United Parcel Service (UPS) prides itself for its reliability, and is one of the most widely used shipping carriers for individuals and businesses alike. What happens when you need to cancel or void a UPS shipping label? Perhaps you made a mistake with the shipping address or there’s a change in delivery plans. It’s helpful to know how to cancel and void a UPS shipping label in situations such as these.
This guide explains how UPS label cancellations work, how to void unused labels, and how to stop a delivery already in progress. You’ll also learn about fees you may incur and related UPS policies so you can manage your shipments confidently and avoid unnecessary charges.
UPS Labels: The Basics
Thanks to digital technology, it’s easier than ever to create shipping labels for outgoing packages. This is great news for businesses and other frequent shippers. However, situations still arise wherein you may need to cancel a shipping label. If you’re shipping via UPS, how does the process work?
As with other carriers, creating a UPS shipping label requires the following basic information:
Sender’s name, contact information, and address
Recipient’s name, contact information, and address
Package information, such as value, dimensions, and weight
Other essential package information, such as if it’s perishable or hazardous.
When you create a UPS shipping label, you also select a service type and generate a tracking number. The latter enables UPS and both the sender and recipient to track the package from pickup to delivery.
How To Cancel or Void a UPS Shipping Label
The good news is, you can cancel a UPS shipping label within 90 days of creation. However, if you use other platforms, like eBay, the cancellation policies often vary. Here are your options for how to cancel or void a UPS shipping label.
Cancelling or Voiding a Label From the UPS Website
Follow these steps to cancel or void a UPS label within 90 days of creation:
Log in to your UPS.com account.
Navigate to your Shipping History or View Shipping History.
Find the package and check the box next to it. Alternatively, you can click on the Actions menu/three dots to select the label.
Click “Void Shipment” or “Void” (if from the menu), and then confirm the action.
An “X” or red dot will pop up; afterwards, you’ll receive confirmation of your refund.
Take note that you can only void a label if the package has not been picked up or scanned into the UPS system. Alternatively, you can contact UPS customer service and provide the tracking or reference number. A representative will guide you through the cancellation. If you encounter any issues or it has been over 90 days, you will also have to contact UPS support to request a void.
Canceling or Voiding a UPS Shipping Label on Another Platform
The process to cancel/void a UPS shipping label created on a third-party platform varies, but usually involves using the platform’s cancel/void features. The timeframe within which you can cancel/void a label and get a refund also depends on the platform.
If you’re using eBay, you can cancel/void a label within 28 days via the “Void Label” option in your Actions menu. The refund process may take up to 21 days.
On Shopify, UPS’ 90-day window applies if you created the label via your UPS account. Go to your Orders, and select the specific order. If it was never scanned, UPS will automatically issue a refund/credit to your account; credits to your account can be used for future shipments. If you didn’t use the label, there’s no action required on your part.
The faster you initiate the cancellation, the less likely the package will enter the delivery process.
Common Reasons for Canceling or Voiding a UPS Label
Here are the most common situations where canceling or voiding a UPS label makes sense:
Incorrect destination or recipient details
Changes to package contents or size
Deciding not to ship the item
Duplicate or mistakenly created labels
Canceling a UPS order due to updated plans
Knowing how and when to void a UPS label helps prevent confusion and billing issues.
What To Do if the Package Is Already in Transit
Here are your options if the package has already been picked up and you need to cancel it:
Request a delivery stop. Contact UPS customer service and provide the tracking number, delivery address, and reason for stopping the shipment. You can also submit a request online.
Intercept a package in transit. In urgent cases, you may be able to intercept the package at a local UPS facility. You can also arrange for your package to be held for pickup. This option is only available under certain eligibility requirements and may involve additional fees.
Summary of UPS Label Cancellation/Voiding Policies
Let’s sum up all the important points you need to know on how to cancel or void a UPS shipping label.
You can process a cancellation/voiding of a shipping label via your UPS.com account, by phone, or in person.
You may qualify for a refund/credit if you cancel/void a label within 90 days of creation, provided the package has not been scanned into the system or shipped out.
You won’t be charged if you paid by credit card; the pending charge will automatically disappear.
If payment was already made, you may not be able to use the self-voiding process and you typically have to call the billing center for a refund.
If it has been over 90 days or the package has been scanned/shipped out, you need to contact UPS customer support to request a void.
Voids are generally no longer processed after 180 days.
Once voided, a label can’t be un-voided; you will have to generate a new label.
Final Thoughts
One of UPS’ old slogans was “United Problem Solvers,” and they certainly continue to live up to it. The popular carrier offers several convenient options to cancel/void shipping labels and a generous timeframe within which to request cancellation/voiding.
The quickest way to do this is via the UPS or your platform’s website. If you used an incorrect address, need to change the destination/recipient, or have to cancel the shipment altogether, you can do so within 90 days of generating your shipping label. This online option is available 24/7, giving customers quick access to the service and the opportunity to cancel/void a label ASAP.