You’ve been there. It’s 5:45 PM on a Tuesday, you have a Mercari return that needs to go out, and you’re circling the Boardman Plaza hoping you don't get stuck behind a line of cars at the Starbucks drive-thru. Most people think shipping a package in the 44512 zip code is just about finding the nearest brown shield, but honestly, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. If you just type UPS in Boardman Ohio into your phone and follow the first red pin, you might end up at a pharmacy counter when you actually needed a notary or a heavy-duty freight crate.
Boardman is basically the shipping hub for Mahoning County. Between the massive retail sprawl on Route 224 and the industrial pockets tucked away near Karago Avenue, you have a lot of options. But they aren't all created equal. Knowing where to go depends entirely on whether you're a small business owner shipping 50 orders a day or just someone trying to get a birthday gift to Grandma without it arriving in three pieces.
The Big One: The UPS Store in Boardman Plaza
If you’re looking for the "main" spot, it’s The UPS Store #4476. It sits at 143 Boardman-Canfield Rd, right across from Tesone's Boot and Shoe Repair. This is the place people usually mean when they talk about UPS in Boardman.
It’s locally owned, which is kind of a big deal because the staff actually knows the regulars. They’re open from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM most weekdays. That’s a huge window. Most corporate hubs close much earlier, so if you’re a night owl or a procrastinator, this is your sanctuary. They do way more than just tape boxes. You’ve got:
- Full-scale printing: Think banners, blueprints, and business cards.
- Notary services: Usually available, but it’s smart to call ahead.
- Shredding: For when your home office looks like a paper factory exploded.
- Mailbox rentals: You get a real street address, not a P.O. Box, which is a life-saver for local startups.
One thing to keep in mind: it gets packed. Saturday mornings (they're open 9-4) can feel like a contact sport. If you’re just dropping off a pre-labeled Amazon return, look for the self-service kiosk. It’ll save you ten minutes of standing behind someone trying to ship an antique grandfather clock to Belgium.
The Secret Spot: UPS Customer Center on Karago Ave
Now, here is what most people miss. If you have a massive, heavy, or weirdly shaped shipment—or if you missed a delivery and the "we missed you" slip says it's held at the hub—you aren't going to the Plaza. You’re headed to 95 Karago Ave.
This is the UPS Customer Center. It’s not a "store." It’s the actual distribution hub where the brown trucks live.
The hours here are... let’s just say "specific." They often operate in split shifts, like 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM and then reopening from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
Why would you go here?
- Late drop-offs: Sometimes the hub has a slightly later "pull time" for air packages.
- Package Pick-up: If you want to grab your package the second it’s off the truck instead of waiting for the driver to hit your neighborhood at 6:00 PM.
- High-Value Items: Some people feel better handing a $2,000 laptop directly to the hub staff.
Access Points: Shipping While You Shop
Let’s be real. Sometimes you don't want to deal with a dedicated shipping store. You just want to drop a box and buy some snacks. This is where UPS Access Points come in. Boardman is littered with them.
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You can find Access Point lockers or counters at:
- CVS on Boardman-Canfield Rd.
- Michaels (the one at 365 Boardman Canfield Rd).
- Cali Honey Smoke Shop on Southern Blvd.
These are great for "pre-labeled" packages. If you don't have a label and need the staff to measure your box and help you choose between Ground and 2nd Day Air, do not go here. They are strictly for drop-offs and pickups. Also, verify their "latest drop off" times. Most of these spots stop taking UPS packages around 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM, even if the store is open until 10:00 PM. If you drop it at 5:00 PM, it’s sitting there until tomorrow.
Moving Heavy Stuff? Freight Options in 44512
Boardman has a lot of small businesses and estate sales. If you’re trying to move a sofa or a pallet of engine parts, the standard counter service won't cut it. The Boardman Plaza location actually specializes in Freight Shipping.
They offer something called "End 2 End Freight." Basically, they can handle the crating and the logistics for things that weigh over 150 lbs. It’s expensive, yeah, but cheaper than your friend’s brother-in-law breaking your heirloom table in his pickup truck. They can even ship cars. It sounds fake, but it’s a real service they provide through their logistics network.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make the same three mistakes over and over. First, don't assume every "shipping store" is a UPS store. There are "Authorized Shipping Outlets" like Ship on Site on Western Reserve Road. They’re great, but they are third-party. They might charge a small fee for drop-offs that the Boardman Plaza store doesn't.
Second, the QR code trap. If you have an Amazon return, make sure the QR code says "The UPS Store." If it’s a "UPS Access Point" code, it might not work at a locker, and if it’s a "Kohl’s" code, well, you’re in the wrong building entirely.
Third, the packing tape tax. If you bring a box that isn't taped shut, the store will charge you for a roll of tape or a "sealing fee." It’s like $2-$3. Just tape it at home.
Actionable Steps for your Next Shipment
- Check the label: If it’s a return, check if it’s "Drop-off Ready" or if you need the store to print the label for you.
- Timing is everything: Avoid the 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM rush at the Boardman Plaza if you can. The line often snakes out the door.
- Use the App: Use the UPS My Choice app to reroute packages to the Karago Ave hub if you know you won’t be home to sign for them.
- Heavy lifting: For anything over 50 lbs, park as close to the door as possible or call the store at (330) 758-9230 to see if they have a dolly you can borrow from the curb.
For the most reliable experience, stick to the Boardman Plaza location for service and Karago Ave for distribution issues. If you’re just dropping a small bubble mailer, the Michaels or CVS lockers will save you the headache of Plaza traffic.