Carrier Pickup
Also known as: Scheduled Pickup, Package Pickup, Daily Pickup
Definition
Carrier pickup is when a shipping carrier sends a driver to your location to collect packages instead of you bringing them to a carrier facility. This service ranges from on-demand single pickups to recurring daily pickups for high-volume shippers.
Types of Pickup Services
On-Demand Pickup
- Request when you have packages
- Pay per pickup
- One-time scheduling
- Good for occasional shippers
Daily Pickup
- Recurring scheduled pickups
- Set days/times
- Weekly fee or included with volume
- Best for regular shippers
Smart Pickup
- Automatic when packages ready
- Technology-enabled notification
- Flexible timing
- Offered by some carriers
Carrier Pickup Options
UPS
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On-Call Pickup | ~$6-$8 | Same-day or scheduled |
| Daily Pickup | $30-$45/week | Regular scheduled visits |
| Smart Pickup | Included with Daily | Notifies when you ship |
| UPS Access Point | Free | Drop at store |
FedEx
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-Time Pickup | $4-$8 | Scheduled in advance |
| Recurring Pickup | $10-$20/week | Scheduled days |
| FedEx Express Drop Box | Free | After-hours option |
| FedEx Office | Free | Drop off anytime |
USPS
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Package Pickup | Free | Next-day, with carrier |
| Carrier Pickup | Free | With regular mail delivery |
| Pickup On Demand | $25+ | Same-day service |
DHL
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On-Demand Pickup | Varies | Time-window options |
| Regular Pickup | Account-based | Scheduled recurring |
Scheduling a Pickup
Online Scheduling
- Log into carrier website
- Select pickup service type
- Choose date and time window
- Enter package count and details
- Confirm pickup location
- Receive confirmation
Phone Scheduling
- Call carrier customer service
- Provide account number
- Specify pickup details
- Note confirmation number
Shipping Software
- Integrates with carrier APIs
- Schedule from shipping platform
- Automatic for daily pickups
- Centralized management
Pickup Time Windows
| Carrier | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| UPS | 2-4 hour window |
| FedEx | 2-4 hour window |
| USPS | With mail delivery |
| DHL | 2 hour window available |
Note: Premium options available for narrower windows.
Pickup Requirements
Package Preparation
- All packages labeled and ready
- Packages sealed and secure
- Pickup location accessible
- Manifest printed (if required)
Location Requirements
- Safe, accessible area
- Clear identification for driver
- Weather protection if needed
- Instructions for finding packages
Pickup Best Practices
Before the Pickup
- Complete all labels before driver arrives
- Have packages in one location
- Provide clear pickup instructions
- Include contact number for driver
Maximizing Efficiency
- Batch shipments for single pickup
- Set recurring schedule for consistency
- Use end-of-day manifest
- Train staff on preparation
Missed Pickups
If carrier doesn’t show:
- Check confirmation details
- Contact carrier customer service
- Reschedule or arrange drop-off
- Document for any service credits
Common causes:
- Weather/road conditions
- Driver running late
- Incorrect pickup address
- Pickup location not accessible
Cost Considerations
Daily pickup economics:
- Weekly fee vs. per-pickup cost
- Break-even around 5+ pickups/week
- May be negotiable for volume
- Factor in time savings of not dropping off
Free alternatives:
- USPS free pickup
- Carrier retail locations
- Drop boxes
- Partner locations (Walgreens, UPS Store)
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