Know when to mail out holiday packages using USPS, FedEx and UPS in time for Christmas
With Dec. 25 less than two weeks away, there are still a few days remaining to ship packages through the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS.
The busiest time of year for services like the USPS is two weeks before Christmas. USPS published a reminder about holiday shipping in October, noting a three-cent increase on the First-Class Forever Stamp. Retail and business customer shipping increases were also made to provide revenue to cover extra costs due to peak-season volume surges.
Here are some holiday shipping deadlines to know:
USPS 2021 holiday shipping deadlines for contiguous U.S.
Dec. 17 - First-Class Mail Service
Mail is delivered within one to five business days and small packages delivered in one to three business days. Prices range from 58 cents for a letter to $4.30 starting price for small packages.
Dec. 18 - Priority Mail Service
Priority Mail Service provides shipping within 1-3 business days. Prices start at $7.95.
Dec. 23 - Priority Mail Express Service
Prices start at $26.60 and have a maximum weight limit of 70 pounds for the Priority Mail Express Service. Provides next day to two day delivery by 6 p.m.
USPS 2021 holiday shipping deadlines for Alaska and Hawaii
Alaska
Dec. 18 - First-Class Mail Service and Priority Mail Service
Dec. 21 - Priority Mail Express Service
Hawaii
Dec. 17 - First-Class Mail Service and Priority Mail Service
Dec. 21 - Priority Mail Express Service
FedEx 2021 holiday shipping deadlines
Dec. 21 - FedEx Express Saver
The FedEx Express Saver offers three-day shipping on packages up to 150 pounds. According to the FedEx website, packages under this shipping plan are expected to arrive at residences by 8 p.m. within three days.
Dec. 22 - FedEx 2 Day and 2 Day AM
FedEx 2 Day offers delivery to residences by 8 p.m. on the second business day. FedEx 2 Day AM delivers by noon on the second business day.
Dec. 23 - Overnight shipping
Three different options are available for FedEx overnight shipping, from early morning, mid-morning to afternoon delivery.
Dec. 24 - Same day delivery
UPS 2021 holiday shipping deadlines
Estimated shipping time and cost can be calculated on the UPS website.
Dec. 21 - UPS 3 Day Select
Dec. 22 - UPS 2nd Day Air services
Dec. 23 - UPS Next Day Air Services
