UPS Shipping Label Maker — Free Template

UPS Ground is the workhorse for heavier domestic shipments — once your package hits 2 lbs and is crossing multiple zones, UPS typically beats USPS on price. For a 5 lb package going coast-to-coast, UPS Ground often comes in $3–$6 cheaper than USPS Priority Mail. UPS uses dimensional weight pricing (length × width × height ÷ 139) for all packages, so right-sizing your box matters: a lightweight item in a big box gets charged for the dimensional weight, not actual weight. Tracking uses the 1Z format — 18-character codes you can follow in real time on ups.com. Know the surcharges before you ship: residential delivery adds roughly $5 per package, and a fuel surcharge (currently 10–15%) is applied on top of base rates. UPS Access Points let recipients pick up at nearby businesses, which cuts residential fees in some cases. For e-commerce sellers, UPS shines on packages 2–70 lbs going long distances, especially when you access discounted rates through Pirate Ship or similar platforms — often 50% below UPS retail counter rates. Always compare UPS Ground against FedEx Ground for the same shipment; they're usually within pennies but one or the other wins depending on the specific origin-destination pair.

UPS service ladder

Every UPS service, fastest first, with the delivery commitment, the ceiling and what it costs against the base service. Service names link to the full guide — either its own page or its section further down this page.

ServiceDelivery commitment
UPS Next Day Air EarlyNext business day by 8–9 AM (ZIP-dependent)
UPS Next Day AirFull guideNext business day by 10:30 AM
UPS Next Day Air SaverNext business day by 3:00 PM commercial / 4:30 PM residential
UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.2nd business day by 10:30 AM or noon
UPS 2nd Day AirEnd of the 2nd business day
UPS 3 Day SelectEnd of the 3rd business day (contiguous 48 only)
UPS GroundFull guide1–5 business days — day-definite date quoted at booking
UPS Ground Saver2–7 business days; USPS hand-off adds 1–2 days
UPS SurePost2–7 business days; renamed UPS Ground Saver
UPS Worldwide ExpressFull guideBy 10:30 a.m. or noon on the scheduled day; 1–3 business days
UPS Worldwide SaverEnd of business day; 1–3 business days
UPS Standard3–7 business days to Canada and Mexico only

Commitments, cutoffs and surcharges change. Confirm the quoted date and price with UPS before you buy postage.

Who this is for

  • ✓E-commerce sellers shipping packages 2–70 lbs across multiple zones (Ground is the sweet spot)
  • ✓Small businesses sending 10–200 commercial B2B shipments per week
  • ✓Sellers who already use a discount broker (Pirate Ship, ShipStation, EasyPost) to access 30–50% off UPS retail
  • ✓Anyone shipping bulky but light items where FedEx Ground pricing comes out worse on specific routes

When UPSisn’t the right fit

  • •Sellers whose orders are mostly under 1 lb — USPS First Class Package is dramatically cheaper
  • •Anyone shipping to PO Boxes, APO/FPO, or rural-only addresses — UPS won't deliver
  • •High-volume FBA prep centers with negotiated carrier contracts already in place

How to create a UPS label in under a minute

  1. 1

    Enter addresses

    Paste your return address and the recipient's address into the form below. Double-check the ZIP — UPS rates are zone-based.

  2. 2

    Pick a service type

    Ground for standard 1–5 day delivery, 2nd Day Air when speed matters, Next Day Air for urgent. The template prints the UPS service indicator on the label.

  3. 3

    Choose 4x6 thermal format

    Thermal matches what a Rollo or DYMO 4XL expects. Use letter size only if you're taping labels to boxes from a standard printer.

  4. 4

    Download the PDF and print

    The label renders with UPS-style routing area, service band, and tracking placeholder.

  5. 5

    Buy postage separately

    Purchase UPS postage through Pirate Ship, ShipStation, or UPS.com, then write the real 1Z tracking number over the placeholder — or regenerate with the number filled in.

From (Sender)
To (Recipient)
Package Details
Label Options

Encodes the Reference Number above as a real, scannable code. Not a carrier tracking barcode — use for your own order IDs, SKUs, or RMA numbers.

Label Preview

UPS-STYLE FORMAT
From:
Sender address
Ship To:
Recipient address
Enter reference # to generate barcode
REF-000000
shippinglabel.co
Ship like a pro from $9/mo. Unlimited clean labels, 4×6 thermal printing, saved addresses. See plans → Cancel anytime.
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How it works: We format the label with your barcode/QR. Buy postage from your carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) — they add the tracking barcode at drop-off.

Limitations & caveats

  • •ShippingLabel formats the label but does not purchase UPS postage — you'll buy that through UPS, Pirate Ship, or another broker.
  • •The 1Z barcode area is a placeholder. Real scannable UPS tracking barcodes are only issued by UPS when postage is paid.
  • •International UPS labels require commercial invoice and customs forms that this tool does not generate.
  • •We can't apply negotiated account rates — you get UPS retail unless you pair this label with a discount broker.

Alternatives to consider

Pirate Ship
Use when When you want deeply discounted UPS Ground rates (typically 40–50% off retail) and don't mind creating a free account
ShipStation
Use when When you ship 50+ orders/day from multiple platforms and need automatic order sync with UPS label purchase in one step
UPS.com directly
Use when When you already have a negotiated UPS account rate or need UPS-specific services like Proactive Response

UPS services in detail

The numbers behind each tier — commitments, cutoffs, ceilings and what the upgrade actually costs.

UPS Next Day Air Early

Delivery
Next business day by 8–9 AM (ZIP-dependent)
Weight & size cap
—
Price vs base
~2–3× Next Day Air Saver

UPS Next Day Air Early is the fastest overnight delivery option from UPS, guaranteed to arrive by 8:00 or 9:00 AM (depending on destination ZIP) the next business day. It's the premium tier for time-critical shipments — medical, legal, high-stakes commercial. Our label maker creates properly formatted Next Day Air Early labels with the morning-delivery service indicator.

  • Next Day Air Early is the fastest US overnight — guaranteed morning delivery.
  • Costs ~2-3x UPS Next Day Air Saver. Only worth it for genuinely time-critical shipments.
  • Available to most major metro ZIP codes. Check UPS for service area to specific destinations.
  • Medical samples, legal documents, and trade deadlines are common use cases.
  • Pickup must be scheduled by 3-4 PM the day before delivery for most routes.

⚠️ An early-AM delivery to an unstaffed address doesn't wait — it rolls to a later attempt, converting the network's most expensive promise into an ordinary delivery. Staffing at the commitment hour is your half of the contract.

What time does Next Day Air Early deliver?
Typically 8:00 AM to most commercial ZIP codes. Residential addresses may see delivery by 9:00 AM. Specific time commitment varies by destination.
Is Next Day Air Early worth the cost?
Only if morning delivery is mission-critical. For most shipments, Next Day Air (10:30 AM) or Next Day Air Saver (end of day) are 50-70% cheaper.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS Next Day Air Saver

Delivery
Next business day by 3:00 PM commercial / 4:30 PM residential
Weight & size cap
Over 70 lb ships Next Day Air Freight
Price vs base
20–40% below Next Day Air Early

UPS Next Day Air Saver delivers by end of the next business day (up to 3:00 PM for commercial, 4:30 PM for residential). It's a cost-effective alternative to the earlier UPS Next Day Air and UPS Next Day Air Early for shipments that just need overnight delivery without the premium time window. Our label maker generates properly formatted UPS Next Day Air Saver labels with the correct service indicator, barcode area, and address formatting.

  • UPS Next Day Air Saver is cheaper than UPS Next Day Air Early by 20-40% — use it when morning delivery isn't required.
  • Standard delivery by 3:00 PM to commercial addresses, 4:30 PM to residential.
  • Available for most US zip codes. Check ups.com for service area confirmation.
  • Monday-Friday delivery. Saturday delivery available as an upgrade.
  • Packages over 70 lbs ship on Next Day Air Freight instead.

💡 Contiguous-US footprint: Saver doesn't serve Alaska and Hawaii — those lanes need the standard Next Day tiers. Gate the option by destination in your checkout.

What's the difference between Next Day Air and Next Day Air Saver?
Next Day Air delivers by 10:30 AM or noon. Next Day Air Saver delivers by end of business day (3 PM commercial, 4:30 PM residential). Saver is typically 20-40% cheaper.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes — UPS guarantees delivery by the committed time. If delivery is late (excluding weather/disaster), request a refund via ups.com/claims.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.

Delivery
2nd business day by 10:30 AM or noon
Weight & size cap
Over 150 lb must ship UPS Freight
Price vs base
20–30% above 2nd Day Air

UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. delivers by 10:30 AM or noon on the second business day after pickup — faster than standard UPS 2nd Day Air (which delivers by end of day). It's a middle-tier express option for business-to-business shipments where 2-day delivery is sufficient but morning arrival is preferred.

  • 2nd Day Air AM is typically 20-30% more expensive than standard 2nd Day Air.
  • Morning delivery commitment (by 10:30 AM or noon depending on destination).
  • Good compromise for business shipments where overnight is unnecessary but morning delivery is preferred.
  • Monday-Friday only. Saturday delivery requires upgrade.
  • Packages over 150 lbs must ship via UPS Freight instead.

💡 Audit recurring AM shipments quarterly: if the recipient's process actually starts at 2 p.m., the base 2nd Day tier delivers the same outcome and the premium is pure leakage.

How is 2nd Day Air AM different from 2nd Day Air?
2nd Day Air AM guarantees morning delivery (10:30 AM or noon). Standard 2nd Day Air delivers by end of day on the 2nd business day.
Is the price difference worth it?
For B2B shipments with morning requirements, yes. For consumer shipments where delivery timing is flexible, standard 2nd Day Air is more economical.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS 2nd Day Air

Delivery
End of the 2nd business day
Weight & size cap
—
Price vs base
40–60% above Ground

UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery by the end of the second business day, making it the perfect middle ground between cost and speed. Our label maker formats your shipping label with the correct UPS 2nd Day Air service indicator so your package is routed through the express network. Great for time-sensitive orders that do not require overnight delivery but cannot wait for Ground transit times.

  • UPS 2nd Day Air has a morning cutoff — drop off before the deadline for same-day processing.
  • Consider UPS 2nd Day Air AM if you need morning delivery by 10:30 AM.
  • This service includes UPS tracking and a delivery guarantee with a money-back option.
  • 2nd Day Air counts only business days — a Friday shipment arrives Tuesday.
  • Use our 4x6 label format for the cleanest barcode scanning at UPS facilities.

ℹ️ Business-day arithmetic applies: a Friday 2nd Day Air shipment arrives Tuesday. Sell dates, not day-counts, at checkout and the promise always reads true.

What is the delivery guarantee for UPS 2nd Day Air?
UPS guarantees delivery by the end of the second business day. If UPS misses the commitment, you may be eligible for a refund of shipping charges through UPS's Service Guarantee program.
How much does UPS 2nd Day Air cost?
Rates vary by package weight, dimensions, and distance. UPS 2nd Day Air typically costs 40-60% more than Ground but significantly less than Next Day Air. Check UPS.com for exact rates based on your shipment details.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS 3 Day Select

Delivery
End of the 3rd business day (contiguous 48 only)
Weight & size cap
—
Price vs base
Slightly above Ground, but guaranteed

UPS 3 Day Select offers guaranteed delivery within three business days at a lower cost than 2nd Day Air. It is the most economical UPS guaranteed-delivery service, bridging the gap between standard Ground shipping and premium express options. Our label maker formats your label with the correct UPS 3 Day Select service indicator for proper routing through the UPS network.

  • UPS 3 Day Select is often only slightly more expensive than Ground but includes a delivery guarantee.
  • This service delivers by end of business day — not before noon like some express options.
  • Great for cross-country shipments where Ground would take 4-5 days.
  • Pair with a 4x6 thermal label for the most professional-looking package.
  • Include a reference number on your label to match shipments to orders easily.

ℹ️ Mid-tier services are the most under-audited on invoices. If you ship 3 Day Select routinely, spot-check that the lanes still make sense — Ground's schedule improves over time, and yesterday's smart bridge can become today's overpay.

How does UPS 3 Day Select compare to UPS Ground?
UPS 3 Day Select guarantees delivery within 3 business days and includes a service guarantee. UPS Ground has no guaranteed delivery date and can take 1-5 business days. 3 Day Select costs slightly more but provides delivery certainty.
Is UPS 3 Day Select available everywhere?
UPS 3 Day Select is available for shipments within the contiguous 48 states. It is not available for shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, or international destinations.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS Ground Saver

Delivery
2–7 business days; USPS hand-off adds 1–2 days
Weight & size cap
70 lb; best under 10 lb
Price vs base
15–30% below UPS Ground

UPS Ground Saver (formerly UPS SurePost) is UPS's most affordable residential shipping option — ideal for lightweight e-commerce packages where speed matters less than cost. UPS handles the long-haul transport and USPS makes the final delivery to the recipient's mailbox or doorstep, which is how UPS keeps Ground Saver rates so low. For sellers on eBay, Etsy, Amazon FBM, and Poshmark shipping items under 10 pounds, Ground Saver is frequently 15–30% cheaper than UPS Ground and can beat USPS Priority Mail for certain weight/zone combinations. Our free UPS Ground Saver label maker generates a properly formatted 4×6 thermal or letter-size PDF with the Ground Saver service indicator in the correct position so carriers and USPS both route the package correctly.

  • UPS Ground Saver is the cheapest UPS service for packages under 10 lbs going to residential addresses.
  • Final delivery is handled by USPS — your recipient may see the package delivered to their mailbox.
  • Ground Saver requires a UPS account with negotiated rates; it's not available at counter retail.
  • Third-party shipping tools (ShipStation, Pirate Ship, Shippo) give you access to Ground Saver without direct UPS negotiation.
  • For urgent packages, UPS Ground is only 1-2 days faster and is worth the small upgrade cost.
  • Don't use Ground Saver for fragile items — the USPS handoff adds one more handling step and one more risk point.
Is UPS Ground Saver the same as UPS SurePost?
Yes. UPS rebranded SurePost to Ground Saver in 2022-2023. The service, rates, and delivery process are essentially the same — only the name changed. Some third-party tools still display 'SurePost' in legacy UI.
What's the weight limit for UPS Ground Saver?
UPS Ground Saver accepts packages up to 70 lbs, but the service is most cost-effective for packages under 10 lbs. Above 10 lbs, UPS Ground typically offers better value when you factor in faster delivery and fewer handoffs.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS SurePost

Delivery
2–7 business days; renamed UPS Ground Saver
Weight & size cap
70 lb; best under 10 lb
Price vs base
10–30% below UPS Ground

UPS SurePost is a cost-effective service for lightweight residential packages where UPS handles the long-haul transport and USPS makes the final delivery. This hybrid approach reduces costs for e-commerce sellers shipping lightweight items to residential addresses. Our label maker creates properly formatted UPS SurePost labels with the correct service type indicator.

  • UPS SurePost is ideal for packages under 10 lbs going to residential addresses.
  • Final delivery is made by USPS, so packages end up in the recipient's mailbox when possible.
  • This service is typically 10-30% cheaper than UPS Ground for qualifying packages.
  • UPS SurePost is only available through UPS account holders with negotiated rates.
  • Delivery times are slightly longer than UPS Ground due to the USPS handoff.

💡 Auditing old shipping presets after a carrier rename is a ten-minute task that prevents months of quiet mis-mapping — check service codes, not just display names.

What is UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost is a hybrid service where UPS transports the package to the destination area and USPS makes the final delivery. This reduces costs for lightweight residential deliveries.
What is the weight limit for UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost accepts packages up to 70 lbs, though it is most cost-effective for packages under 10 lbs. Heavier packages may be better suited for UPS Ground.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS Worldwide Saver

Delivery
End of business day; 1–3 business days
Weight & size cap
—
Price vs base
20–30% below Worldwide Express

UPS Worldwide Saver delivers to major international destinations by end of the next business day (1-3 business days for most routes). It's a cost-effective alternative to UPS Worldwide Express for shipments that don't require morning delivery internationally. Our label maker creates properly formatted Worldwide Saver labels with international service indicators and addresses.

  • Worldwide Saver is typically 20-30% cheaper than Worldwide Express.
  • End-of-business-day delivery to the destination country.
  • Includes customs clearance, tracking, and door-to-door service.
  • Available to 200+ countries and territories.
  • Commercial invoice required for all commercial shipments — UPS will generate it during label creation.

💡 Let checkout self-sorting fund the premium tiers: quote Saver as 'express' and Expedited as 'standard international', and buyers with real urgency pay the difference themselves.

How long does Worldwide Saver take?
1-3 business days to most international destinations. Canada: 1-2 days. Europe: 2-3 days. Asia/Australia: 2-3 days. South America: 3-5 days.
Does it include duties and taxes?
No by default — recipient pays at delivery. For DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), request this service when creating the label; seller pays the duties upfront.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS Standard

Delivery
3–7 business days to Canada and Mexico only
Weight & size cap
—
Price vs base
Most affordable UPS cross-border tier

UPS Standard is a guaranteed, day-definite cross-border service for shipments to Canada and Mexico. It provides the most economical way to ship internationally to North American neighbors with customs clearance included. Our label maker creates properly formatted UPS Standard labels with customs documentation references and service indicators for cross-border shipping.

  • UPS Standard is only available for shipments to Canada and Mexico from the US.
  • This is the most affordable UPS cross-border option with a delivery guarantee.
  • Customs clearance is included — UPS handles the border crossing process.
  • Include HS codes and item descriptions for smooth customs clearance.
  • Commercial invoices are required for all cross-border shipments.

⚠️ Never let 'receiver pays at the door' be an accident. Decide the duties-and-fees payer consciously at label time — it's the single biggest driver of cross-border review scores.

Where does UPS Standard deliver?
UPS Standard is available for shipments from the US to Canada and Mexico. For other international destinations, use UPS Worldwide services.
How long does UPS Standard take to Canada?
UPS Standard to Canada typically takes 3 to 7 business days depending on the origin and destination. Major Canadian cities receive faster delivery times.

↑ Back to the service ladder

UPS Shipping Label FAQ

Can I create a UPS shipping label without a UPS account?
Yes! Our tool creates UPS-formatted labels with your addresses and package details. You'll still need to purchase UPS postage separately through UPS.com or a UPS Store, but the label formatting is completely free.
What size should a UPS shipping label be?
Standard UPS labels are 4x6 inches, which is the default in our tool. This works perfectly with thermal label printers like Rollo or DYMO 4XL. We also offer 8.5x11 letter format if you're using a regular printer.
Does this label include actual UPS tracking?
No. Our tool creates the label layout and format. The barcode area is a placeholder for your actual UPS tracking number. To get a real tracking number with postage, you'll need to purchase shipping through UPS directly.
Can I use these labels for UPS Ground shipments?
Absolutely. Select 'Ground' as your service type and our tool will format the label with the proper UPS Ground indicator. The label layout follows UPS formatting standards for any service level.
What is UPS dimensional weight and how does it affect my shipping cost?
UPS calculates dimensional weight by multiplying length × width × height (in inches) and dividing by 139. If the result is higher than your package's actual weight, UPS charges the dimensional weight instead. For example, a 12" × 12" × 12" box has a DIM weight of about 12.5 lbs — so even if your item weighs 3 lbs, you'd pay for 12.5 lbs. The fix: use the smallest box that safely fits your item. Right-sizing is the single biggest way to cut UPS costs.
When does UPS beat USPS on price?
UPS Ground typically beats USPS once your package exceeds about 1–2 lbs and is crossing 4+ shipping zones. For a 5 lb package going from New York to California, UPS Ground with a third-party discount is often $2–$5 cheaper than USPS Priority Mail. For packages under 1 lb, USPS almost always wins. For packages going to PO Boxes or rural addresses, USPS is often the only option — UPS doesn't deliver to PO Boxes.

UPS service guides

Dedicated pages with a preset label form for these UPS services:

UPS Ground
1-5 business days
Cost-effective domestic shipping for non-urgent packages
UPS Next Day Air
Next business day
Urgent overnight delivery for time-critical shipments
UPS Worldwide Express
1-3 business days internationally
Urgent international express delivery to 220+ countries

Other Carrier Label Templates

USPS LabelsFedEx LabelsDHL Labels

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