Independent · not a carrier

"Exception" (UPS): what it means and how long it lasts

UPS has the package, but an unexpected problem may change the delivery date. UPS shows the reason in Shipment Progress and updates the status when the date changes.

Normally lasts: Depends on the cause. Often 1-2 days.

When to act: Right away if it says action is required. Otherwise after 2 business days with no update.

Also shown as: Delivery Exception, Exception: Action Required

What to do

  1. Read the reason in Shipment Progress.
  2. If UPS needs information, like an address correction, contact UPS or the shipper.
  3. Check our facility page for alerts.

UPS service alerts now

UPS blocks automated checks of its alert page. See UPS's official service alerts.

Last checked: starting up · UPS service alerts: the carrier blocks automated checks, so use its official page (linked here)· Facility facts reviewed November 14, 2026. How we check

Which facility is it at?

The location next to the scan tells you. Type it here, or pick one of the busiest UPS hubs below, for live alerts and how long packages normally sit there.

UPS Worldport LouisvilleLouisville, KYLouisville, KYUPS Hodgkins, IL Hub (CACH)Hodgkins, ILHodgkins, ILUPS Ontario, CAOntario, CAOntario, CAUPS Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia, PAPhiladelphia, PAUPS Dfw Airport, TXDFW Airport, TXDFW Airport, TXUPS Rockford, ILRockford, ILRockford, ILUPS Atlanta, GAAtlanta, GAAtlanta, GAUPS West Columbia, SCWest Columbia, SCWest Columbia, SCUPS Jacksonville, FLJacksonville, FLJacksonville, FLUPS Mesquite, TXMesquite, TXMesquite, TXUPS Earth City, MOEarth City, MOEarth City, MOUPS Addison, ILAddison, ILAddison, IL

All UPS facilities

Questions

What does "Exception" mean?

UPS has the package, but an unexpected problem may change the delivery date. UPS shows the reason in Shipment Progress and updates the status when the date changes.

How long does "Exception" usually last?

Depends on the cause. Often 1-2 days. Right away if it says action is required. Otherwise after 2 business days with no update.

What should I do if my UPS package is stuck on "Exception"?

Read the reason in Shipment Progress. If UPS needs information, like an address correction, contact UPS or the shipper. Check our facility page for alerts.

Related UPS messages

Sources