You’ll Need to Ship by These Dates if You Want Packages To Arrive by Christmas, According to UPS, USPS and FedEx

The holiday season is in full swing, and with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday this year, the clock is ticking for getting your gifts in the mail! Otherwise, the packages you send might not make it in time to be placed under the tree. To ensure your presents arrive before the 25th, following the holiday shipping deadlines provided by UPS, USPS, and FedEx is crucial. However, if you’re able to send your presents before the cutoff dates, that’s even better because while December’s snowy weather can make the season look magical, it can also cause delays and impact when your mail arrives. That’s why the sooner you ship your gifts, the less stress you’ll have to deal with in the final days counting down to Christmas.

If you’re not sure if you should use USPS, UPS, or FedEx, it really depends on how quickly you need your package delivered and which destination is closest to you. For instance, FedEx is the top choice for same-day delivery, which can be a lifesaver for those sending last-minute gifts. However, UPS is a great option when it comes to large, heavy items that you may need to track, while USPS is good if you’re mailing smaller packages, Christmas cards or sending gifts to rural/remote areas.

If you find yourself running short on time and you have a location nearby, you also might want to consider skipping the post office and heading straight to UPS or FedEx if you can’t mail out your items until you get off of work. Why? Many UPS and FedEx locations stay open until 7:00 p.m. or later, giving you that extra cushion to get your gifts in the mail, unlike USPS, which can close as early as 4:00 p.m. So, if you find yourself rushing around for those last-minute deliveries, these two options might be your secret weapon when it comes to sending out your Christmas gifts.

Read on to find out all of the shipping deadlines you need to know. We’ve compiled everything based on the carrier, below. That way, you can avoid scrambling to get your packages out at the last minute—and have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities with ease and peace of mind.

Related: 135 of the Best 'Merry Christmas!' Wishes To Write in Your Christmas Cards This Year

USPS 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

When you’re mailing your letters and gifts out of USPS, there are several dates to keep in mind, including specific ones if you’re sending something to someone in Alaska or Hawaii.

• December 16: Last day for Standard Ground Advantage for Alaska and Hawaii

• December 16: Last day for Priority Mail Express Military Service

• December 18: Last day for Standard Ground Advantage

• December 18: Last day for First Class Mail

• December 19: Last day for Priority Mail

• December 20: Last day for Priority Mail Express for Alaska and Hawaii

• December 21: Last day for Overnight Priority Mail Express

FedEx 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

If you’re planning on sending your Christmas mail via FedEx, it should arrive by December 24 if you send it out by the following dates:

• December 13: Last day for Standard Ground Economy

• December 17: Last day for Five-Day Ground

• December 18: Last day for Four-Day Shipping

• December 19: Last day for Three-Day Freight

• December 19. Last day for Express Saver

• December 20: Last day for Two-Day Shipping

• December 20: Last day for Two-Day AM Shipping

• December 23: Last day for Overnight

• December 23: Last day for One-Day Freight

• December 23: Last day for Overnight Services

• December 24: Last day for Same-Day Shipping

UPS 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

To get your mail to your friends and family before Christmas, UPS recommends these U.S. dates, which should get packages delivered by the day before Christmas.

• December 15: Standard Ground

• December 19: Last day for Three-Day Select

• December 20: Last day for Second-Day Air

• December 21. Last day for Overnight Shipping

• December 23: Last day for Next-Day Air

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