WACO, Texas (KXXV) β The United State Postal Service (USPS) is gearing up for the holiday rush and wants to help customers avoid last-minute shipping stress with key deadlines and preparation tips.
Waco Postmaster Bret Watkins will be available in the lobby of the Waco Main Post Office on Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. to help customers and share helpful holiday mailing advice.
This hands-on approach reflects USPS's commitment to customer service during the busiest shipping season of the year.
"During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by December 25," according to USPS guidance.
Critical shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery
United States Postal Service (USPS)
For packages to arrive before Dec. 25, USPS recommends these send-by dates for the contiguous United States:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: Wednesday, Dec. 17
- First-Class Mail: Wednesday, Dec. 17
- Priority Mail: Thursday, Dec. 18
- Priority Mail Express: Saturday, Dec. 20
Click here for more information, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and international shipping deadline dates.
Customers shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories should send packages one day earlier, with USPS Ground Advantage needing to be mailed by Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Military and international addresses have different requirements, and customers can find complete shipping date information on the USPS holiday shipping page.
UPS
UPS has modified pickup and delivery services during the holiday season. Here are some send-by dates to keep in mind if you're shipping in the U.S. and want your package delivered by Wednesday, Dec. 24 on Christmas Eve:
- UPS Ground: Check here for details.
- UPS 3 Day Select: Friday, Dec. 19
- UPS 2nd Day Air: Monday, Dec. 22
- UPS Next Day Air: Tuesday, Dec. 23
Click here for more details, including international shipping deadline dates.
Fedex
Between ground and air freight shipping, Fedex has a variety of deadlines for shipping and delivering your holiday packages by Wednesday, Dec. 24 on Christmas Eve:
- 5-Day Ground Transit: Wednesday, Dec. 17
- 3-Day Air Freight: Thursday, Dec. 18
- 2-Day Air Freight: Friday, Dec. 19
- 1-Day Ground Transit: Tuesday, Dec. 23
Click here for more details, including international shipping deadline dates.
Holiday preparation resources
USPS offers several resources to help customers prepare for holiday shipping, including free shipping supplies that can be ordered online, packaging guidelines, and information about restricted and prohibited items.
Customers can access these resources at usps.com, the USPS YouTube channel, or the USPS Holiday Newsroom.
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