Leading postal operators in Ukraine continue to adapt their logistics processes to modern realities, setting clear limits on the free storage of shipments in branches. Today, the rules and deadlines differ significantly depending on the company, which requires customers to be careful when planning to receive their orders.
New realities of Nova Poshta starting in October
Beginning in October 2026, Nova Poshta officially reduced the standard free storage period for parcels at its branches from seven to five calendar days. Company representatives emphasize that the key reason for this step is safety and the optimization of logistics flows. According to the operator's internal statistics, about 97% of customers already picked up their shipments within the first five days, so the innovation will not be critical for the vast majority of recipients.
The established rules apply to a wide range of shipments, including standard documents, parcels, heavy cargo, and car tires and rims. The only exception to the general rules is pallets — for them, the free storage period remains unchanged at three days, after which a fee is charged for each subsequent day spent in the warehouse.
Ukrposhta's policy: stability amid challenges
Against the background of changes by competitors, the national postal operator Ukrposhta has taken a fundamentally different position. The company's management officially announced that the current free parcel storage terms remain unchanged and will not be reviewed at least until the end of the current year. This decision was made taking into account regular air raid alerts, power outages, and other wartime logistics challenges.
Moreover, a special offer is valid in October: the redirection of shipments between Ukrposhta branches is completely free of charge. Customers can manage their shipments through the official Ukrposhta 2.0 mobile application, where it is possible to extend the storage period (at a rate of 10 hryvnias per day) or order redirection without the need to fill out paper applications at the branch.
Expert analysis and market consequences
Nova Poshta's reduction of storage periods demonstrates a course towards maximum branch throughput and minimization of risks of damage or loss of goods that sit on shelves for a long time. At the same time, Ukrposhta's approach focuses on social stability and maximum loyalty of customers who experience difficulties with movement due to the security situation in the country.
Logistics market experts note that consumers will now have to more carefully plan the time of their visit to the commercial carrier's branches to avoid additional financial costs. Users are advised to actively use the mobile applications of both operators to track shipment statuses and promptly manage their receipt deadlines.
