Is UPS Open Today? New Year’s Day Guide

New Year’s Day shipping answer, right now. If you are staring at a boxed board game, a rare vinyl, or a care package and wondering, is UPS open today, here is the call. UPS is on holiday pause today, Sunday, January 1, 2026. That means no regular pickup or delivery. Many UPS Store locations are closed or running short hours. Your home and business stops are not happening.

Today’s status, at a glance

UPS is not moving on a normal schedule today. Packages already in the network may not scan or move until tomorrow. Drop boxes will not be collected today. If you planned a porch pickup, it will not occur. Local UPS Store hours vary by owner, and many are closed for the holiday. Some may open for a short window, often mid day. Check your exact store before you head out.

UPS Express Critical is the exception. It runs 24 hours a day, every day, including holidays. If something truly cannot wait, that service can move it.

What about other carriers. USPS observes the holiday. Many FedEx services pause today too. So do not count on a workaround with a different uniform.

The urgent option, explained

UPS Express Critical is built for emergencies. Medical devices. Production line parts. Final hour contracts. It can arrange air or ground solutions and hand carry options, even today. It comes at a premium price. For most hobby shipments, it is more than you need. But if your event, tournament, or sale depends on it, the door is open. You can start a request online and get a quote within minutes.

What this means for your hobbies today

Today is a pause, not a stop. Use it to set yourself up for a smooth week of making, trading, and collecting. Crafters can finish packaging. Resellers can prep labels and inventory. Gamers can bundle returns and exchanges. Photographers can protect prints with fresh sleeves. If you host a swap or club night, keep items sorted and ready for drop off tomorrow.

• Pack with intention today, ship tomorrow. Cushion corners, double wall for heavy models, and tape all seams.
• Print labels at home. It speeds up drop off and reduces counter time when stores get busy tomorrow.

Mind the weather if you plan a porch handoff tomorrow. Cold snaps can weaken box glue and fog camera gear. Add an inner poly bag for moisture control. For records, comics, and cards, use rigid mailers and corner guards. For painted miniatures, use foam trays and avoid loose fill that rubs against details.

For collectors and side hustlers

If you sell on marketplaces, update buyers with a short note. Tell them it is a holiday pause and that their item will move Monday. Most buyers will appreciate the heads up. Photograph the packed box with the label visible. It gives proof of prep and sets clear expectations.

If you trade high value items, consider signature service tomorrow. Holiday backlogs can mean quick curbside handoffs. Signature adds a layer of control. Also, save all tracking numbers in one note. When scans resume, you will see movement in batches.

What happens tomorrow

Regular UPS operations resume Monday, January 2, 2026. Expect an early morning reset and a busy afternoon. Your best move is simple. Go early if you need counter service. Use self service kiosks where offered. If you schedule a pickup, set it tonight for tomorrow. Batch your boxes and stage them by the door.

If you rely on a UPS Drop Box, note that the first collection after a holiday can run tight. Do not cut it close. A midday drop is safer than a late one. Also, expect some tracking delays to clear by the evening. Scans often catch up in waves after a holiday.

The bottom line

UPS is not running normal pickup or delivery today. Treat New Year’s Day as a prep day and a chance to level up your shipping game. Pack with care, print labels now, and plan your route for tomorrow. Express Critical exists if you truly need it, but most hobby shipments can wait 24 hours. Your projects and passions will move again in the morning. Enjoy the quiet, finish the wrap, and start the year with smarter shipping. 📦