart, and other authorized USPS retail partners accept USPS drop-offs. Check the USPS location finder to confirm.

To find the nearest Post Office or USPS drop-off location, use the USPS location finder at usps.com/find-location.

Dropping Off UPS Shipments

UPS shipments can be dropped off at:

• The UPS Store — UPS Store locations accept all prepaid UPS shipments and will scan your package in at drop-off, giving you an immediate tracking confirmation.
• UPS Customer Centers — staffed UPS facilities that accept packages and offer extended hours in many markets.
• UPS Access Point locations — authorized retail partners such as CVS, Michaels, and other local businesses that act as UPS drop-off and pickup points.
• UPS drop boxes — unstaffed drop boxes located throughout most metro areas. These accept packages up to a certain size — check the box for posted size limits.

To find the nearest UPS drop-off location, use the UPS location finder at ups.com/dropoff.

Scheduling a USPS Pickup

USPS offers free package pickup from your home or business address on any day your carrier delivers mail. You don't need to be present — you can leave packages in your mailbox, on your porch, or wherever your carrier typically delivers.

To schedule a USPS pickup:

• Go to tools.usps.com/schedule-pickup-steps.htm
• Enter your pickup address and the number of packages you're sending.
• Select your pickup date — you can schedule for the next delivery day or up to 30 days in advance.
• Confirm and you're done. You'll receive an email confirmation with your pickup details.

USPS pickup is free for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and international shipments. First-Class Package and Ground Advantage pickups are also accepted at no charge when scheduled alongside eligible services.

Scheduling a UPS Pickup

UPS offers both on-demand pickups and recurring scheduled pickups depending on your account type and shipping volume.

On-Demand Pickup

An on-demand pickup schedules a driver to come to your address for a one-time collection. This is useful if you don't have regular UPS pickup service set up. On-demand pickups may carry a per-pickup fee depending on your UPS account terms.

To schedule an on-demand UPS pickup:

• Go to ups.com and log into your UPS account.
• Navigate to Shipping and select Schedule a Pickup.
• Enter your pickup address, the number of packages, and your preferred pickup window.
• Confirm the request. You'll receive a confirmation number to track the pickup.

Daily Pickup (Recurring)

If you ship with UPS regularly, you can arrange a daily scheduled pickup through your UPS account representative. A driver will come to your address at a consistent time each business day regardless of whether you have packages. Daily pickup typically requires a monthly service fee and is most cost-effective for businesses shipping 10 or more packages per day.

Tips for Faster Drop-Off

• Always apply your label before arriving at the drop-off location. Carriers cannot print labels on your behalf for ShipGenius-generated shipments.
• For USPS, dropping off at a staffed Post Office counter and requesting a scan receipt gives you immediate proof of acceptance in the USPS tracking system.
• For UPS, The UPS Store will scan your package at drop-off and hand you a receipt. UPS drop boxes and Access Points may have a delay before the first scan appears in tracking.
• Check carrier cutoff times. Drop-offs after the daily cutoff at a given location will be processed the following business day.

FAQs

Can I drop off a UPS package at the Post Office?

No. UPS and USPS are separate carrier networks. UPS packages must be dropped off at a UPS location — The UPS Store, a UPS Customer Center, a UPS Access Point, or a UPS drop box.

Can I drop off a USPS package at a UPS Store?

No. The UPS Store only accepts UPS shipments. USPS packages need to go to a Post Office, a USPS blue box, or an authorized USPS retail partner.

Is USPS pickup really free?

Yes, for most service types including Priority Mail and Ground Advantage. There is no additional charge to schedule a pickup — your carrier simply collects the packages during their regular delivery route.

Does UPS charge for on-demand pickups?

It depends on your UPS account terms. Some accounts include on-demand pickup at no extra charge, while others are billed a per-pickup fee. If you ship UPS frequently, a daily scheduled pickup arrangement is usually more cost-effective. Check with your UPS account representative for specifics.

What if my package is too large for a drop box?

Take it to a staffed location. For USPS, any Post Office counter will accept it. For UPS, head to The UPS Store or a UPS Customer Center — both accept packages of any size within carrier limits.

How do I know if my drop-off was accepted?

Your tracking number will update once the carrier scans the package into their system. Staffed counter drop-offs typically show a scan within minutes. Drop boxes and Access Points may take a few hours until a driver collects them.