What Is the Cut-Off Time for UPS Next Day Air?

Dec, 4 2025

If you’re shipping something that absolutely needs to arrive tomorrow, you don’t have time to guess when UPS stops picking up packages. The cut-off time for UPS Next Day Air isn’t the same everywhere, and missing it by even 15 minutes can push your shipment to the next day. Knowing the exact window matters-especially if you’re running a small business, sending medical supplies, or trying to meet a client deadline.

UPS Next Day Air Cut-Off Times by Location

The standard cut-off time for most UPS Next Day Air shipments is 3:00 p.m. local time at the origin location. But that’s not the whole story. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, many UPS Access Point locations and customer centers extend their hours. Some stay open until 5:00 p.m. or even 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Rural areas, on the other hand, might close as early as 2:00 p.m.

For example, if you’re dropping off a package at a UPS Store in downtown Seattle at 4:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, you’re likely still good. But if you’re in a small town in Montana and drop it off at 3:30 p.m., you might miss the cut-off. The key is checking the specific location’s hours before you go.

How to Find Your Local Cut-Off Time

There’s no single national time for UPS Next Day Air. UPS adjusts cut-off times based on regional sorting center schedules, transportation routes, and local demand. Here’s how to find the exact time for your area:

1. Go to ups.com and use the Find a Location tool.
2. Search for the nearest UPS Store, UPS Access Point, or customer center.
3. Click on the location and check the Hours section.
4. Look for the note that says “Last drop-off for Next Day Air”-it’s usually listed under service hours.

If you’re shipping from home or a business, your cut-off time is tied to when the UPS driver makes their final pickup. That’s usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in urban areas, but it can be as early as 4:00 p.m. in suburbs or smaller towns. You can schedule a pickup online and see the exact window you’re guaranteed.

What Happens If You Miss the Cut-Off?

Missing the cut-off doesn’t mean your package is lost. It just means it won’t leave your city until the next business day. If you drop off a package at 3:30 p.m. in a location with a 3:00 p.m. cut-off, your package will be held overnight and processed the following morning. That pushes your delivery from tomorrow to the day after.

Some businesses try to beat the system by dropping packages off at 2:55 p.m. and hoping the driver hasn’t left yet. That’s risky. Drivers follow strict routes and schedules. If they’ve already closed their truck for the day, your package won’t make it in-even if it’s five minutes before.

UPS Next Day Air vs. Other Services

It’s worth comparing UPS Next Day Air to other options, especially if your deadline is tight:

Comparison of UPS Overnight Services

Service	Delivery Time	Typical Cut-Off	Price Range (US)
UPS Next Day Air	By 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.	3:00 p.m. local	$75-$150
UPS Next Day Air Saver	By end of day	3:00 p.m. local	$65-$130
UPS Next Day Air Early	By 8:30 a.m.	1:00 p.m. local	$120-$200
USPS Priority Mail Express	By 3:00 p.m. or 10:30 a.m.	2:00-4:00 p.m. local	$30-$100

UPS Next Day Air Early guarantees delivery by 8:30 a.m., but you have to drop off your package by 1:00 p.m.-which is why it’s more expensive. If you don’t need it that early, Next Day Air Saver gives you the same overnight service but without the morning guarantee. It’s often 15-20% cheaper.

Weekends and Holidays

UPS Next Day Air doesn’t operate on Sundays in most areas. If you ship on Friday after the cut-off, your package won’t move until Monday. That’s important if you’re shipping to a client who expects delivery on Monday. Plan ahead.

Holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day affect cut-off times too. UPS often moves cut-offs earlier by a few hours the day before major holidays. In 2024, the cut-off for Next Day Air the day before Christmas was 1:00 p.m. in many metro areas. Always check the UPS holiday schedule before shipping near a holiday.

Pro Tips for Reliable Next-Day Delivery

• Always label your package with “Next Day Air” clearly. Drivers scan packages quickly, and a missing label can cause delays.
• Use UPS’s online shipping tool to print labels. It automatically selects the right service and cut-off based on your address.
• If you’re shipping from a business, set an internal deadline of 2:00 p.m. to give yourself a buffer. That way, even if someone forgets to hand off the package until 2:45 p.m., you’re still safe.
• For critical shipments, consider UPS’s Delivery Signature Required option. It prevents misdelivery and gives you proof of receipt.
• Track your package in real time. UPS sends SMS or email updates when your package is picked up, sorted, and out for delivery.

What About International Shipments?

UPS Next Day Air is a domestic service within the U.S. If you’re shipping internationally, you need UPS Worldwide Express or UPS Worldwide Express Plus. Those services have different cut-off times-usually 2:00 p.m. or earlier-and require customs documentation. Don’t assume Next Day Air works overseas. It doesn’t.

For example, if you’re in Wellington, New Zealand, and need to send something to Los Angeles for delivery tomorrow, you’d need to use UPS Worldwide Express. The cut-off there is typically 2:00 p.m. local time in Wellington. Your package would arrive in LA by 10:30 a.m. the next business day.

Final Checklist Before You Ship

• Confirm the cut-off time for your exact drop-off location.
• Make sure your package is ready to go-no last-minute packing.
• Print and attach the correct label.
• Use a reliable scale to avoid overweight fees.
• Double-check the recipient’s address and phone number.
• Save your tracking number. Don’t rely on email alone.

UPS Next Day Air is fast, reliable, and widely used-but only if you respect the clock. Treat the cut-off time like a flight departure: miss it, and you’re waiting for the next one. Plan ahead, check local hours, and you’ll never be stuck with a late delivery again.