How to Find Package Pickup/Dropoff Locations Near You
If you’re shipping a package with one or multiple package companies, use Circuit Package Tracker to track your shipments.
Do you have a package to ship but are unsure how to go about the shipping process?
If so, we feel ya.
Sending a package out for shipping can be a tedious task, especially for small businesses or customers who don’t do it often.
For starters, where do you even drop the package off?
With US package volume reaching a record high of 21.5 billion in 2021, delivery companies have started powering up their package shipping game — and offering more options than ever.
This has made the shipping process easier for customers. With several pickup and dropoff options available, convenience is practically at your fingertips.
In this post, I explain how to find package pickup and delivery locations near you.
How package pickup requests work, by carrier
Most companies offer doorstep pickup services these days, meaning you won’t have to break a sweat to ship your package.
Typically, you must go to the carrier’s website and fill out the information, including your address, phone number, and details about the package.
Next, you must schedule a pickup by selecting the date and time, and they’ll send a delivery driver to collect your package.
UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL all have straightforward and user-friendly processes to schedule pickups through their websites.
In this section, we cover how to request package pickups for each of these courier services.
How to request a UPS package pickup
You can schedule a UPS package pickup by filling out a form with your location, package information, and pickup date and time.
You can find the form on the UPS website.
First, answer some shipping label questions — basically, whether you have a pre-printed UPS shipping label for your package.
If your package has tracking numbers, you can enter them to check if your pickup charges are prepaid.
Next, enter your pickup information and location.
This includes your:
- UPS account number
- Company or name
- Address
- Contact name and information
If the location is a residential address, check the box labeled “Residential Address,” or use a UPS access point or UPS dropoff point through a local business.
Then, enter information under the Service and Package Information section.
Here, you must pick the number of packages in your pickup and select UPS services (UPS Domestic Services or UPS International Services) as shown on your shipping or return labels.
If your pickup has items that weigh more than 70 pounds, select the “Yes” option to the question.
You’re now through the most tedious parts.
Next, select a date and time your shipment will be ready for pickup (mention your earliest pickup time and the latest preferred pickup time).
You also have the option to add your preferred pickup location, pickup reference, and special instructions.
If you want to cancel or reschedule your pickup, visit your pickup history or contact UPS to arrange a new pickup date and time.
After this step, you can add your mobile number and up to five email addresses for pickup notifications or request confirmations.
You can also request a smart pickup, which lets you automatically arrange for a recurring pickup on-demand.
You can schedule your smart pickup by filling out a form with your UPS account number and UPS account ZIP code.
How to request a FedEx package pickup
With FedEx, you have two pickup options: one-time pickup and recurring FedEx pickup.
You can arrange a one-time package pickup by logging into your account, creating your shipping labels, and completing your pickup request.
If you don’t already have an account with FedEx, you can create an account through the website.
If you’re a one-time shipper, you create a user ID if you don’t want to set up an account with FedEx.
After logging in, you’ll have to create a label with FedEx Ship Manager. On the FedEx website, select the “Shipping” option and click on “Create a Shipment” from the drop-down menu.
Select the “Shipping” option and click on “Schedule & Manage Pickups” from the drop-down menu to schedule a new pickup without creating a label.
You can skip this step if you have an account. Just log in and go to “Scheduling a Pickup.”
Next, you must enter some details. This includes your account details, “To” and “From” addresses, package information, and pickup location.
At this step, you must select which service type you want to use for your package.
The three service types are:
- FedEx Express Pickup
- FedEx Ground Pickup
- FedEx Express Freight Pickup
After completing your pickup request, FedEx will send a delivery driver to your location to pick up your package.
How to request a USPS package pickup
Shipping a package through USPS? You can schedule your pickup through the USPS website.
Get faster and easier scheduling with a USPS.com account. If you don’t have one, you can create a personal or business account.
On the first page (“Where should we pick up your package(s)?”), fill in information about where USPS will pick up the package or packages.
This information also includes your phone number and email address.
The address will be pre-filled if it’s saved on your USPS account. Just double-check to make sure everything is correct.
After filling in all the details, click the “Check Availability” button to continue.
If the service is available, you’ll have to answer whether there’s a dog at the address — USPS doesn’t want any surprises.
Then, you’ll see “Where will you leave your package(s)?”
Choose from the available choices in the drop-down list:
- In/at mailbox
- On the porch
- Front door
- Backdoor
- Side door
- Knock on door
- Ring bell
- Mailroom
- Office
- Reception
- Other
If you pick “Other,” you must explain where you’ll be leaving your package.
Go to the next step after completing these instructions.
Next, you must schedule the pickup time.
You don’t have to pay anything if you schedule the pickup during your courier’s regular mail route.
It costs $25 to schedule a pickup during specific times.
You can choose between the two options by clicking the checkbox to either “Pick up during regular mail delivery” or “Pick up at a specific time.”
After selecting the pickup time, you must pick the date for package pickup.
Next, you must tell USPS how many packages are for pickup for different types of services. These include:
- Priority Mail Express
- Priority Mail
- First-Class Package Service
- Returns
- International
- Other
Include the number of packages by typing the figure into boxes against these options.
You also have to fill in the total weight of the packages.
Just make sure you use a prepaid shipping label — you can’t use small stamps on packages bigger than 10 ounces.
Also, your packages can’t weigh more than 70 pounds each or be bigger than 130 inches in any direction.
After this step, you must agree to the terms of use statement by clicking the checkbox.
Then, click the “Schedule a pickup” button (below the terms of use).
How to request a DHL package pickup
You can request a DHL package pickup by creating a label through the website.
As all packages need a DHL shipping label, you must choose between two options under the “Do you need to create a shipping label?” field.
If you don’t need to create a shipping label, click “No” and add either a DHL waybill number or a DHL account number to schedule a pickup.
If you need to create a label, pick “Yes – Create Label.” This process has three main steps:
- Create Shipment
- Pay
In the first step, fill in details under the “From” and “To” sections. This includes names, shipping addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
After that, fill in the information under the “Shipment Details” section.
If your shipment contains legal, financial, or business paperwork, click the “Documents” button and describe the documents in your package.
You also have to mention the reference as it appears on the shipping label or waybill.
Under “What is the value of your shipment?,” estimate and give the value of your shipment in US money.
Select the “Packages” option if your shipment contains goods, merchandise, or commodities for personal or commercial purposes.
Then, explain the contents of your shipment in detail. You need to mention the items in your package and the quantity.
As with documents, add the references as they appear on the shipping label or waybill. You also need to give an estimated value of your package in USD.
You can also add shipment protection to your package.
After this step, under “Select Packaging,” fill in the packaging type, quantity, weight, and dimensions.
Next, select a payment option and pay for the transportation charges.
After this, choose the date you’re sending the package.
Then, schedule the pickup by picking the date and time in the “Do you want to schedule a courier pickup?” section. You must also pick one of the drop-down options to the question, “Where should the courier pick up the shipment?”
Next, review the total pickup weight and the pickup address.
Finally, complete the payment process. After the last step, print the label for your package and get it ready for pickup.
How to prepare your package for pickup
Ever received a package that was completely damaged?
Yes, it’s happened to the best of us.
But unless you’re certain the package recipient is fine with accepting a broken package, it’s probably a good idea to prepare it properly.
Here’s how to prepare your package for pickup.
1. Box your items
When preparing your items for pickup, you first need to figure out what kind of package you need.
Choose from several different options based on your needs. Some of these are:
- Tubes
- Mailers
- Standard shipping boxes
- Freight boxes
Tubes are great for lightweight goods like cosmetics, art and graphic images, or food items. Paper tubes are sturdy, cost-effective, and can be stacked on top of each other to save space.
Mailers are great envelopes for shipping documents and paperwork. They come in multiple sizes and can be padded on the inside.
Standard shipping boxes consist of corrugated cardboard. They come in different shapes and box strengths, so you can choose a package based on your requirements.
Freight boxes or bulk bins are large and sturdy. You can choose from different materials, such as corrugated cardboard, wood, and plastic.
2. Protect your contents
You’ve probably seen the GIF of airport baggage handlers tossing around bags.
So, in all likelihood, your package will be moved (maybe even tossed 🤨) around a lot during the shipping process.
It’s a good idea to protect your items with high-quality packing materials.
Choose from different packing materials depending on your package and contents, such as:
- Packing peanuts
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Crinkle paper
- Air pillows
- Foam
- Molded package inserts
While bubble wrap is great for delicate items like glass and electronics, you can also use packing peanuts and packing paper to fill empty spaces in the package.
Crinkle paper and air pillows are ideal for cushioning items. Mold package inserts can hold items firmly in place, and foam is great for insulating certain items.
3. Seal your package
After boxing your contents securely, seal your package with carton-sealing or shipping tape along all open areas and edges.
Various types of tape are available. The one you should choose depends on your package.
For example, you might choose duct tape if you want something strong and waterproof. Or you can use masking tape if the box is important and you don’t want to leave any stains on the box once the tape is opened or removed.
4. Label your package
Label your package so there are no issues during the shipping process.
If you’re printing a mailing label, stick it on a clean and smooth surface on your package.
If you’re handwriting the address, use a permanent marker or ink that doesn’t smear.
Remember to use the correct address format and ZIP code, and don’t forget to add your return address.
5. Apply postage
Not a lot is free in this world — including sending packages.
So, you’ll need to figure out postage to ship your package. Shipping costs depend on a number of things, including the package size and weight, its destination, and its contents.
After preparing your package for pickup, just request a pickup time and be ready when the courier arrives to collect your package.
Do package pickup requests cost money?
While some courier services charge money for pickup requests, others don’t.
This depends on several things, like the delivery service, your location, and the package size and weight.
- With USPS, it’s free if you plan the pickup during a courier’s mail route. However, if you schedule a pickup during a specific time, it costs $25.
- UPS charges $6.80 per package for a same-day request and $5.80 for a future-day request.
- FedEx Express Pickup applies a charge of $4 per package.
- DHL applies an additional charge per shipment if the location is remote.
How to find package dropoff locations by carrier
Ever been waiting all day at home only for the courier to cancel their visit for the day? Well, going to the package dropoff location might involve a bit more effort, but at least you’re not at the delivery person’s mercy.
Finding a location to drop off packages can be easy if you know how to go about the process.
UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL have dropoff locations across the country.
How to find the nearest UPS location
UPS has more than 5,000 stores in the US. You can drop off your package at your nearest location and complete the shipping process from your end.
Visit the UPS Store website to locate the nearest store to you.
Your browser will ask you to share your location. Once you click “Yes,” the search box is auto-filled with the location of the nearest store.
You can also click “No” and manually browse the map to select locations.
Filters allow you to select stores that are open on the weekends.
The UPS Store offers professional shipping and packaging services. This includes:
- Custom shipping boxes
- Moving boxes
- Packing supplies for domestic, international, and freight shipping services.
These stores also offer printing, shredding, notary, and postal services to individuals and small businesses.
How to find the nearest FedEx location
You can choose from over 2,000 locations by selecting the FedEx Office option. Many are open for longer than other shipping services.
FedEx Office offers domestic and international shipping services.
Find the nearest FedEx Office by using the FedEx locator.
FedEx Office also offers packaging, printing, passport photos, and expediting services.
You can ship domestic and international packages from FedEx Ship Centers, including some approved dangerous goods (like dry ice and fireworks).
You can drop off FedEx Ground packages or hold your FedEx Express package for pickup.
Find a FedEx Ship Center by typing your ZIP code in the “Ship Center” search bar.
Being one of the largest companies in the market, FedEx offers the added convenience of dropping your shipment off at some of your nearest convenience stores.
For example, you can drop off your package at your nearest Walgreens. Some locations are open around the clock.
Use the FedEx locator to easily find a Walgreens that offers FedEx services near you. These locations also offer pickup services.
You can also drop off your FedEx packages at the closest Dollar General — but your packages must be pre-packaged and pre-labeled.
Dollar General offers FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services.
You can also pick up your packages from Dollar General. Use the FedEx locator to find one near you.
Over 300 Walmart stores offer FedEx Office services. You can easily pack, ship, and print at FedEx Office during your shopping trip.
As with other FedEx dropoff options, you can choose a location near you to drop off your package using the FedEx locator.
With FedEx at Office Depot and OfficeMax locations, you can use the FedEx locator to find the closest option.
Available at over 1,000 locations, they offer domestic and international shipping with FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services.
You can drop off your packages at the counter, purchase packing supplies, and even get help with packaging.
You can even visit independently owned and operated stores that offer FedEx services to drop off your packages.
These places cater to domestic and international shipments and packing needs.
Enter your ZIP code in the “FedEx Authorized ShipCenter” search bar to find the nearest store.
If you prefer no-contact shipping, you can find a FedEx Drop Box near you to drop off your FedEx Express or FedEx Ground packages. They are open 24/7 and offer fast and convenient shipping services.
You can find the closest FedEx Drop Box by entering your ZIP code in the “FedEx Drop Box Network” search bar.
How to find the nearest USPS location
The USPS offers services at several locations besides post offices.
You can search for the nearest USPS location using your city, state name, or ZIP code and drop off your packages there.
Choose the location type you need:
- Post office
- National retailer
- Collection box
- Self-service kiosk
- Village post office
- Contract postal unit
- Gopost
You can also pick the radius you’d like to search — 1 mile, 5 miles, 10 miles, and so on.
National retailers like Walmart, Staples, Sam’s Club, Costco, Albertsons/Safeway, Office Depot, Walgreens, CVS, and United Heritage Credit Union offer USPS services at most retail locations.
Use the USPS locator to find the closest option.
How to find the nearest DHL location
Dropping off a package at DHL is convenient, as DHL allows users to use multiple filters and streamline their search.
On the DHL locator page, you can pick a location based on country or region. Then, enter your full address or ZIP code to find the nearest DHL location.
Next, select whether it’s a dropoff or collection.
After selecting dropoff, choose the payment and handling options.
Select package dimensions and store hours to slim down your search more.
Package pickup/dropoff FAQs
While we’ve already covered a lot about package pickup and dropoff, you may still have questions. We’re here to help!
How can I track the packages I ship?
Tracking your package depends on the courier service you use. Typically, though, the courier service will give you a tracking number to enter into the courier service website to locate the package.
If the courier service uses a specific tracking solution, they may send the tracking number and instructions to locate your package to your mobile device or email address.
You can also use the Circuit Package Tracker to track your deliveries.
Just enter your tracking number in the search bar, select your carrier, and click on the “Track my package” button.
It can also auto-detect your carrier.
Circuit Package Tracker can tell you what delivery stage your package is at, the location of the package, and the estimated arrival time (if available).
Circuit Package Tracker works for hundreds of courier services worldwide, including most courier services in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and South America.
You can also download the Circuit Package Tracker app for iOS and Android for even easier tracking and custom alerts.
What is the cheapest way to ship packages?
The price of shipping packages depends on several factors, including the package size and weight, the departing location and destination, the delivery service, and the delivery window.
USPS is generally cheaper for lighter and smaller packages, charging $11.69 for a 2-pound package from Sacramento to Columbus (versus FedEx and UPS charging roughly $18).
If your package weighs more than two pounds, you can use a USPS priority mail flat rate medium box.
If your package weighs more than five pounds, you can use a USPS priority mail flat rate large box.
If you want your package delivered within a particular delivery window, keep in mind that charges also depend on the courier service. USPS Express offers the cheapest overnight delivery.
Although UPS and FedEx are more expensive regarding a one- to three-day delivery window, they guarantee delivery times. UPS’s rates start at $12.40 for a small box compared to $12.05 for FedEx.
You can also negotiate with these courier services to get shipping discounts if you have recurring deliveries of considerable volume.
DHL is another popular courier service that offers competitively priced domestic and international delivery services. They offer faster and more affordable services for international deliveries.
How can I ship a freight box?
When you ship large items — especially if they weigh more than 150 pounds — you need to make sure that your packages are packed and shipped safely.
FedEx, UPS, and DHL offer freight shipping services.
Consider simplifying your shipping process by choosing from FedEx’s freight box options.
FedEx offers two freight transportation options.
- FedEx Freight for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments: Sent by truck and available throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico
- FedEx Express Freight: Sent by air and available to US destinations and over 220 countries and territories
Use UPS freight shipping to ship very large items with convenience and ease.
UPS offers four freight shipping options:
- Ground freight
- Air freight
- International
- Ocean freight
In addition to freight shipping, certified packing experts at UPS can help you with your packing needs. They can build the crate, pack your items, and ship them to the destination.
DHL offers several types of domestic and international freight shipping services, including air freight, ocean freight, road freight, and rail freight.
They also offer same-day, door-to-door freight delivery services.
Can I ship packages from my home mailbox?
Depending on where you live and the size of your packages, you might be able to ship packages from your home mailbox.
Still, it must meet certain USPS requirements.
After picking a box for your items, preparing and packing your box, and addressing your package, you need to arrange a pickup with USPS and apply a shipping label to your package.
Next, you must calculate and apply the correct postage.
You can use the USPS postage calculator and enter your package information to get postage prices for different services.
Whether you use stamps or printed postage, it goes on the top-right corner of your package.
If your package weighs less than 0.625 pounds and is less than half-inch thick, you can put it in your mailbox for carrier pickup after using postage.
Or you can drop your package in a blue collection box or post office lobby mail slot.
Easily track the packages you ship
So, there you have it! We hope you found this article helpful. Go in order and feel free to create a checklist to make sure you aren’t forgetting any steps.
Most importantly, don’t forget to pack your packages properly (after all, you don’t want your recipient receiving an empty package.)
Before shortlisting a service provider, remember to check their prices and see how far the closest drop-off center is from your home or workplace.
And don’t forget to read reviews — we’d hate to know your package disappeared midway.
