With the holiday season quickly approaching, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has released its annual shipping deadlines for domestic and international mail to ensure its customers that their packages and cards are delivered timely.
USPS recommends the following send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25:
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States):
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 18
- First-Class Mail service: December 18
- Priority Mail service: December 19
- Priority Mail Express service: December 21
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 16
- First-Class Mail service: December 18
- Priority Mail service: December 19
- Priority Mail Express service: December 20
A United States Postal Service truck is seen on September 12 in Miami Beach, Florida. With the holiday season quickly approaching, the USPS has released its annual shipping deadlines for domestic and international mail to ensure its customers that their packages and cards are delivered timely.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
International Shipping Deadlines
For international mail, the USPS advises even earlier deadlines due to longer transit times and potential customs processing delays. The recommended shipping dates for international destinations vary depending on the country and service level.
USPS suggests that customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, check the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.
Tips for Shipping Success
To avoid any last-minute rush or potential delays, senders are advised by the USPS to:
- Use Flat Rate Boxes: No need to weigh the package.
- Print Labels Online: Save time and avoid post office lines.
- Package Carefully: Use appropriate cushioning and ensure labels are clear.
- Double-Check Addresses: Ensure that all address information is accurate to avoid return-to-sender issues.
For customers still wondering whether their package will make it on time, USPS advises opting for Priority Mail Express.
Ahead of the holiday season, which includes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, the USPS announced it would be temporarily increasing prices for some services. It has also unveiled its range of Christmas stamps, one of which includes a 17th-century Italian painting of Christ and the Madonna, and four others inspired by Mexican folk art.
In addition, USPS has announced it is updating its annual Operation Santa tradition. As reported by Newsweek last month, each year, the USPS Operation Santa accepts letters addressed to Santa Claus from children and their families asking for help with their Christmas wish lists. These are then reviewed by USPS employees to identify anonymous gift-givers, known as “adopters,” who fulfill the wishes by purchasing and sending the gifts.”
Mailrooms began accepting letters to Santa on September 16, and adopters can register to buy a gift from November 4.
This year, USPS has also announced it is teaming up with Toys R Us for the 2024 holiday season. “Through the collaboration with Toys R Us, letter adopters can now easily select and purchase gifts from a specially curated e-commerce site,” read a release issued last month.
