Last-Minute Christmas Mail: When's The Deadline?

Christmas is a busy time for postal services, with many people sending gifts and cards to loved ones. To ensure that your mail arrives on time, it's important to be aware of the shipping deadlines for the different carriers. In the US, the deadlines for Christmas Day delivery in 2023 varied by carrier and service type, with some cut-offs as early as November for international economy services. For domestic deliveries, it's recommended to send gifts at least two weeks before Christmas to avoid potential delays and last-minute stress.

Domestic mail deadlines

USPS

For packages under 16 ounces, First-Class postage must be sent by December 17. For packages over 16 ounces, the cut-off date for ground shipping is December 15. If you miss this date, you can use Priority Mail, which has a deadline of December 19. For last-minute gifts, Priority Mail Express offers next-day shipping, with a deadline of December 23.

UPS

UPS retail locations operate on a limited schedule in the days leading up to Christmas Eve, and they do not deliver on Christmas Day. For ground packages, items need to be in transit by December 15. For international air packages, pickups can be scheduled as late as December 22, with the last day for scheduled delivery on Christmas Eve being December 23.

FedEx

FedEx offers ground economy and express services. For domestic deliveries, items should be shipped by December 22.

It is recommended that you ship your Christmas gifts as early as possible to avoid potential delays and last-minute stress.

International mail deadlines

For example, if you are shipping from the US to Australia or New Zealand, the deadline for using the USPS Priority Mail International service is earlier than the deadline for the UPS Worldwide Expedited service.

For shipping internationally from the US, the following deadlines are recommended by Parcel Monkey for 2023:

• USPS Priority Mail International: 7th December
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: 14th December
• USPS Priority Mail International: 14th December
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: 15th December
• USPS Priority Mail Express International: 19th December
• FedEx International Economy: 19th December
• FedEx International Priority: 20th December
• UPS Worldwide Express: 20th December
• USPS Priority Mail International: 20th December
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: 21st December

It is important to note that these deadlines are estimates and actual delivery dates may vary depending on origin, destination, and other factors.

Additionally, for military mail, the USPS provides the following recommended deadlines for 2023:

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: 6th November
• First-Class Mail Service: 9th December
• Priority Mail Service: 9th December
• Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS): 15th December

To ensure your packages arrive on time for Christmas, it is always best to ship as early as possible and to consult the recommended deadlines provided by your chosen courier.

Recommended shipping dates

For shipping within the US, it is recommended to mail packages before December 22 to ensure they arrive before Christmas. However, it is always best to ship gifts as early as possible to avoid any potential delays. For US domestic deliveries, sending gifts two weeks before Christmas will save you last-minute stress and will be cheaper than paying for expedited services.

If you are using the United States Postal Service (USPS), the cut-off date for ground shipping within the contiguous US is December 15. For First-Class postage on packages weighing up to 16 ounces or greeting cards, the deadline is December 17. If you miss this date, Priority Mail is an option, with a deadline of December 19. For last-minute gifts, USPS offers a next-day shipping option with Priority Mail Express, which will deliver your package on Christmas Eve if sent by December 23.

For international shipping, deadlines can start as early as late November for economy services. Delivery times vary by country, but it is generally recommended to allow a few extra days for shipping during the holiday season.

UPS and FedEx also offer Christmas shipping services, with deadlines falling around mid-December for domestic shipments and earlier for international destinations.

Last-minute options

If you've left it until the last minute to send your Christmas cards and gifts, there are still options available to ensure they arrive before the big day. Here are some last-minute options to consider:

• USPS: The United States Postal Service offers a next-day shipping option with Priority Mail Express. This option is more costly than others, but it will get your cards and gifts to their destination on Christmas Eve if sent by December 23rd.
• FedEx: FedEx offers guaranteed overnight delivery on gifts sent via FedEx International Priority Mail if they are sent by December 23rd. They also offer ground transportation at a reduced rate, with gifts needing to be on trucks by December 15th to reach domestic locations by Christmas Day.
• UPS: UPS retail locations operate on a limited schedule in the days leading up to Christmas Eve, and customers can ship items worldwide using their international services up to a week before Christmas. While some ground packages need to be in transit as early as December 15th, UPS offers Air packages that can be scheduled for pickup through December 22nd. The absolute last day for scheduled delivery on Christmas Eve for UPS packages is December 23rd.

To avoid any potential delays and stress, it is always recommended to send your Christmas cards and gifts as early as possible. Planning ahead can also help you save money by avoiding the need for expedited services.

How to avoid delays

To ensure your mail arrives on time for Christmas, it is important to plan ahead and be aware of the potential for delays. Here are some tips to help you avoid any hold-ups:

Timing is Key

The earlier you send your mail, the better. It is recommended to send your Christmas mail at at least two weeks in advance, if not earlier, to account for potential delays. The postal service tends to ramp up its operations before Christmas, with the busiest time starting two weeks before the holiday.

Choose the Right Service

Different postal services have different deadlines and delivery times. For example, ground shipping options are often more affordable but have earlier cut-off dates. If you've missed the ground shipping date, you can opt for Priority Mail, which usually has a later deadline. For last-minute gifts, Priority Mail Express can get your package to its destination on Christmas Eve if sent by December 23rd.

Domestic vs. International

Be mindful of the shipping destination. International shipping will generally take longer, and economy services for overseas mail can have deadlines as early as late November. Always check the specific deadlines for your chosen courier service and destination country.

Book in Advance

If you're booking a package pick-up service, make sure to book it in advance. For example, book by Thursday 14th for a package collection on Friday 15th.

Account for Weather

Be aware that severe weather conditions can cause delays in mail delivery. If there is a chance of bad weather, send your mail earlier to avoid potential hold-ups.

Use Online Tools

Many postal services offer online tools to help you plan your mailing. For instance, the USPS offers a free Retail Postage Price Calculator to get expected delivery dates, and you can also find their full holiday shipping schedule online.

Frequently asked questions