The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will cease the delivery of UPS SurePost packages following the expiration of their contract this year.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents UPS delivery personnel, confirmed last week via Facebook that the service agreement has ended.

“Millions of packages have transitioned away from SurePost and USPS, returning instead to UPS for sorting and delivery by our dedicated UPS Teamsters,” the post stated.

UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer commented to YSL News, stating, “SurePost is a reliable economy option for less time-sensitive packages offered by UPS to business clients. Now, UPS manages SurePost packages entirely through our own network, ensuring the dependable service we are known for.”

YSL News reached out to both USPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Thursday; however, no response has been received as of yet.

Here’s what you need to know about the winding down of the contract and its implications for UPS drivers and upcoming SurePost deliveries.

How Will This Affect My Package Delivery?

With the end of the contract between UPS and USPS, individuals and businesses in the U.S. may receive their SurePost packages up to a day sooner, as transit times are reduced from two to seven days down to two to six days, per UPS.

Residents in U.S. Territories, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, will no longer have access to SurePost services, according to Supply Chain Dive, which referenced details from UPS SurePost’s earlier overview. Additionally, SurePost will not be available for PO Box or Military APO/FPO deliveries, the source added.

Other UPS delivery options, such as Ground, Second Day Air, and Next Day Air, will continue to be accessible to residents of U.S. Territories, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

UPS emphasized in their statement, “There are no changes to our primary delivery services, including UPS Ground, UPS Second Day Air, and UPS Next Day Air.”

Customers with SurePost packages currently in transit that are set to arrive at a PO Box can opt to have them redirected to a street address by registering for UPS MyChoice, according to Mayer.

What Does This Mean for UPS Drivers?

The end of the contract will lead to an uptick in package volume for drivers, which “creates more delivery options and opens up overtime opportunities for dedicated UPS Teamsters,” as mentioned in the Facebook announcement.

“Stronger guidelines around SurePost, which saw smaller packages diverted from UPS delivery vehicles to be handled by USPS, were an important victory for UPS Teamsters during our record contract negotiations in 2023,” the post indicated. “Contract improvements have helped ensure UPS Teamsters are handling more packages.”

With “millions” of SurePost packages returning to UPS delivery trucks, the Teamsters’ Facebook update suggests that thousands of new full-time package car driver positions could become available.

What Is UPS SurePost?

UPS describes SurePost as “an economical service for your less urgent, lower-value shipments.”

SurePost deliveries are restricted to the continental U.S. and have an estimated transit time of two to six days. UPS recommends that SurePost packages weigh less than 10 pounds.

Prior to the contract’s termination, SurePost packages could be shipped via UPS or USPS to the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, all U.S. Territories, PO Boxes, and Military APO/FPO locations, according to Supply Chain Dive. The estimated transit time for these deliveries ranged from two to seven days in the U.S., with extended times for other destinations.

What Has USPS Said Regarding the Contract’s Conclusion?

In a statement to Supply Chain Dive, a USPS spokesperson noted, “Some businesses have established new agreements with us, while others have not.”

“Previous agreements did not align with operational and financial realities, the changing postal landscape, or the improvements in our range of product offerings,” the spokesperson expanded.

USPS had a contract with FedEx for domestic air transport, which ended on September 29, 2024. Subsequently, the agency opted to partner with UPS for its new air cargo needs.

“FedEx and USPS have enjoyed a long and successful partnership for over two decades,” stated FedEx in March. “As our strategies have evolved, we are reworking our networks and operations for future needs.”