Post Office Announces Holiday Deadlines

The U.S. Postal Service today announced the 2016 holiday mailing and shipping deadlines for domestic and international destinations as customers begin to prepare for the busy shopping and shipping season. Customers are encouraged to ship early.

To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

Mail-by Dates — Domestic Services

•             Dec. 15 – USPS Retail Ground

Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

•             Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail

Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.

•             Dec. 21 – Priority Mail

Domestic service in 1, 2 or 3 business days based on where the package is mailed and where it’s being sent, variety of flat-rate options.

•             Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express

Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25.

Complete details on Mailing and Shipping services can be found HERE.

International Mail

1 - Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)***            

2 - Priority Mail Express International (PMEI)      

3 - Priority Mail International (PMI)

4 - First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS)

1                  2                       3                               4

Africa                                Dec 20            Dec 08           Dec 01                  Dec 01

Asia/Pacific Rim               Dec 20          Dec 15              Dec 08                  Dec 08

Australia/New Zealand      Dec 20        Dec 15              Dec 08                  Dec 08

Canada                             Dec 22           Dec 17              Dec 10                  Dec 08

Caribbean                         Dec 22           Dec 15              Dec 10                  Dec 08

Central & S. America       Dec 21            Dec 10             Dec 01                Dec 01

Mexico                              Dec 21            Dec 15              Dec 08                  Dec 08

Europe                              Dec 21            Dec 15              Dec 10                  Dec 08

Middle East                       Dec 19            Dec 15             Dec 10                  Dec 08

***GXG Notes: 1) Cutoff date does not take into account time needed for customs clearance. 2) Should allocate extra transit day(s) for delivery outside major cities.
Mail-by Dates (Military)

The Postal Service is committed to ensuring those serving in the nation’s armed forces and diplomatic service receive their presents, care packages and cards in time for the holidays. Complete military mailing deadlines to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide, as well as tips and guidelines, can be found HERE.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.