Hold for Pickup
Also known as: Hold at Location, Will Call, Pickup at Facility
Definition
Hold for pickup is a service that directs a package to be held at a carrier location instead of delivering it to your door. This gives you control over when and where you receive your package.
Hold for Pickup Options
Carrier Facilities
- Post offices (USPS)
- UPS Customer Centers
- FedEx Ship Centers
- Distribution centers
Retail Locations
- UPS Store locations
- FedEx Office
- Walgreens (FedEx)
- Dollar General (FedEx)
- CVS (UPS)
Package Lockers
- Amazon Lockers
- UPS Access Points
- USPS gopost
- Parcel Pending
How to Request Hold for Pickup
Before Shipping (Shipper)
- Select “Hold for Pickup” at checkout
- Choose pickup location
- Recipient receives notification
After Shipping (Recipient)
USPS:
- Track package at USPS.com
- Select “Hold for Pickup”
- Choose post office location
- Bring ID to collect
UPS:
- Use UPS My Choice account
- Find incoming package
- Select “Change Delivery”
- Choose UPS location
FedEx:
- Track at FedEx.com or app
- Sign into Delivery Manager
- Redirect to hold location
- Select preferred site
Pickup Requirements
What to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Tracking number
- Notification slip (if applicable)
Authorization:
- Usually only addressee can pick up
- Some carriers allow authorized persons
- Written authorization may be required
- ID of authorized party needed
Hold Duration
| Carrier | Hold Period | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 15 days | Can extend |
| UPS | 7 days | Varies |
| FedEx | 5 days | Varies |
| DHL | 7 days | Available |
After hold period expires, packages are returned to sender.
Benefits of Hold for Pickup
Security:
- No porch theft risk
- Package in secure location
- Not visible to passersby
Convenience:
- Pick up when you’re ready
- No missed deliveries
- No waiting for redelivery
Control:
- Choose your schedule
- Combine with other errands
- Multiple pickups at once
When to Use Hold for Pickup
Good scenarios:
- Valuable packages
- Not home during delivery hours
- Unsafe delivery location
- Traveling but package arrives
- High-theft neighborhood
- No secure place to leave packages
Consider alternatives when:
- Multiple packages daily
- Heavy/bulky items
- Far from pickup locations
- Limited transportation
Hold for Pickup vs. Package Lockers
| Feature | Hold for Pickup | Package Locker |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Business hours | 24/7 access |
| Size limits | Most sizes | Limited by locker |
| Signature | At counter | Not required |
| Availability | Widespread | Growing network |
| Cost | Usually free | Usually free |
Tips
- Set up accounts - Registered users get more options
- Know locations - Find your nearest pickup points
- Watch expiration - Don’t let packages return to sender
- Bring ID - Always required for pickup
- Check hours - Some locations have limited hours
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