Yes, in most cases, UPS will charge a fee for printing a shipping label, but the cost can vary. People can create a shipping label online for free, but they may see a UPS Charge if they ask for printing at a store. Some want to save money, so they look for ways to avoid extra fees. Choosing the right method helps customers avoid unnecessary costs.
Key Takeaways
Making a UPS shipping label online does not cost money. You only pay for shipping and extra services, not the label. Printing a shipping label at a UPS Store costs about $1 to $3 for each label. The price depends on where you are and what services you use. Printing labels at home with your own printer helps you skip UPS store fees. This can help you save money over time. Using other shipping tools and buying thermal labels can make UPS label costs lower. This is good for people who ship a lot. Always check your local UPS Store for their fees. Watch out for extra charges like residential delivery or big packages so you do not get surprised.
UPS Charge for Shipping Labels
Online Label Creation
Creating a shipping label online through UPS.com is usually free. When someone makes a label at home, the cost is part of the shipping service, not a separate UPS Charge. Users can follow these steps to create a UPS free label:
Go to the UPS website and log in or make an account.
Click the ‘Ship’ option to start a new label.
Enter the sender and recipient addresses, including all details.
Add package information like weight, size, and contents.
Pick a shipping service that fits the budget and delivery needs.
Review the shipping cost, which includes postage and any extra services.
Confirm the details and download the label.
Print the UPS label at home using a regular or thermal printer.
Tip: Printing UPS labels at home is free. There are no hidden fees for making the label itself. The only UPS Charge comes from the shipping cost and any extra services, such as insurance or signature confirmation.
UPS label cost depends on the package size, weight, and destination. People who want cheaper UPS labels can use UPS.com or approved third-party tools. These tools sometimes offer discounts or let users buy thermal labels for UPS, which can save money for frequent shippers.
Some restrictions apply when creating a UPS free label online. Users must enter correct addresses and package details. Special items, like hazardous materials or oversized packages, may need extra steps or fees. Printing the label at home requires a working printer. If someone cannot print at home, they may need to visit a UPS Store.
In-Store Printing Fees
Printing a shipping label at a UPS Store is not free. Most locations charge a convenience fee for this service. The typical UPS store printing fees range from $1 to $3 per label, depending on the store and the type of label. Some stores may charge as little as $0.35 for a simple black-and-white print, but extra services, like file processing from a USB or email, can add $2 or more to the total UPS Charge.
Printing Service Type | Typical Fee Range / Cost |
|---|---|
Black & White Letter-Size Printing | Around $0.35 per page (label + receipt) |
Return Label Printing | $0.50 (print return label) to $2.25 (print & mail) |
Electronic Return Label | $1.00 each |
File Processing Fee (USB/Email) | Base $2.00 + tax (includes 1 B&W page); additional pages $0.15 + tax each |
UPS store printing fees can vary because each store sets its own prices. Factors like location, packaging needs, and extra services affect the final UPS Charge. Some stores offer professional packaging, which adds to the UPS label cost. Customers should always check with their local store for the most accurate price.
Note: UPS drop-off points do not print labels. Only UPS Stores and some Access Points offer label printing. Bringing a prepaid label to the store can help avoid extra fees.
Electronic return labels also have a fee, usually between $1.25 and $2.25 per label in the U.S. This UPS Charge covers the convenience of emailing or printing the label at the store. International returns may cost more due to customs and shipping distance.
Small businesses and frequent shippers should pay attention to these fees. The UPS Charge for printing labels and new surcharges can add up quickly. Using digital labels or printing at home helps lower the UPS label cost. Comparing UPS store printing fees with direct UPS shipping rates can help find the best deal.
How to Create and Print a UPS Label
There are a few ways to make and print a UPS shipping label. Each way has its own steps and rules. Some ways may cost more than others. Knowing your choices helps you skip extra UPS store printing fees. It also helps you pick the easiest way to get a UPS free label.
Online at Home
Lots of people print UPS labels at home. This saves time and money. You start on the UPS website or with approved shipping software. You type in who is sending and getting the package. You add the package weight and pick a shipping service. After you pay, you can download and print the label.
Printing at home is free if you have a printer. You can use a regular inkjet or laser printer. Special label sheets or sticker paper work best. Some people buy thermal labels for UPS and use a thermal printer, like the Rollo Wireless Label Printer. Thermal printers do not need ink or toner. This can lower the UPS label cost over time. They also make clear, water-resistant labels that scan well.
Tip: If you ship a lot, a thermal printer can help you get cheaper UPS labels. It also helps you avoid problems with regular printers.
At a UPS Store
If you cannot print at home, go to a UPS Store. The steps are easy. Bring a digital label or a QR code from UPS. The staff will scan the code and print your label. UPS store printing fees are usually between $1 and $3 per label. The fee is for printing only, not for shipping.
Note: Check your local UPS store printing fees before you go. Prices can be different at each store.
Mobile and Digital Options
UPS lets you make labels on your phone or tablet. You can use the UPS website or some third-party apps. These apps let you make and print UPS labels from your device. If you do not have a printer, you can get a mobile barcode or QR code. Bring this code to a UPS Store to print your label. Store fees may still apply.
UPS does not charge extra for making a label with mobile or digital options. You still pay for shipping. Some deliveries may have special surcharges. If you do not use a label and it is not scanned by UPS, you can get a refund.
Making a UPS label online or on your phone gives you more choices. It can help you avoid extra UPS label costs.
Save on UPS Label Costs
Cost-Saving Tips
Many people want to lower their UPS label cost. They can start by creating a free UPS account. Account holders often get access to special discounts and free shipping supplies, which helps reduce the UPS Charge. Using your own printer at home is another smart way to avoid UPS store printing fees. A thermal printer, like the Rollo wireless label printer, prints labels quickly and does not need ink or toner. This saves money over time, especially for frequent shippers.
Here are some easy ways to save on UPS shipping labels:
Measure and weigh packages carefully to avoid extra surcharges.
Use boxes that fit the product well to skip dimensional weight fees.
Compare rates with shipping tools like Shippo or Rollo Ship to find cheaper UPS labels.
Batch shipments together to get bulk discounts.
Choose UPS Ground when possible, since it usually costs less than air services.
Watch for seasonal promotions and sign up for UPS newsletters to catch new deals.
Tip: Automating the label process with shipping software can help prevent mistakes and lower costs.
Alternatives to In-Store Printing
Printing at a UPS Store adds a fee for each label. Over time, these UPS store printing fees can add up. People who ship often may want to print UPS labels at home instead. Buying a thermal printer and purchasing thermal labels in bulk can lower the cost per label. Many businesses find that investing in a printer pays off after just a few months.
Some third-party services, like Shippo, Easyship, and Rollo Ship, offer discounted UPS labels and let users print at home. These platforms often provide rates up to 90% lower than retail. They also support bulk printing and work with many eCommerce systems. thermalabels is another option for a simple, low-cost UPS label experience.
A few local stores or libraries may print prepaid labels for free or for a small donation. Fees can change by location, so it helps to ask before visiting.
Printing at home with a thermal printer and buying affordable thermal labels for UPS can save money and time, making it a smart choice for regular shippers.
UPS lets you make a shipping label online for free. But if you print it at a UPS Store or use special services, you might pay a UPS Charge. Many people get confused about when these extra fees happen. Some surcharges are for things like home delivery, far away places, or big and heavy packages. The table below lists some common UPS surcharges:
Surcharge Type | Typical Fee (2024) |
|---|---|
Residential Delivery | |
Delivery Area | $2.58 |
Additional Handling | Varies |
Oversize/Overweight | High fees |
UPS can change their rules and prices at any time. It is smart to ask your local UPS Store about their printing fees. You should also check for new changes in UPS label costs.
FAQ
Does UPS charge to make a shipping label online?
UPS does not charge to create a shipping label online. The only cost comes from postage and extra services. Users can print a UPS free label at home without paying UPS store printing fees.
What is the typical UPS store printing fee?
Most UPS Stores charge between $1 and $3 per label. The fee depends on location and service type. Customers should ask about UPS store printing fees before visiting.
Can someone print a UPS label at home?
Anyone can print a UPS label at home using a regular or thermal printer. This method helps avoid UPS store printing fees and often results in cheaper UPS labels.
How can a person get a cheaper UPS label?
People can compare rates on UPS.com or use third-party shipping tools. Buying thermal labels for UPS and printing at home also lowers the UPS label cost.
Are there free alternatives to printing at a UPS Store?
Some libraries or local shops may print prepaid labels for free or for a small donation. Checking with these places helps save on UPS label cost.