Creating a UPS shipping label online or at a UPS location

You can create a UPS shipping label in three ways: through UPS.com using your own printer, through the UPS mobile app, or at a UPS Store or UPS Customer Center. The online method is fastest if you ship regularly. You'll need the recipient's address, package weight, and dimensions before you start. UPS calculates the cost based on where you're shipping, how fast you want it to arrive, and how heavy the package is.

Creating a label yourself takes about five minutes once you have the information ready. You can print it at home, take it to a UPS location, or in some cases, UPS will email you a label to print later. If you don't have a printer or prefer not to print at home, staff at any UPS location can create and print a label for you while you wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a UPS label online at UPS.com, through the UPS mobile app, or in person at a UPS Store or UPS Customer Center.
  • You will need the recipient's full address, your return address, package weight, and dimensions before you start.
  • Printing your label at home and bringing it with your package saves time at the UPS location.
  • UPS charges based on the service level you choose (ground, 2-day, overnight) and your package's weight and destination.

Creating a label through UPS.com

Go to UPS.com and sign in to your account, or create one if you don't have one yet. Click "Ship" at the top of the page, then select "Create a Shipment." You'll enter the recipient's address, your return address, and details about your package.

Enter your package's weight in pounds and ounces, and its dimensions in inches (length, width, and height). UPS uses this information to calculate shipping cost and determine which service level works for your package size. Choose your service level — UPS Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS Next Day Air, or UPS Worldwide services if shipping internationally. Review the cost, then pay with a credit card or an existing UPS account.

After payment, you can print the label when ready or save it to print later. The label is a barcode that UPS scans when your package arrives at their facility. Tape it securely to the top of your package, making sure the barcode is flat and fully visible.

Using the UPS mobile app to create a label

read the UPS mobile app on your phone or tablet. Sign in or create an account, then tap "Ship." Enter the recipient's address and your return address, then add your package weight and dimensions. Select your service level and review the cost.

The app will generate a label that you can print using a mobile printer, email to yourself to print later, or take to a UPS location on your phone screen. Some UPS locations can scan the barcode directly from your phone, so you don't need to print it. Ask the staff member when you arrive whether they can scan from your device.

Creating a label at a UPS location

Walk into any UPS Store or UPS Customer Center with your package and the recipient's address. Tell the staff member you need to ship a package. They will weigh it, measure it if needed, and ask where it's going and how fast you want it to arrive.

The staff member will create the label on their computer, print it, and attach it to your package. You pay at that time. This method works well if you don't have a printer at home or if you're unsure about your package's exact weight and dimensions. The staff can also advise you on which service level makes sense for your timeline and budget.

What information you need before creating a label

Gather these details before you start: the recipient's full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. You also need your own return address in the same format. Have your package's weight ready — if you don't have a scale, most UPS locations will weigh it for free, or you can use a kitchen scale or bathroom scale.

Measure your package's length, width, and height in inches. For oddly shaped packages, measure the longest point in each direction. If you're shipping something fragile or valuable, note that when you create the label so you can choose insurance or special handling options. Know whether you're shipping domestically (within the United States) or internationally, because that changes which service levels are available.

Understanding UPS service levels and costs

UPS Ground is the slowest and least expensive option for packages staying within the continental United States. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. UPS 2nd Day Air arrives in two business days and costs more. UPS Next Day Air arrives the next business day and is the most expensive standard option.

For packages going outside the United States, UPS offers UPS Worldwide Express and UPS Worldwide Expedited, which have their own timelines and pricing. The cost for any service depends on three things: where the package is going (local, regional, or cross-country), how much it weighs, and how fast you want it delivered. You'll see the total cost on screen before you pay, so you can choose a different service level if the price is higher than you expected.

Printing and attaching your label correctly

If you print your label at home, use regular white paper and a standard printer. The label is usually a 4-by-6-inch rectangle. Cut it out carefully along the dotted lines, or print it on a 4-by-6 label sheet if you have one. Tape all four corners of the label to the top of your package, or use a label sheet that sticks on its own.

Make sure the barcode is flat, not wrinkled or folded, and fully visible. Don't cover any part of the barcode with tape or packaging material. If your package already has old labels or barcodes on it, cover those completely so UPS doesn't scan the wrong code. The barcode is what UPS scans to track your package, so a clear, readable label is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a UPS label without an account?

Yes. You can create a one-time shipment on UPS.com without signing in, though creating an account takes just a few minutes and lets you save addresses and shipment history. If you prefer not to create an account, you can also go to any UPS location and have staff create the label for you.

What if I don't know my package's exact weight?

You can estimate, but UPS will reweigh your package when it arrives at their facility. If the actual weight is higher than what you paid for, UPS will charge you the difference. To avoid this, use a scale at home, ask UPS to weigh it for free before you pay, or pay for a slightly higher weight estimate to be safe.

Can I print my label after I've already paid?

Yes. When you create a label online, you can print it when ready or save it and print it later. The label stays active for 30 days. You can also log back into your UPS account and reprint any label you've created within the past 90 days.

Do I have to use UPS.com, or can I use another shipping site?

You can use other shipping platforms like Pirate Ship, Shippo, or Etsy's shipping tool if you have an account with them. These sites sometimes offer discounted UPS rates. However, creating a label directly through UPS.com or the UPS app is the most straightforward method and works whether or not you're a frequent shipper.

What happens if I create a label but don't ship the package?

If you don't drop off the package within 30 days, the label expires and you won't be charged. You can create a new label whenever you're ready to ship. If you do drop off the package but want to cancel the shipment, contact UPS as soon as possible — they may be able to stop it before it leaves their facility.