UPS observes nine full-closure holidays in 2026, plus two modified-service days at year-end. On closure days, standard Ground, Air, and Home Delivery are suspended. UPS Express Critical runs 365 days a year for urgent shipments.
UPS Holiday Schedule for the United States 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Closed |
| January 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Closed |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter | Closed |
| May 10 | Sunday | Mother’s Day | Closed |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Closed |
| July 4 | Saturday | Independence Day | Closed |
| September 7 | Monday | Labor Day | Closed |
| November 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Closed |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Closed |
Modified Service Days (Year-End)
| Date | Day | Event | What’s Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | Air and international Air only — pickup must be prearranged by December 18 |
| December 31 | Thursday | New Year’s Eve | Air and international Air only — pickup must be prearranged by December 28 |
Days UPS Remains Open Despite Federal Holidays
UPS does not close on these US federal holidays:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| February 16 | Monday | Presidents Day |
| June 19 | Friday | Juneteenth |
| July 3 | Friday | Independence Day (observed) |
| October 12 | Monday | Indigenous Peoples’ Day |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day |
| November 27 | Friday | Day after Thanksgiving |
History of UPS
James E. Casey founded UPS in 1907 in Seattle as the American Messenger Company — deliveries were made on foot and by bicycle. By 1919, the company had expanded enough to adopt the name United Parcel Service. Today, UPS operates in 220 countries and territories from its headquarters in Atlanta.
What Are the Shipping Options that UPS Offers?
UPS Ground Service
A time-definite ground service delivered by UPS trucks, taking 1–5 business days depending on distance. Popular for e-commerce retailers needing reliable domestic delivery.
UPS Next Day Air
Guarantees delivery the next business day. Early option arrives before 8 am; Saver option before 4:30 pm. Not available on closure days.
UPS Express Critical
Available 24/7/365, including all holidays. Routes packages via air or the fastest available path. Pricing is premium but guarantees delivery even on full-closure days.
UPS Worldwide Express
An international time-definite service with five sub-levels, money-back guarantee, and in-house customs clearance.
UPS SurePost
A domestic, high-volume ground service that uses the UPS network for most of the journey and hands off final-mile delivery to USPS. Maximum weight: 70 lbs. Also covers APO/FPO military addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track my UPS parcel?
When UPS picks up your parcel you receive a tracking ID by email. Enter it at ups.com to follow your shipment in real time. You can also track by reference number or a UPS InfoNotice number.
What happens to a package in transit during a UPS holiday?
Packages already in transit hold at a UPS facility and resume movement the next business day. Time-definite services may add one business day to their guaranteed delivery window.
Does UPS deliver on Saturdays?
Yes, for certain service levels. Saturday delivery is available for UPS Ground, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air in most areas — but expect no Saturday delivery when a closure holiday falls nearby.
Does UPS deliver on Sundays?
Standard UPS services do not deliver on Sundays. UPS My Choice members may access Sunday delivery in select areas for an additional fee.
What should I do if my parcel is lost?
Contact UPS customer service or visit your nearest UPS store to open a trace request. Claims for lost or damaged packages can be filed at ups.com/claims.
