Call 1-800-742-5877 to request a UPS pickup, or use the UPS mobile app or website to schedule one online without calling

UPS offers three ways to request a pickup: by phone, through their website, or through their mobile app. The phone number is 1-800-742-5877, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer not to call, you can schedule a pickup through ups.com or the UPS Mobile app in minutes, and you'll receive a confirmation with your pickup time window.

A pickup request tells UPS to send a driver to your address to collect packages you have ready. This is useful if you ship regularly, have multiple packages, or don't want to carry items to a UPS location yourself. UPS charges for pickups depending on your account type and shipping volume — some business accounts include free pickups, while others charge per pickup or require a monthly fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-742-5877 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, or schedule online through ups.com or the UPS Mobile app anytime.
  • You must have a UPS account (free or paid) and a valid shipping label on each package before requesting a pickup.
  • Pickup requests are usually fulfilled the same business day if you call before 2 p.m., or on the next business day if you schedule online.
  • Pickup costs vary by account type — some business accounts include free pickups, while others charge per pickup or require a monthly subscription.
  • If you don't have a UPS account yet, you can create one free at ups.com before requesting your first pickup.

What you need before calling or scheduling online

Have your UPS account number ready when you call. If you don't have one, you can create a free account at ups.com in a few minutes using your email address and a password. You don't need to be a business — individuals can create accounts and request pickups too.

Each package must have a valid UPS shipping label already attached. The label can be printed at home, generated through the UPS website, or created through a third-party shipping service like Shopify or Etsy. UPS drivers will not pick up packages without labels, because the label tells the driver where the package is going and how much postage has been paid.

Have your packages packed and ready in one spot — near your front door, in a garage, or at a loading dock if you're a business. Tell the UPS driver where to find them when they arrive. If packages are scattered or not ready, the driver may skip the pickup and you'll need to request again.

How to schedule a pickup by phone

Call 1-800-742-5877 and tell the representative you want to schedule a pickup. Have your UPS account number and the number of packages ready. The representative will ask for your address, the best time for the driver to arrive, and any special instructions (for example, "packages are in the garage" or "ring the bell twice").

If you call before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day, UPS usually picks up the same day. If you call after 2 p.m. or on a weekend, the pickup is scheduled for the next business day. You'll receive a confirmation number and a time window — typically a two-hour range when the driver will arrive.

The phone line can have wait times during busy periods, especially early morning and late afternoon. If you're in a hurry, the online or app method is usually faster.

How to schedule a pickup online or through the app

Go to ups.com and sign in with your UPS account. Click "Schedule a Pickup" or look for the shipping menu. Enter your address, the number of packages, and your preferred pickup date and time. You can choose a specific time window or let UPS assign one based on driver availability in your area.

In the UPS Mobile app, tap the menu, select "Shipments," then "Schedule a Pickup." Follow the same steps as the website. Both methods show you available time windows before you confirm, so you can pick a time that works for you.

Online and app requests are confirmed when ready with a confirmation number. You'll receive an email with your pickup details. Unlike phone requests, online pickups are not may provide for the same day — most are scheduled for the next business day, though some areas offer same-day scheduling depending on when you request.

What happens when the UPS driver arrives

The driver will come to your address during the scheduled time window. Have your packages in an straightforward-to-reach spot and make sure each one has a label facing outward so the driver can scan it. The driver will scan each package, confirm the count matches your request, and take them with them.

You'll receive a receipt or confirmation on the driver's handheld device. Some drivers email or text a photo of the pickup, but this varies. You can track your packages through the UPS website or app using the tracking numbers on your labels — the tracking updates when the driver scans them at the pickup.

If a package is missing a label or damaged, tell the driver before they leave. If you're not home when the driver arrives, they'll leave a notice and you'll need to request another pickup.

Pickup costs and account types

Pickup fees depend on your UPS account. Some business accounts include free pickups as part of their plan. Others charge per pickup (usually $5 to $10) or require a monthly subscription (around $15 to $30 for unlimited pickups). Personal accounts and occasional shippers may be charged per pickup.

When you call or schedule online, the system will show you the pickup cost before you confirm. You can also check your account settings on ups.com to see what your plan includes. If you ship frequently, a monthly pickup subscription often costs less than paying per pickup.

What to do if you can't reach UPS by phone

If the phone line is busy or you prefer not to call, use the UPS website or mobile app — both let you schedule without speaking to anyone. The app is often faster during peak hours because it doesn't depend on representative availability.

You can also request a pickup in person at any UPS Store or UPS Customer Center. Walk in with your packages and ask to schedule a pickup. Staff can often arrange one for the same day or next business day, and they can answer questions about your specific account.

If you use a third-party shipping service like Shopify, Etsy, or Pirate Ship, those platforms often have built-in pickup request buttons. You may not need to call UPS directly — the service handles the request for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a pickup on weekends or holidays?

You can schedule a pickup online or through the app anytime, but the pickup itself will be on the next business day. The phone line is only open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. UPS does not pick up on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays.

What if I don't have a UPS account yet?

Create a free account at ups.com using your email and a password. It takes a few minutes and you don't need a business license or credit card to start. Once your account is active, you can request pickups when ready.

Do I need to pay for the pickup before the driver arrives?

No. The pickup fee (if there is one) is charged to your UPS account after the pickup is completed. You won't be asked to pay the driver in cash or by card at your door.

What if my packages aren't ready when the driver arrives?

Tell the driver and ask if they can wait a few minutes. If your packages aren't ready, the driver will leave a notice and you'll need to request another pickup. It's best to have everything packed and labeled before the scheduled time.

Can I cancel or change a pickup after I've scheduled it?

Yes. Call 1-800-742-5877 or log into your UPS account online and modify or cancel the request. If you cancel before the driver arrives, there's usually no fee. Changes must be made before the scheduled pickup time.