What You Need to Know About Shipping Gifts This Season

So you’re shipping presents this holiday season. Whether you haven’t mailed packages since this time last year or you’re a first-timer, it’s time for a bit of a refresher on the ol’ USPS.

Never fear, friends. Here’s a breakdown of all the crucial post office info to help you keep your cool this Christmas.

 

Shipping Deadlines

If you’ve got a pretty parcel that needs to arrive before Christmas, these are the USPS recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25 when shipping domestic. Find international, military, Alaska and Hawaii mail details here.

USPS Ground Advantage ($)
• Ship by Dec. 16
• Estimated 2-5 business days

First-Class Mail ($)
• Ship by Dec. 16
• Estimated 2–5 business days 

Priority Mail ($$)
• Ship by Dec. 18
• 2-3 days

Priority Mail Express/Overnight ($$$)
• Ship by Dec. 20
• 1-2 days 

Keep in mind that estimated arrival times could potentially be affected by the peak shipping season. To be safe, mail your packages ASAP.

 

Christmas Eve Schedule

With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday this year, post offices nationwide will be closed, regular mail will not be delivered and the big, blue USPS collection boxes will not be serviced. As for Saturday, operating hours are posted at each post office location, so double check to see if yours closes early.

 

Christmas Day Schedule

Post offices will be closed on Monday for Christmas Day, meaning regular mail will not be delivered and collection boxes will not be picked up. But all hope is not lost. Priority Mail Express will still be delivered on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

If you want to avoid the post office at all costs…

These stay-at-home options were made for you. Now revel in the glory of the digital age as you

  • order free Priority Mail boxes to be delivered to your door
  • pay for postage online and print your own shipping labels
  • schedule a free package pickup from your doorstep

 

And because we all get a case of holiday craziness, we’re including this list of reminders (without judgement) that you should definitely know in your everyday life.

  • Sender’s address goes on the top left of the box; receiver’s address goes front and center.
  • Fill the open space in your shipping box with crumpled newspapers or other padding to keep the contents from tumbling around and getting damaged.
  • Only use clear packing tape on the shipping box.
  • Never try to ship any of these things.

 

If you have more questions, stop by your local post office or visit usps.com for more info.

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