When to Mail Holiday Packages

With the holidays around the corner, it’s a busy time for everyone preparing to send gifts and to family and friends, whether across the country or internationally. Ensuring holiday packages arrive takes planning and following recommended shipping dates. Here’s a guide to making holiday shipping as smooth as possible, so packages can reach your loved ones on time.

USPS Recommended Send-By Dates for 2024
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released its 2024 holiday shipping deadlines to help gift-givers stay on track. Here are the recommended dates for domestic shipments within the U.S. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii):

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 18
• First-Class Mail Service: December 18
• Priority Mail Service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 21

For those shipping to Alaska and Hawaii, the USPS suggests mailing by the following dates:

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
• First-Class Mail Service: December 18
• Priority Mail Service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 20
  
  

Alternative Shipping Options
USPS is reliable, but UPS and FedEx also offer varied delivery options that may better suit some needs. Both UPS and FedEx have similar holiday deadlines and provide expedited services as December 25 approaches:

• UPS Ground: Mid-December for regular shipping, with options for expedited service up to December 23.
• FedEx Ground: December 15, with same-day delivery available until December 24. (FedEx Holiday Shipping)
  
  

Last-Minute Shipping
For those facing tight deadlines, there are still solutions for ensuring packages arrive on time:

USPS offers Priority Mail Express, which guarantees delivery within 1-2 days, even in December’s busiest weeks. This option is ideal for last-minute shipments, with cutoff dates in most areas extending to December 21.

Digital gift cards, online subscriptions, and memberships can be thoughtful alternatives for last-minute gifts. Many retailers offer holiday-themed e-gift cards, which can be sent instantly via email and customized with personal messages.

Weather and Service Alerts
Holiday shipping can be affected by unpredictable weather conditions, particularly in snowy or icy regions. USPS, UPS, and FedEx regularly provide service alerts and updates on their websites if weather or other disruptions could impact delivery schedules. Checking these updates when shipping close to deadline can help inform your decisions, especially for cross-country or international packages.

Sending holiday packages on time can be stress-free with a little preparation and awareness of shipping deadlines. For the latest updates, visit about.usps.com and other carrier websites to ensure smooth and timely delivery for your holiday packages.