If Santa's using FedEx, he needs to ship today ... and so do you

Kaitlyn McCormick, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
Updated ·2 min read

You still have time to get your holiday packages shipped out in time for Christmas delivery ... just not as much time as you think.

The first deadlines are now here.

With Christmas on a Monday this year, FedEx says your Ground Economy deliveries have to be shipped out today, Dec. 13.

The last day for ground delivery is Friday, Dec. 15.

The last day for ground delivery for USPS is Saturday, Dec. 16.

UPS, on the other hand, suggests getting an estimate from its website based on its operating hours, holiday schedule and operational adjustments.

Read below to check the 2023 holiday shipping deadlines.

Last day to ship USPS for Christmas

In its 2023 Holiday Newsroom, the USPS has announced shipping deadlines for mail and packages to reach their recipients by Dec. 25.

Lower 48 continental states:

  • USPS ground advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-class mail (including greeting cards): Dec. 16

  • Priority mail: Dec. 18

  • Priority mail express: Dec. 20

Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, Diplomatic Post Office:

  • Priority mail express military service: Dec. 15. Note - not available for APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093

For a full list of shipping deadlines including Alaska and Hawaii, check with your local post officer or visit usps.com.

Packages are piled up in The UPS Store in Haddonfield on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Packages are piled up in The UPS Store in Haddonfield on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Last day to ship for FedEx

The following are FedEx holiday shipping deadlines for deliveries to reach their recipients on or before Dec. 24.

FedEx Express domestic:

  • FedEx same day: Dec. 22

  • 2Day* and 2Day AM: Dec. 20 *with optional Saturday delivery ($16 per package surcharge) the last day to ship can be extended one day to Dec. 21

  • FedEx Express saver: Dec. 19

FedEx Ground domestic:

  • Ground Economy: Dec. 13

  • FedEx Ground 5-day through 1-day shipping: Dec. 15, Dec. 18-21

  • Home Delivery 5-day through 1-day shipping: Dec. 15, Dec. 18, Dec. 20-22

See FedEx.com for a full list of domestic and international holiday shipping deadlines, including U.S. to Puerto Rico.

Last day to ship for UPS

The following are UPS holiday shipping deadlines for deliveries to reach their recipients on or before Dec. 23.

To estimate when you should mail your packages if you plan on using UPS, visit ups.com to use their cost and time calculator.

UPS U.S. Domestic

  • UPS 3 Day Select: Dec. 19

  • UPS 2nd Day Air: Dec. 20 (or Dec. 21 with Saturday Delivery options)

  • UPS Next Day Air: Dec. 21 (or Dec. 22 with Saturday Delivery options)

For a full list of shipping deadlines to Canada and Mexico, check with your local shipper or visit ups.com.

Amaris Encinas of USA Today contributed to this report.

Price increases: USPS announces new shipping rates for ground advantage and priority mail services in 2024

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: When are the holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, FedEx and UPS?