NewsU.S. and the World

Actions

Time is ticking to send packages with USPS before Christmas

Posted at 4:56 PM, Dec 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-16 18:56:23-05

Those looking to send Christmas cards and packages through the post office are starting to run out of time to ship, according to USPS.

And if you're going to the post office, note that lines could be long. Today marks the projected busiest day at the post office this year. USPS officials expect post offices to remain busy throughout the week.

To assist, USPS has expanded its Sunday delivery program, with the post office expecting to make 8 million deliveries each Sunday in December. Also for an additional fee, USPS will make deliveries on Christmas Day for Priority Mail Express shipments.

The Postal Service recommends using the following mailing and shipping deadlines (USPS says the following dates are not guarantees unless noted:

  • Dec. 18 – APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express
  • Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail (including greeting cards)
  • Dec. 20 – First-Class Packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
  • Dec. 20 – Hawaii to mainland Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
  • Dec. 20 – Priority Mail
  • Dec. 20 – Alaska to mainland Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
  • Dec. 22 – Alaska to mainland Priority Mail Express
  • Dec. 22 – Hawaii to mainland Priority Mail Express
  • Dec. 22 – Priority Mail Express

USPS also has a series of helpful videos to help customers prepare packages before going to the post office. Those videos can been seen by clicking here .