UPS tracking status

UPS “Delivery attempted”: what it means

The short answer

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A UPS driver tried to deliver your package but could not complete it, usually because a signature was needed and nobody answered, or the business was closed. UPS normally tries again the next business day and may make up to three attempts.

When to act: If you were home when UPS says it tried to deliver, file a complaint the same day and we send it to UPS.

Also shown as: “The receiver was not available for delivery. We'll make a second attempt the next business day.” · “The receiver was not available at the time of the first delivery attempt. A second attempt will be made.” · “The receiver was not available at the time of the second delivery attempt. A final attempt will be made.” · “The receiver was not available at the time of the final delivery attempt.” · “Customer was not available when UPS attempted delivery. Will deliver to a nearby UPS Access Point for customer pick up.”

What to do now

Find the UPS InfoNotice on your door and track the package to see the reason and the next attempt date.
If you will be home, make sure someone can sign on the next business day.
If not, use UPS My Choice or the InfoNotice to hold the package for pickup or send it to a UPS Access Point. To pick it up at a UPS Customer Center, UPS says your request must be received by 7 p.m. Some changes cost extra, and some shippers block them.
If the package went to a UPS Access Point, pick it up by the last pickup date shown in tracking, usually 7 calendar days after it arrives, and bring a government-issued photo ID.
If you were home and nobody knocked, save a screenshot of the attempt time in tracking and check any doorbell camera recording from that time.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to UPS, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

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Missed delivery or a card left with another courier

What does “Delivery attempted” mean?

After a failed attempt, UPS leaves a delivery notice (InfoNotice) at the door and records the reason in tracking. Its terms allow a second and, if needed, a third attempt at no extra charge, after which the package is considered undeliverable and may go back to the sender. For homes, UPS may instead take the package to a nearby UPS Access Point after the first attempt, where it is usually held for 7 calendar days unless the shipper set a different period.

The InfoNotice and the tracking page show your options. If the package does not need an adult signature, you can often sign the notice so the driver can leave it next time. Keep in mind that UPS does not accept lost-package claims for packages you chose to have released this way.

Why does UPS show it?

A signature was required and nobody answered
The business was closed at the time of the attempt
The driver could not get into the building or gated area
There was no safe place to leave the package
A cash on delivery amount or import charges had to be collected at the door

How long does it last?

UPS usually tries again on the next business day, then once more if needed. After the final attempt, or once the UPS Access Point pickup period ends (usually 7 calendar days), the package is treated as undeliverable and may be returned to the sender.

Other UPS statuses

Label createdNormal
DelayKeep an eye on it
Delivered but not receivedTake action
Out for deliveryNormal
On the wayNormal
ExceptionKeep an eye on it
Address information requiredTake action
Clearance in progressKeep an eye on it
Warehouse scanKeep an eye on it

All UPS statuses →

Who is responsible for a late or missing package from UPS?

If you bought it online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered to you. The seller chose UPS, paid for the shipping and is the one UPS pays on a claim, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases for the seller to put right, with a replacement or a refund.

If you sent the package yourself, your contract is with UPS, under the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service. UPS's liability is limited to $100 per package unless you declared a higher value and paid for it when shipping, and UPS is not liable for late delivery except on services sold with its service guarantee.

Questions about “Delivery attempted”

How many times will UPS attempt delivery?

UPS's terms allow up to three delivery attempts. After the last one, the package is considered undeliverable and may be returned to the sender. For homes, UPS may send it to a nearby UPS Access Point after the first attempt.

UPS says delivery attempted but I was home. Why?

The driver may not have reached your door because of a gate, buzzer or locked lobby, may have left before you answered, or ran out of time. Check for an InfoNotice and any photo in tracking. If nobody came, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to UPS, so it is on record.

Can I tell UPS to leave the package without a signature?

Often yes, if no adult signature is needed: sign the InfoNotice or use the release option in UPS My Choice. UPS says packages released this way are not eligible for lost-package claims.

How long will UPS hold my package at an Access Point?

Usually 7 calendar days, unless the shipper chose a different period. Tracking shows the last day you can pick it up. After that, UPS treats it as undeliverable and may return it to the sender.

Based on

UPS Delivery Notice (InfoNotice), United States
UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, United States (PDF)
UPS: File a claim
Paketda: UPS status 'The receiver was not available for delivery' (German)