How to Become an Authorized Shipping Outlet for UPS

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References

If you want to handle packages for UPS, one way is to become an Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO). We can help you do this, or we'll walk you through one of the alternatives if your business doesn't meet the ASO requirements.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying as an ASO

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Run a franchise for Pak Mail, Annex Brands, or PostNet. You might be able to become an ASO if you run a store for one of these 3 franchises. These stores have franchise national account contracts with UPS as Authorized Shipping Outlets.^{[1]
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- This store must be your primary business and have a customer counter so you can receive packages. UPS requires that your store has regular hours of operation on weekdays (Monday through Friday). You may decide if you are open on Saturdays.^{[2]
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Meet the UPS eligibility requirements. In addition to managing one of the approved franchises, you must provide packing services and help to customers. Additionally, provide UPS packing materials at no cost and accept UPS packages at no charge.^{[3]
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- You'll also need a calibrated scale that measures at least 100 pounds (45 kg).
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3
Send an email application to asoawards@ups.com. To apply to become an ASO, send your contact information to the UPS so they can review it. Include your full name and the name of your retail store. Also, list your store's address, phone number, fax number, and email address.^{[4]
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- After reviewing your eligibility and application, UPS will contact you to let you know if your application was approved and advise you of the next steps.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Registering as a UPS Access Point

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Apply to become a UPS Access Point online. If you already operate a retail packing and shipping business, you can register as a UPS Access Point via the Access Point Candidate System. Go to https://apcsext.ups.com/apcs-ext/accessPointRegistration.do?locale=en_US and click "Apply Now."
- Fill out the form with your contact information, shop type, accepted payments, and store hours. Be sure to submit the application when you've filled in all of the required information.^{[5]
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- You don't need an online store to become a UPS Access Point.
- Contact UPS directly with any questions about the application process.
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Download the UPS Scanning APP. You need an Android device with Android 6 or later,^{[6]
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Receive training and support from UPS. UPS makes becoming and maintaining an Access Point easy. They will provide training to you and your staff to get the Access Point up and running. Furthermore, they will equip your business with the necessary technology and support to ensure that you can fulfill your UPS Access Point responsibilities.^{[8]
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Accept packages from UPS customers and drivers. People sending packages through UPS will also be able to leave these items at your Access Point. These will include new packages assembled by the sender, as well as returns. UPS drivers will collect these whenever they stop at the Access Point.^{[9]
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- You'll also accept parcels and packages from UPS drivers and store them at your location so UPS customers can come and pick up their packages at their convenience.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Becoming a UPS Authorized Service Provider

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Fill out a Partnership Qualifying Form. Package Express Centers (PEC) provides a one-page questionnaire to help determine your business’s eligibility to open a UPS Authorized Service Provider. Go to https://www.packageexpresscenters.com/form and input all of the required information.^{[10]
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- Fill in details such as your contact information, information about your store including the size and business hours, your annual sales, the average number of customers you serve daily, and all other required fields.
- After submitting the form, an account manager from PEC will evaluate whether or not a UPS Authorized Service Provider would be viable at your location.
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Contact Package Express Centers directly with questions. The PEC website includes a contact page with several options. Fill out a form to contact them via their website, call PEC is to call 1-800-274-4732, or email info@packageexpresscenters.com.^{[11]
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- Additional contact information will be provided to you for support once your UPS Authorized Service Provider begins operation.
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Recognize that PEC will manage your Authorized Service Provider. Essentially, Package Express Centers has teamed up with UPS to manage in-store UPS Authorized Service Providers. Consider PEC to be your proxy to UPS. PEC will not only review your application, but they will also guide you through the implementation process of a Authorized Service Provider if your business is deemed eligible.
- As an independent retailer, you will receive support mostly from PEC.
- PEC’s primary role will be increasing traffic to your store. They do this by providing almost everything you need.
- Specifically, PEC will provide UPS certified software and signs, hardware, training, marketing material, and round-the-clock live support.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of payment does UPS offer for setting up a Commercial Counter?

Community Answer

UPS pays some Commercial Counters for accepting drop-off packages. These types of payments are based on several factors. Contact PEC directly at 800-274-4732 to determine whether your business may be eligible.
Question

How do I set up operations with UPS?

Community Answer

Contact PEC. The phone number is listed above. They will help you get set up to ship with UPS. They do all the paperwork for you and make everything very easy.