Holiday Shipping Dates: USPS, UPS, FedEx Recommendations

The U.S. Postal Service is actively preparing for the upcoming Christmas holiday season by announcing its recommended send-by dates for holiday cards and gifts. These dates ensure that items are delivered before December 25.

For 2024, the suggested send-by dates for items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States (Lower 48 States) are as follows: the USPS Ground Advantage service and First-Class Mail service both have a deadline of December 18. The Priority Mail service has a send-by date of December 19, while the Priority Mail Express service is set for December 21.

USPS officials are also advising customers sending packages internationally or to military addresses to check the agency’s list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates available on their website.

It’s important to note that severe storms and hurricanes have caused disruptions to mail delivery worldwide. In states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, some post offices are beginning to resume operations following Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Hurricane Milton is currently threatening Florida's west coast. For updates on any disruptions, customers can check usps.com.

In other news, the USPS plans to increase stamp prices five times through 2027. This decision follows a postponement of an increase that was originally scheduled to take effect in January. Reports indicate that the 5-cent increase for First-Class stamps in July 2024 tied the record for the largest hike ever and came after a 2-cent increase earlier in January.

Prior to this, postage prices had increased in July 2023, January 2023, and July 2022. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stated, "Our strategies are working and projected inflation is declining," in a news release that announced there would be no stamp price increases in January. He added, "Therefore, we will wait until at least July before proposing any increases for market dominant services."

For those considering alternative shipping options, FedEx has provided its last shipping dates to ensure packages arrive by December 24, 2024. The FedEx SameDay service will accept shipments until December 24. For the FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight, and Extra Hours services, the last day for shipping is December 23.

Customers using FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM should send their packages by December 20, while those using FedEx Express Saver should ship by December 19. FedEx Ground offers various shipping options, including 5-day, 4-day, 3-day, 2-day, and 1-day shipping. FedEx Home Delivery is also available for the same shipping timelines, and for FedEx Ground Economy, the deadline is December 13. More resources are available on the FedEx Holiday Page.

Lastly, UPS has released its recommended shipping deadlines for the 2024 holiday season to ensure delivery by December 24. For UPS Ground, customers should check ups.com/ctc for specific details. The last day for UPS 3 Day Select is December 19, while the deadline for UPS 2nd Day Air is December 20. Those using UPS Next Day Air should ship by December 23.