Carla Ayers
As you plan your holiday shopping, knowing when the cutoff times for shipping are can help you avoid last-minute oopsies, where your gifts don't get out in time. UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are reminding us that it's best to ship sooner than later. Read on for the shipping deadlines for each carrier.
Will holiday shipping take longer than normal this year?
With tens of millions of packages being shipped each day during the holiday season, you need to prepare for delays or ship early enough to play it safe. While Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year, some shippers have cutoff times well before this.
When should I mail holiday packages?
Here are the dates you need to circle on your calendar to get your package there on time via UPS, FedEx or USPS:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
UPS shipping deadlines
UPS said to follow these deadlines to get your packages to their destinations by December 24. The following is the carrier's domestic delivery schedule:
- UPS Ground Shipping — Check the website to get quotes, Saturday delivery options and other details
- UPS 3 Day Select — December 19
- UPS 2nd Day Air — December 20 (or December 21 with Saturday Delivery options)
- UPS Next Day Air — December 23
FedEx shipping deadlines
FedEx said the last day to ship your packages to arrive on or before Tuesday, December 24 are as follows:
- FedEx SameDay — December 24
- FedEx Overnight — December 23
- FedEx 2Day & 2Day AM — December 20
- FedEx Ground 5-Day Shipping — December 17
- FedEx Ground 4-Day Shipping — December 18
- FedEx Ground 3-Day Shipping — December 19
- FedEx Ground 2-Day Shipping — December 20
- FedEx Ground 1-Day Shipping — December 23
FedEx is closed on Christmas day but does provide FedEx Custom Critical services.
USPS shipping deadlines
The US Postal Service said that it will not have a peak, or demand, surcharge this holiday season, a major plus for consumers. It also has USPS Ground Advantage, to ship packages with day-certain delivery of two to five business days, based on distance.
Post offices will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, but will be open on December 26 and January 2.
To get your packages to their destination by December 25, the Postal Service recommends the following deadlines for shipping within the Lower 48 states. For more destinations and information on international and other shipping services, visit the Postal Services Holiday Center.
Related Content
-
How to Stay Safe During Summer Storms: What to Know About Lightning RisksLearn how to protect your home, electronics, and personal safety from lightning strikes this summer — plus what your insurance might cover.
-
Ask the Editor — Tax Questions on Disaster Losses and moreAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on paper checks, hurricane losses, IRAs and timeshares.
-
To My Small Business: Well, I've Been Afraid of Changin', 'Cause I've Built My Life Around YouWhile thinking about succession planning might feel like anticipating a landslide (here's to you, Fleetwood Mac), there are strategies you can implement to manage the uncertainty and the transition.
-
This Savings Account Earns You More Than $4,000. Here's HowSee how a jumbo CD can help you reach your savings goals quicker.
-
These Are the Key Tariff Issues to Watch in Coming MonthsWhile they're not dominating headlines right now, tariffs are not over. Some key dates are coming up fast that could upend markets all over again.
-
What to Know About Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)Understanding what Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are and how to use them in a portfolio.
-
T-Mobile Offers Senior Phone Plans: Are The Perks Worth the Price?T-Mobile has three senior phone plans. See which perks you receive with each.
-
Should You Switch to a Budget Wireless Carrier? What to Know About Trump Mobile and Other Low-Cost OptionsWith new names like Trump Mobile entering the market, many consumers are curious about affordable wireless plans. Here's how to tell if switching to a budget carrier could actually save you money — and what trade-offs to expect.
-
Bill Bought a Fridge, and Then His Nightmare BeganA Lowe's customer reached out to me after he encountered the retailer's 48-hour return window for major appliances when his brand-new fridge turned out to be defective.
-
Savvy Marketing Tips for Financial Pros From a Financial ProThese strategies for marketing, client acquisition and retention can help financial professionals elevate their business and production.
