Every year, Americans pause on November 11 to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. But for businesses and individuals depending on shipping services, one common question always arises — does UPS work on Veterans Day?
The answer is yes. UPS will be fully operational on Veterans Day 2025, offering regular pickup and delivery services across the United States. However, there are a few important details and service exceptions that customers should know when planning shipments for that day.
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UPS OPERATIONS ON VETERANS DAY 2025
Unlike some federal holidays, Veterans Day does not affect UPS’s standard operating schedule. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, all major UPS services will continue without interruption.
Here’s what that means for customers:
- UPS Domestic Ground Service: Open and delivering on schedule.
- UPS Air and International Shipping: Fully operational with no planned delays.
- UPS Freight and Supply Chain Solutions: Open and running normal routes.
- UPS Store® Locations: Most stores will remain open during their usual business hours.
- UPS Drop Boxes: Pickups will continue as normal, so you can drop off packages anytime.
This consistency makes UPS a reliable choice for individuals and businesses who need packages to arrive on time, even when many government offices and postal services are closed.
WHAT SERVICES MAY EXPERIENCE DELAYS
Although UPS itself remains open, certain hybrid shipping options that rely on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) may see slight delays.
These include:
- UPS Mail Innovations
- UPS SurePost®
- UPS Ground Saver
Since USPS observes Veterans Day as a federal holiday and suspends mail delivery and retail operations, packages transferred from UPS to USPS for final delivery will likely experience a one-business-day delay.
To avoid these potential slowdowns, customers are encouraged to select UPS Ground or Air services that do not depend on USPS handoff.
WHY UPS STAYS OPEN ON VETERANS DAY
While many companies observe Veterans Day with closures, UPS continues operations because it is not a federal agency. The company is a private carrier that serves millions of daily shipments worldwide, and keeping its network active ensures timely service for customers.
Veterans Day falls right before the busy holiday shipping season, a time when businesses rely heavily on carriers to move inventory efficiently. By staying open, UPS helps avoid bottlenecks that could impact the flow of packages across its national and international network.
WHAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD KNOW
If you plan to ship or receive packages around Veterans Day 2025, here are some helpful points to consider:
- Plan Ahead for USPS-Linked Shipments: If your shipping label says “Mail Innovations,” “Ground Saver,” or “SurePost,” allow one extra day for delivery.
- Verify Local UPS Store Hours: While corporate operations remain open, store hours can vary by franchise location. Checking in advance ensures you don’t miss drop-off deadlines.
- Use Online Tracking: The UPS tracking system continues to update in real time during Veterans Day.
- Expect Normal Pickup Service: Businesses that rely on daily UPS pickups can expect regular service unless a prior scheduling change was requested.
- Consider Air Services for Urgent Packages: UPS Next Day Air® and 2nd Day Air® remain available for time-sensitive deliveries.
HOW UPS SUPPORTS VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES
UPS doesn’t just work on Veterans Day — it actively supports veterans and their families throughout the year. The company has a long-standing tradition of employing military veterans, reservists, and members of military families across the organization.
UPS Veteran Initiatives Include:
- Veteran Hiring Programs: UPS has committed to hiring thousands of U.S. military veterans in its logistics, management, and delivery departments.
- Military Spouse Employment Support: Offering flexible roles and benefits to accommodate family relocations and deployments.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations that provide resources for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
- Charitable Giving: Through the UPS Foundation, the company funds initiatives focused on education, mental health, and job training for veterans.
These efforts reflect UPS’s recognition of the sacrifices made by service members and their families — fitting perfectly with the values celebrated on Veterans Day.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER CARRIERS
If you’re deciding which carrier to use for a shipment around Veterans Day, here’s how UPS compares with other major services:
| Carrier | Operating Status on Veterans Day 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | Open | Regular operations; slight delay only for USPS-linked services. |
| USPS | Closed | No mail delivery or retail counter services. |
| FedEx | Open | All FedEx Express, Ground, and Freight services operating normally. |
| Amazon | Open | Regular deliveries; schedules vary by region. |
As shown above, UPS and FedEx maintain full service on Veterans Day, while USPS remains closed. This makes UPS a dependable option for ensuring packages reach their destinations without delay.
UPS STORE HOURS AND CUSTOMER ACCESS
Most UPS Store® locations across the United States will keep normal business hours on November 11. However, since The UPS Store locations are independently owned and operated, exact hours may vary.
General UPS Store Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (select locations open with reduced hours)
You can check your nearest store’s hours online through the UPS Store locator or by calling ahead.
VETERANS DAY SHIPPING TIPS
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of UPS services during Veterans Day week:
- Ship Early: With schools and offices closed, many people send packages around the holiday, leading to heavier volumes.
- Avoid USPS Hybrid Services: Choose UPS-only shipping methods for guaranteed delivery on or after Veterans Day.
- Label Clearly: Include accurate addresses and contact information to prevent delays in sorting.
- Use UPS My Choice®: This free service allows recipients to reschedule deliveries or reroute packages for added convenience.
- Track Continuously: UPS tracking remains active throughout the holiday, providing accurate delivery updates.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND CONTACT INFORMATION
If you need help during Veterans Day, UPS customer support will be available as usual.
Contact Options:
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-742-5877 (1-800-PICK-UPS)
- UPS.com Chat Support: Available 24/7
- Social Media: UPS provides updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time notifications about holiday shipping and service alerts.
FINAL THOUGHTS: DOES UPS WORK ON VETERANS DAY?
Yes — UPS does work on Veterans Day. Whether you’re expecting a delivery or planning to send a package on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, you can count on UPS for reliable service.
All major UPS operations, including pickup, delivery, and retail services, will remain active across the country. The only minor delays may occur with USPS-linked services, so choosing direct UPS shipping is the best option for on-time delivery.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, UPS continues to honor service members — not only through active operations but also by employing and supporting veterans nationwide.
Are you planning to ship with UPS on Veterans Day? Share your experiences or tips below — we’d love to hear how you plan to make the most of the day!