Get those gifts going: Don't delay mailing holiday packages

Kaitlyn McCormick
·3 min read

With online sales surging this holiday season, the United States Postal Service, Fed Ex, UPS and other carriers want gift-givers to know it's best to shop and mail early.

Because Christmas falls on a Monday this year and there usually isn't mail delivery on Sundays, the Postal Service advises customers to consider Saturday, Dec. 23, as the last day for regular delivery of most cards and packages.

To allow for delivery by then, consumers need to mail earlier and allow extra time for shipments to other states, overseas and to military destinations.

Ground shipping deadlines will vary from carrier to carrier this year. The last day for ground delivery for USPS is Saturday, Dec. 16. For FedEx, the last day for ground economy delivery is Wednesday, Dec. 13 while the last day for ground delivery is Friday, Dec. 15.

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

International holiday shipping dates will slightly vary by carrier.

What is the cutoff date for Christmas delivery?

Cutoff dates will vary by carrier and method of delivery, but the date range is between 5 and 7 business days.

UPS and other delivery services recommend sending cards and packages early for arrival by Christmas. UPS's last day for delivery before Christmas for non-critical service is Dec. 23 since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year.
UPS and other delivery services recommend sending cards and packages early for arrival by Christmas. UPS's last day for delivery before Christmas for non-critical service is Dec. 23 since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year.

"Consumers can avoid the last-minute rush by sending items well before the recommended send-by dates," said Jonathan Castillo, senior public relations representative for the Postal Service in announcing the schedule.

Are packages delivered on holidays?

Yes. Generally speaking, if you sent your letter or package at least a week before the holiday, then the recipient should receive your package the day of or the day before Christmas.

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.

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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:

  • First-class mail: Dec. 9

  • Priority mail: Dec. 9

  • 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.

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 and Peg Quann of Bucks County Courier Times contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Postal service, UPS, Fed Ex issue deadlines for holiday deliveries