2022 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: The Dates You Need To Know
The Holiday Season is imminent, so keep this guide of 2022 holiday shipping deadlines handy for sending gifts far and wide.
Because let’s face it, there’s no bigger pain in the ass than going to the Post Office around the holidays. Actually, let me rephrase. There’s no bigger pain in the ass than going to the Post Office less than two weeks before Christmas to be told either “your package won’t make it on time” or “it’s going to cost an astronomical amount to get your package there on time.” And guess what? That’s not the Postmaster’s fault. That’s YOUR fault. You didn’t plan ahead. So let’s make sure you don’t run into that problem this year.
Below, you’ll find a list of target dates straight from the USPS press room. Believe it or not, those first deadlines are in early November. So keep this handy as you make your way into and through the holiday season.
2022 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
The Postal Service recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25 to domestic addresses and Air/Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office (APO/FPO/DPO) addresses*:
- Nov. 5 — APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) USPS Retail Ground service
- Dec. 9 — APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
- Dec. 16 — APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express Military
- service
- Dec. 17 — USPS Retail Ground service
- Dec. 17 — First-Class Mail service (including greeting cards)
- Dec. 17 — First-Class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
- Dec. 19 — Priority Mail service
- Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express* service
Alaska
- Dec. 2 — Alaska to/from Continental U.S. — USPS Retail Ground
- Dec. 17 — Alaska to/from Continental U.S. — First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
- Dec. 21 — Alaska to/from Continental U.S. — Priority Mail Express
Hawaii
- Dec. 17 — Hawaii to/from mainland — First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
- Dec. 21 — Hawaii to/from mainland — Priority Mail Express
*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time, and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two business days.