Yes, UPS offers fax services at most UPS Store locations nationwide. You can send domestic and international faxes using their machines with staff assistance during store hours.
However, UPS fax costs can be expensive, especially for multi-page or international documents. Many customers find online alternatives more convenient and cost-effective for their faxing needs.
If you planned to visit UPS to send a fax, you have several better alternatives that offer superior convenience and often significant cost savings.
UPS Fax Service Details
UPS provides fax services at participating UPS Store locations through staff-assisted fax machines. You’ll need to visit during business hours and have staff handle the transmission.
UPS Fax Pricing (from verified sources):
- Local faxes: $1.00 first page, $1.00 additional pages
- Long-distance domestic: $2.00 first page, $1.00 additional pages
- International faxes: $3.00 first page, $3.00 additional pages
Process: Bring documents to store, provide recipient’s fax number to staff, wait for transmission, pay at counter.
Limitations: Store hours only, staff assistance required, expensive international rates, no encryption.
Cost Alert: A 5-page international fax at UPS costs $15.00. The same fax costs just $3.50 with PayPerFax – saving you over $11.
5 Alternatives to UPS Fax Services
1. Online Fax Services
Online fax services let you send documents directly from your computer or mobile device without visiting any physical location.
PayPerFax offers one-time faxing with no subscription required. Upload your document, enter the recipient’s fax number, and send instantly.
- Cost: $2.00 for first three pages, $0.75 each additional page
- Available: 24/7 from any device
- No Registration: No account creation or subscription required
- Security: SSL encrypted transmission
- Formats: PDF, DOCX, DOC, JPG supported
- Payment: Only charged for successful delivery
2. Other Shipping Centers
FedEx Office offers similar fax services with comparable pricing to UPS.
- Cost: $1.89-$5.99 per page depending on destination
- Hours: Store hours only
- Process: Staff-assisted service
- Availability: Most FedEx Office locations
3. Office Supply Stores
Staples and Office Depot provide fax services at copy centers.
- Cost: $1.49-$5.99 per page depending on destination
- Hours: Store hours only
- Process: Self-service or staff assistance
- Availability: Most locations offer fax services
4. Public Libraries
Many libraries offer affordable fax services, though availability varies.
- Cost: $0.10-$0.50 per page (typically local only)
- Limitations: Often restricted to local numbers
- Hours: Library operating hours
- Availability: Not all branches offer fax services
5. Print and Copy Shops
Local print shops often provide fax services at competitive rates.
- Cost: $1.00-$2.00 per page
- Availability: Varies by location
- Service: Usually counter-based
- Hours: Business hours only
How to Send a Fax at UPS
If you decide to use UPS fax service, here’s the process:
Before You Go
- Call your local UPS Store to confirm fax service availability
- Organize documents in order
- Have recipient’s complete fax number ready
- Bring payment method
At the Store
- Visit the UPS Store during business hours
- Tell staff you need to fax – they’ll handle the machine
- Provide recipient’s fax number including area code
- Give documents to staff for transmission
- Wait for confirmation that fax was sent
- Pay the required fee based on destination and pages
Time-Saver Tip: Skip the store visit entirely. Send your fax online with PayPerFax in under 3 minutes from your computer or phone – available 24/7.
Finding UPS Store Locations with Fax Services
Using the UPS Store Locator
- Visit the UPS Store website
- Enter your ZIP code or city
- Look for locations offering “Faxing” services
- Call ahead to verify availability and current pricing
What to Ask When Calling
- Do you currently offer fax services?
- What are your fax rates for local/domestic/international?
- What are your business hours?
Most UPS Stores operate during standard business hours with limited weekend availability.
Can I Receive Faxes at UPS?
Yes, many UPS Store locations can receive faxes for customers, though this service varies by location.
Process:
- Call the UPS Store for their fax number
- Have sender use that number
- Visit store with ID to pick up received fax
- Pay receiving fee (typically $1+ per page)
Important: UPS Stores hold received faxes for limited time, so pick them up promptly.
Why Online Fax Beats UPS for Most Users
While UPS provides reliable fax services, the limitations become clear when you compare experiences:
UPS Challenges:
- Limited to business hours (typically 8 AM – 6 PM)
- Staff must handle your documents
- Expensive international rates ($3+ per page)
- Travel time and potential waiting
- No encryption for sensitive documents
PayPerFax Solves These Problems:
- Send from anywhere, anytime
- Complete privacy – no staff handling
- Flat pricing regardless of destination
- SSL encrypted transmission
Feature | UPS Store | PayPerFax |
---|---|---|
Availability | Business hours only | 24/7 access |
5-Page International | $15.00 | $3.50 |
Privacy | Staff handles documents | Private transmission |
Security | No encryption | SSL encrypted |
Privacy Matters: Keep your sensitive documents secure with PayPerFax’s secure online faxing – no staff handling, no public exposure of your private information.
What You Need to Bring to UPS
Before visiting a UPS Store to send a fax, gather these required items:
Essential Items:
- All physical documents you want to fax (arranged in order)
- Recipient’s complete fax number including area code
- Cover sheet with your contact information (UPS can provide one if needed)
- Valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or cash)
Additional Information:
- Your contact details for the store’s records
- Any special instructions for the recipient
- Backup copy of documents in case of transmission issues
UPS Store staff will handle the actual fax transmission, but having everything organized beforehand speeds up the process.
Tips for Using UPS Fax Services Efficiently
To make your UPS Store fax experience smoother:
Before You Visit
- Call ahead to confirm fax services are available and machines are working
- Visit during off-peak hours – typically mid-morning or mid-afternoon
- Prepare documents in the exact order you want them sent
- Double-check fax numbers – international numbers need country codes
At the Store
- Arrive with extra time during busy periods
- Speak clearly when providing the fax number to staff
- Ask for confirmation that transmission was successful
- Keep your receipt as proof of service
Cost-Saving Tips
- Combine multiple documents into one transmission when possible
- Consider online alternatives for large or frequent international faxes
- Ask about any current promotions or bulk discounts
How to Find UPS Stores with Fax Services
Using the UPS Store Locator
- Visit the official UPS Store website
- Enter your location – ZIP code, city, or address
- Review store details – look for “Faxing” in the services list
- Check hours – some locations have limited fax service hours
- Note the phone number for verification calls
Alternative Search Methods
- Google Maps – search “UPS Store fax near me”
- UPS Store mobile app – includes store locator with services
- Call UPS customer service – they can direct you to nearby locations with fax services
Verification Questions to Ask
When calling a UPS Store, confirm:
- Do you currently offer fax services?
- What are your current fax rates?
- What are your business hours for fax services?
- Is your fax machine currently operational?
Not all UPS Store locations offer identical services, so verification prevents wasted trips.
Receiving Faxes at UPS Stores
Many UPS Store locations can receive faxes on behalf of customers, though availability varies.
The Process
- Contact your local UPS Store to confirm they accept incoming faxes
- Get their dedicated fax number for receiving documents
- Provide this number to whoever is sending you the fax
- Include your name and contact info for proper identification
- Visit the store with valid ID to collect your fax
- Pay the receiving fee – typically $1-2 per page
Important Considerations
- Time limits – most stores hold received faxes for 24-48 hours only
- Identification required – bring photo ID matching the name on the fax
- Storage fees – some locations charge if faxes aren’t collected promptly
- Confidentiality – received faxes may be accessible to store staff
For regular fax receiving needs, a dedicated online fax number provides better privacy and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fax at UPS?
Local faxes cost $1 per page, long-distance domestic faxes $2 for first page then $1 each additional, and international faxes $3 per page. Costs can add up quickly for multi-page documents.
Can I use the fax machine myself at UPS?
No, UPS Store staff typically handle all fax transmissions for customers. You cannot operate the machines yourself, which ensures proper handling but removes your direct control over the process.
What if my fax fails at UPS?
You may still be charged even if the fax fails. Staff will attempt to resend, but success isn’t guaranteed. Unlike online services that only charge for successful delivery, UPS typically charges for transmission attempts.
Are UPS fax services secure?
UPS fax machines use standard phone line transmission without encryption. Staff also handle your documents, creating privacy concerns for sensitive information. For confidential documents, encrypted online services provide better security.
Can I fax digital documents at UPS?
You’ll need to bring physical documents or print digital files before visiting. UPS doesn’t handle digital file uploads like online services do, adding an extra step if your documents are already digital.
What’s the largest document I can fax at UPS?
UPS doesn’t officially limit document size, but costs increase with each page. A 20-page international fax would cost $63 ($3 first page + $60 for 20 additional pages), making online alternatives much more economical.
Can I get confirmation that my fax was received?
UPS provides basic transmission confirmation, but you cannot track delivery or know if the recipient actually received your fax. You’ll need to contact the recipient directly for delivery confirmation.
Choose the Right Fax Solution
Choose UPS if:
- You only fax occasionally (1-2 pages locally)
- You prefer face-to-face assistance
- You have physical documents only
- Cost isn’t a primary concern
Choose PayPerFax if:
- You need 24/7 availability
- You send multi-page or international faxes
- Privacy and security are priorities
- You want to avoid travel and store hours
- You’re starting with digital documents
The bottom line: While UPS works for occasional local faxes, PayPerFax offers better value, convenience, and security for most faxing needs.
Send your fax online with PayPerFax – no subscription required, just pay for what you send.