The holiday cheer is nearly upon us, and so is the rush to get those special gifts to your loved ones on time! As your go-to for the season’s shipping know-how, we’ve gathered all the crucial dates for USPS, UPS, and FedEx right here. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s make sure your packages are wrapped with care and delivered on schedule!
USPS: The Seasonal Sprint
For the contiguous United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, here are your USPS deadlines:
- USPS Ground Advantage: Ship by December 16
- First-Class Mail: Including greeting cards, by December 16
- Priority Mail: Get it out by December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 20 is your last call
Alaska and Hawaii have similar dates, but do note:
- Priority Mail for Hawaii: Ship by December 16
For APO/FPO/DPO addresses, plan even earlier:
- USPS Ground Advantage: November 6 (Yes, it’s that early!)
- First-Class Mail and Priority Mail: December 9
- Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 15 (not available for certain ZIPs)
UPS: Delivering Joy
UPS is ready to dash through the snow with these deadlines:
- UPS 3 Day Select: December 19 is the day
- UPS 2nd Day Air: Choose December 20 or 21 if you need that Saturday delivery
- UPS Next Day Air: Send off by December 21 or 22, again with the Saturday option
- UPS Ground and Ground Saver: Check directly with UPS for these specifics2.
FedEx: Racing to the Festive Finish Line
FedEx brings its own set of dates to the holiday table:
- FedEx Ground Economy: Mark December 13 on your calendars
- FedEx Express Saver: By December 19
- FedEx 2Day: December 20 awaits
- FedEx SameDay: For the true procrastinators, December 22
Remember, these dates are your best bet for on-time arrival, but the earlier, the better to beat the rush and any unforeseen delays. Keep these deadlines in your festive planning arsenal, and you’ll be all set for a season that’s merry, bright, and delightfully on time.