Every year, Americans come together on November 11 to honor and remember the courageous men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day of reflection and gratitude — but also a day that raises practical questions for businesses and individuals alike. Among the most common is this: does UPS work on Veterans Day?
The clear answer for 2025 is yes — UPS will operate on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, across the United States. All standard UPS services, including pickup and delivery, will remain open and active. However, understanding the finer details — such as exceptions, store hours, and how UPS compares to other carriers — can make a big difference if you’re planning shipments that week.
UPS OPERATIONS ON VETERANS DAY 2025
UPS treats Veterans Day as a regular business day. Since it’s not one of the company’s major observed holidays, their facilities, drivers, and support staff continue operations without interruption.
That means:
- UPS Ground – Running on a full schedule with normal delivery times.
- UPS Air Services (Next Day Air®, 2nd Day Air®) – Operating without changes.
- UPS International Shipping – Active and processing packages globally.
- UPS Freight and Supply Chain Services – Fully operational for business deliveries and logistics.
- UPS Customer Centers – Open for pickups and drop-offs.
- UPS Store® Locations – Most open during standard hours (check your local store to confirm).
In short, if you need to ship a time-sensitive package, you can count on UPS to deliver as usual.
UPS SERVICES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DELAYS
While UPS itself remains open, there’s one important exception to keep in mind. Some UPS services rely on USPS (United States Postal Service) for the final stage of delivery. Because USPS observes Veterans Day as a federal holiday, those particular UPS services may experience brief delays.
The affected services include:
- UPS Mail Innovations®
- UPS SurePost®
- UPS Ground Saver
If your shipment uses one of these services, it’s likely that USPS will hold the package until the next business day (Wednesday, November 12) for final delivery. To avoid any delay, UPS recommends selecting UPS Ground or Air services, which operate independently from USPS.
WHY UPS STAYS OPEN ON VETERANS DAY
UPS’s decision to remain open on Veterans Day reflects both business practicality and customer service.
As one of the world’s largest logistics companies, UPS serves millions of businesses that rely on uninterrupted delivery to keep operations running smoothly. E-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors all depend on timely shipping — and closing for a federal holiday could disrupt that flow.
Veterans Day also marks the beginning of the busy holiday shipping season, when online sales and package volumes increase dramatically. By maintaining normal operations, UPS helps ensure customers experience no delay in supply chains or personal deliveries.
It’s worth noting that while UPS does not close for Veterans Day, it does observe a few major holidays when all services are suspended, such as:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Veterans Day, however, is not on that list, making it a regular workday for UPS employees.
WHAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD EXPECT
For individuals and businesses shipping on or around Veterans Day, here’s what you can anticipate from UPS operations:
1. Regular Pickup and Delivery
UPS drivers will operate on standard routes, with normal pickup and delivery times. If you’re expecting a shipment, it should arrive as scheduled.
2. Business Operations Unaffected
Most commercial and industrial clients will continue receiving UPS deliveries as usual, so business supply chains remain uninterrupted.
3. USPS-Dependent Shipments Slightly Delayed
Packages that require USPS delivery (e.g., SurePost) will be delayed by one business day. Plan ahead if you’re shipping using these economy options.
4. Tracking and Customer Support Available
All UPS tracking tools and customer service hotlines remain fully active. Customers can monitor shipments in real time via UPS.com or the UPS mobile app.
5. UPS Access Point® Services
If you’ve arranged delivery to a UPS Access Point location, you can still collect your package during regular business hours on Veterans Day.
COMPARISON: UPS VS OTHER CARRIERS ON VETERANS DAY 2025
If you’re deciding which carrier to use during the Veterans Day week, here’s how UPS stacks up against other major delivery services:
| Carrier | Operational Status on Veterans Day 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | Open | All services operational; USPS-linked services may delay. |
| FedEx | Open | FedEx Express, Ground, and Freight continue service. |
| USPS | Closed | No mail delivery or retail operations; post offices closed. |
| Amazon Delivery | Open | Regular delivery schedules; delays possible in rural areas. |
UPS and FedEx are the best options for uninterrupted shipping on Veterans Day, while USPS will be closed in observance of the federal holiday.
THE UPS STORE® HOLIDAY HOURS
While corporate UPS operations remain open, UPS Store® locations are independently owned and may adjust hours slightly for Veterans Day.
In most cases, however, stores operate on normal schedules.
Typical UPS Store Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (some exceptions)
You can confirm local hours using the UPS Store locator tool online.
At The UPS Store, you can:
- Ship and package items
- Purchase shipping supplies
- Use printing, fax, and mailbox services
- Drop off pre-labeled returns and outgoing packages
Because UPS Store locations act as the primary public-facing part of the UPS network, most franchise owners choose to remain open on Veterans Day to serve customers during the busy pre-holiday season.
UPS’S CONNECTION TO THE MILITARY COMMUNITY
UPS doesn’t just work on Veterans Day — it actively supports veterans and their families all year long. The company has made major commitments to hire, support, and honor U.S. military personnel through several initiatives.
Here’s how UPS honors veterans:
- Veteran Hiring Programs: UPS has hired tens of thousands of military veterans across the United States, from delivery drivers to leadership positions.
- Military Spouse Employment: The company offers flexible opportunities for spouses of active-duty service members.
- The UPS Veterans Business Resource Group (VBRG): An internal program designed to mentor veterans and help them transition smoothly into civilian careers.
- Community Partnerships: UPS collaborates with organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative.
- The UPS Foundation: Provides funding for programs that assist veterans with education, housing, and mental health support.
These long-standing commitments make UPS’s operations on Veterans Day even more meaningful. Employees who have served are often recognized internally during the week, with company-wide acknowledgments of their service and dedication.
SHIPPING TIPS FOR VETERANS DAY WEEK
Shipping activity typically increases in November as the holiday season approaches. To ensure a smooth experience, here are some smart shipping tips if you’re sending or receiving packages around Veterans Day:
- Ship Early: Avoid potential bottlenecks by sending packages before the long weekend rush.
- Use UPS Ground or Air for Speed: Choose these options for guaranteed delivery times.
- Double-Check Addresses: Mistyped addresses are one of the most common causes of delays.
- Use UPS My Choice®: This free service allows you to track, reschedule, or redirect packages easily.
- Prepare for Weather: November weather can affect transport in some regions. Consider using durable packaging materials and waterproof labeling.
- Track Continuously: UPS tracking updates in real time, even during holidays, so you’ll always know where your package is.
- Avoid USPS-Based Options: If you need a delivery on Veterans Day itself, stick with UPS-only routes.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT DURING VETERANS DAY
UPS customer support remains available throughout Veterans Day. Customers can reach the company for help via several channels:
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-742-5877 (1-800-PICK-UPS)
- UPS Live Chat: Available 24/7 on the official UPS website.
- Social Media: UPS provides updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
- UPS Mobile App: Provides shipment tracking, pickup scheduling, and delivery alerts directly to your phone.
This comprehensive support ensures that, even on holidays, UPS customers never face uncertainty about their shipments.
FINAL THOUGHTS: DOES UPS WORK ON VETERANS DAY?
In 2025, UPS will operate normally on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11. All major delivery and pickup services will run on schedule, making it one of the most reliable carriers during this federal holiday.
The only minor exception applies to USPS-partnered services, which may face a brief delay since post offices close for the day. Still, for businesses, online retailers, and individuals, UPS remains a dependable choice for consistent service.
As the nation honors veterans, UPS also continues its tradition of supporting military personnel — not just in words, but through active hiring, community outreach, and continued service to millions of Americans.
Are you planning to ship something this Veterans Day? Tell us how you use UPS services during holidays and help others plan their shipments smoothly!