For friends and family far away at Christmas, getting them their holiday gift to unwrap in time takes a little extra planning.
That means you need to pack it and get the package on its merry way by a specific deadline — depending on the delivery service, delivery option and expected arrival date.
Here are the shipping deadlines for 2022:
United States Postal Service (USPS)
Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25
For Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)
USPS Retail Ground Service by Dec. 17
First-Class Mail Service by Dec. 17
Priority Mail Service by Dec. 19
Priority Mail Express Service by Dec. 23
For Alaska and Hawaii, packages need to be sent by Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail Service and Priority Mail Service. And Dec. 21 for Priority Mail Express Service.
For more information about USPS holiday shipping deadlines, click here.
FedEx
The holiday shipping deadlines are a little more complicated at FedEx because they offer a wide variety of shipping options. Use this helpful guide as a reference.
FedEx Freight Economy by Dec. 8
FedEx Ground Economy by Dec. 8
FedEx Freight by Dec. 14
FedEx Ground by Dec. 14
FedEx Express Saver or FedEx 3Day Freight by Dec. 20
FedEx 2Day by Dec. 21
FedEx 1Day Freight or FedEx Extra Hours by Dec. 22
FedEx SameDay by Dec. 23
UPS – United Parcel Service
UPS Ground – Check here for time estimates.
UPS 3-Day Select by Dec. 20
UPS 2nd Day Air by Dec. 21
UPS Next Day Air by Dec. 22
For UPS’ full holiday shipping schedule, click here.
Always be sure to properly secure your package to ensure it arrives safely. Choose a strong shipping box and use lots of tape and packing materials
