U.S. Postal Service Announces 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: Ship Early, They Warn

The USPS strongly urges customers to plan ahead and ship early this season to avoid the last-minute rush.Photo byJoel MoysuhonUnsplash

As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has released its recommended mailing and shipping dates to ensure that holiday mail and packages arrive in time for Christmas. With millions of gifts, cards, and packages expected to move through the USPS network, the service encourages early mailing to avoid delays.

Here are the recommended send-by dates for the contiguous United States (Lower 48 States) to ensure delivery by December 25:

• USPS Ground Advantage service: December 18
• First-Class Mail service: December 18
• Priority Mail service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express service: December 21

For those sending items to Alaska and Hawaii, the recommended mailing dates are:

• USPS Ground Advantage service: December 16
• First-Class Mail service: December 18
• Priority Mail service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express service: December 20

For customers shipping internationally or to military addresses, USPS advises checking the full list of suggested mailing dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates to ensure timely delivery.

The USPS strongly urges customers to plan ahead and ship early this season to avoid the last-minute rush. "The earlier you send, the better; don't delay — mail and ship today!" they said in their announcement.