Fact Check: Are ups delivering today?

Are UPS Delivering Today?

The claim in question pertains to whether UPS is delivering packages on a specific day, particularly during the holiday season. Given the complexities of shipping schedules, especially around holidays, this inquiry requires a thorough examination of UPS's operational calendar and any relevant announcements.

What We Know

1. UPS Holiday Operations Schedule: According to the UPS Holiday Operations Schedule for 2023, there are specific days when UPS does not provide pickup or delivery services. Notably, UPS does not operate on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1) 12. However, UPS Express Critical® service is available every day of the year, including holidays, for urgent packages 1.

2. Normal Operations: Regular UPS pickup and delivery services are scheduled to resume on January 2, 2024, following the New Year holiday 2. During the holiday season, UPS emphasizes the importance of planning shipments ahead of time to ensure timely delivery 8.

3. Holiday Shipping Deadlines: UPS has set specific deadlines for holiday shipping to ensure packages arrive by December 25. These deadlines vary based on the destination and shipping method 46.

4. External Sources: Various articles and resources provide insights into UPS's holiday operations. For instance, a report from Supply Chain Dive outlines the holiday shipping deadlines for UPS and other carriers, reinforcing the notion that UPS does not operate on certain holidays 4.

Analysis

Source Reliability

• Official UPS Documents: The primary sources of information regarding UPS's holiday operations are official documents from UPS itself, such as the Holiday Operations Schedule 12. These documents are likely to be reliable as they come directly from the company, which has a vested interest in accurately communicating its operational capabilities.

• Industry Reports: Articles from industry publications like Supply Chain Dive 4 and EasyPost 6 provide additional context and corroborate UPS's holiday schedule. However, while these sources are generally credible, they may have varying degrees of bias depending on their audience and purpose.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, such as those from shipping services or logistics companies, might have a vested interest in promoting their own services during the holiday season. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating their claims about UPS's operations.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence presented is primarily based on UPS's official documentation and corroborated by industry analyses. However, the lack of real-time updates or specific day-to-day operational changes can make it challenging to ascertain the exact status of deliveries on any given day. For instance, while UPS's holiday schedule is clear, unexpected operational changes could occur due to weather, staffing issues, or other logistical challenges.

Additional Information Needed

To fully understand whether UPS is delivering on a specific day, it would be beneficial to have:

• Real-time updates from UPS regarding daily operations, especially during peak holiday periods.
• Customer testimonials or reports on delivery status for specific dates to gauge actual service levels.
• Clarification on the scope of services available under UPS Express Critical® on holidays.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that UPS is delivering packages on a specific day during the holiday season is false for certain dates, specifically Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1), when UPS does not provide regular delivery services. The evidence supporting this conclusion is derived from UPS's official Holiday Operations Schedule and corroborated by industry reports that outline the company's operational limitations during holidays.

It is important to note that while UPS Express Critical® service is available every day, including holidays, this service is intended for urgent packages and may not reflect the standard delivery operations that most customers expect. Additionally, the evidence is limited to the information available up to October 2023, and any unforeseen operational changes or updates from UPS could affect delivery status on specific days.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding shipping services and verify details directly with UPS or other reliable sources, especially during peak holiday periods when operational changes may occur.

Sources

1. UPS Holiday Operations Schedule 2023: UPS PDF
2. 2023 Holiday Schedule: UPS PDF
3. UPS Holiday Schedule: UPS
4. FedEx, UPS and USPS set holiday shipping deadlines for 2023: Supply Chain Dive
5. The holidays can be hectic; holiday shipping doesn't have to be: WWEX PDF
6. 2023 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL: EasyPost
7. 2023 Year-End Holiday Schedule: UPS PDF
8. UPS Holiday Schedule 2023: What You Need to Know: ShipScience
9. 2023 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: USPS, UPS, and FedEx: ShipSaving
10. 2023 Holiday Season: UPS Schedule & ShipScience Guide: ShipScience