UPS expects to transport more than 4 million return packages in the United States by the end of the first full week of January, the company announced. The company designated Jan. 6, 2015, as UPS National Returns day and is anticipating more than 800,000 return packages by that day alone.

“We have successfully completed two of the three phases of the Peak holiday delivery season,” said Alan Gershenhorn, UPS executive vice president and CCO. “We are now preparing for a surge in volume driven by Returns Week beginning next Monday.”

According to a UPS online shopper study, returns are on the rise, with 62% of consumers saying they returned an item bought online in 2014, compared with 51% in 2012. UPS believes that as e-commerce grows, return shipping services have become an essential part of the shopping experience.

“Our research shows online shoppers care about returns convenience with 66% reviewing a retailer’s return policy before making a purchase,” said Gershenhorn. “68% said they would complete an online purchase if the retailer simply offered a free return shipping label.”

To help retailers simplify the returns experience, unwanted holiday items can be dropped off at any UPS Store locations where the employees will assist with packing and shipping. Shoppers can also place pre-paid ground or air returns into any UPS Drop Box.