USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL Vacation Hold 101 | Easyship Blog

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Key Points:

• In order to request a vacation hold with the USPS, you’ll need to use their hold mail service which is completely free
• The FedEx Vacation Hold and redirect a package service are convenient services allowing customers to redirect and hold packages to several different locations, including FedEx Office, Walgreen’s, Dollar General, and other partner locations
• With DHL Express Holiday Hold, customers can request a vacation hold for packages

Whether it’s a vacation, leaving for an emergency or you’re on a business trip, there comes a time when everyone will be away from home and won’t be able to accept packages or gather their mail. In these situations, a vacation holds or hold mail request with USPS, UPS®, FedEx, and DHL will stop the delivery of packages until a specified timeframe.  

It’s an important service to keep in mind, as typically shipping companies will make a couple of attempts to deliver packages after which a package is marked failed delivery. They will keep the package for around 2 weeks, and after that, it is returned to the sender. To avoid the hassle of not receiving a package, it’s best to request a vacation hold from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.  

Here’s how to request a vacation hold with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

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How to Hold Mail and Packages with USPS

In order to request a vacation hold with the USPS, you’ll need to use their hold mail service which is completely free and can be accessed: in person, online, and by phone call.

By phone call:

A hold mail or package request can be activated by calling USPS during business hours one day prior: 1-800-ASK-USPS.

In-person:

Fill out an authorization form at the local post office during business hours. This can be printed and filled before the visit as well. Make sure to arrive before the closing time to activate a vacation hold with USPS starting from the next day.

Online:

• Sign up or log in if you already have an account. Before starting, check to see if the service is available in the local area. Enter the requested address to verify.
• Provide a valid mobile number for identification and then answer the requested questions. If the address is not recognized, then other methods will need to be attempted.
• USPS hold mail will ask to determine the number of days requested.
• Next, determine how to retrieve the mail once the USPS hold package service ends
• After all the verification and authorization, a request confirmation number will be displayed and a confirmation email will be sent to the provided email address. This number can be used afterward in case of problems with the request or changes are necessary.

How much does the Hold Mail Service Cost for USPS?

The hold mail service is provided for free by USPS.

USPS hold Package for pickup options:

Once the hold mail request has expired, USPS will deliver the mail if it can easily fit in the mailbox. In many cases though, it’s best to visit the post office in person to retrieve the held mail and packages.

How long does USPS hold mail while on vacation?

The USPS will hold mail between 3-30 calendar days (not business days) while you are on vacation. If the request is submitted before 2:00 pm Central time, the USPS service will start on the same business day. For all the requests submitted after 2:00 pm, the service will initiate from the next business day.

How to Request a Vacation Hold or Redirect a Package with FedEx

The FedEx Vacation Hold and redirect a package service are convenient services allowing customers to redirect and hold packages to several different locations, including FedEx Office, Walgreen’s, Dollar General, and other partner locations.

To use the vacation hold service with FedEx, customers need to have a FedEx Delivery Manager account which can be accessed online or through the mobile app.

How much does a hold cost with FedEx?

A vacation hold with FedEx is free for customers once they sign up for a FedEx Delivery Manager account on either their website or the app.  

How long does a vacation hold last with FedEx?

Placing a vacation hold with FedEx suspends delivery on a package for up to 14 days and will resume the day after a specified end date.

How to pick up your parcel after a FedEx hold?

FedEx will start the delivery process of your package right after the FedEx hold package service or vacation hold date is over. You can schedule a pickup from a convenient location near you as well.

How to Hold a Package with UPS®

To request a vacation hold with UPS, you’ll need to utilize their hold package service, which can be requested through UPS My Choice.  UPS will hold a package at the UPS Store, a UPS customer center, a UPS Access Point™ location, or at one of their partnered retail locations. You can choose any one of these options that suit you.

The following hold options are available when using UPS hold package service through UPS My choice®:

• Leave with the neighbors
• Hold according to instructions
• Deliver to UPS Access Point™
• Hold for “will call” the customer services

Sign up with UPS and register for the UPS My Choice®. Then log in and use the free or premium services as needed. The above-mentioned features can be used as a free member as well.

How much does hold with UPS cost?

The UPS hold service is free to use for up to 7 days. If you want to get your package delivered to another location or another day there are extra charges unless you are a premium UPS, My Choice member.

How long does a vacation hold last with UPS?

UPS My Choice® members can hold packages for vacation at the UPS store and UPS Access Point™ locations for up to 7 calendar days. The Customer centers can hold packages for up to 5 business days.

How to pick up your package at UPS after a hold?

After a hold, UPS will continue delivery on the specified date or customers can schedule to pick it up the access point or customer center.

How to Hold Shipment with DHL

With DHL Express Holiday Hold, customers can request a vacation hold for packages. They will be held safely at the DHL Express service center during certain holidays or for a custom period of time.  After a hold, DHL will also resume regular delivery to home addresses after the specified date.

With DHL On-Demand delivery, customers can request to have packages left with a neighbor, leasing office, or security guard. They can also pick up packages at a DHL ServicePoint or Locker.  

How much does a vacation hold cost with DHL?

The DHL  Express Holiday Hold free for customers but you will need to sign up for their On-Demand delivery service.  

How long does the DHL hold a package?

DHL holds packages for seven days. Once the package is received, you will be informed. After 3 days a reminder will be sent.

How do you pick up your package at DHL after a hold?

After the hold time is over, you can collect your parcel from the DHL service point. The parcel will be delivered to the destination address otherwise.

How Easyship Can Help

When going out of town for work or on vacation, it’s important to not lose track of important deliveries. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL provide easy-to-use services for holding mail and packages or requesting a vacation hold.

It all comes down to preparation. Make sure you have signed up for the appropriate accounts ahead of time and set up the hold mail services prior to deadlines. And of course, once you return, remember to pick up your packages at the appropriate location.

Easyship can be your partner for all your shipping and logistics needs. We offer more than 200 shipping solutions facilitating you to schedule your deliveries easily. Sign up for free to supercharge your shipping

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Holding Mail Delivery FAQ

Will the post office hold your mail if it piles up?

USPS will hold your mail for up to 30 days at the post office. To hold your mail longer, sign up for a forwarding service.

How many times can you put your mail on hold?

There is no limit to how many times you can put your mail on hold.

TABLE OF CONTENTSKey points

Key Points:

• In order to request a vacation hold with the USPS, you’ll need to use their hold mail service which is completely free
• The FedEx Vacation Hold and redirect a package service are convenient services allowing customers to redirect and hold packages to several different locations, including FedEx Office, Walgreen’s, Dollar General, and other partner locations
• With DHL Express Holiday Hold, customers can request a vacation hold for packages

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