Don't miss these 2024 holiday shipping deadlines to ensure your gifts arrive on schedule

Although most people are currently focused on Halloween, the 2024 holiday season is right around the corner and the U.S. Postal Service is already preparing.

On Tuesday, the USPS announced its recommended send-by mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages.

"USPS urges customers to plan ahead and ship early during this holiday season," said the announcement. "The earlier you send, the better; don't delay - mail and ship today!"

Here are the USPS's recommended send-by dates for the 2024 holiday season.

2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: Dec. 18
• First-Class Mail Service: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Service: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: Dec. 21

2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to addresses in Alaska and Hawaii

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: Dec. 16
• First-Class Mail Service: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Service: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: Dec. 20

2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to international and military addresses

If you are sending a package internationally or to a military location, visit https://www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm to see the recommended shipping dates.

Post office holiday closures

The U.S. Postal Service will be closed on the following holidays:

• Oct. 14: Columbus Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day
• Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Day
• Dec. 25: Christmas Day

For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, how to order shipping supplies, and hours for your local Post Office, visit https://www.usps.com/ .

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Don't miss these 2024 holiday shipping deadlines to ensure your gifts arrive on schedule