A look holiday shipping deadlines for major carriers

Lee Digital Content Center

With more shopping online this year, the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx and others have been busier than ever.

That means if you’re still ordering gifts for loved ones or sending items to them through the mail, you better do it soon.

Based on information from each carrier and retailer, here’s a look at when items should be shipped or ordered for delivery by Dec. 25. And, of course, the longer you wait, the more it will cost.

USPS

Shipping dates for the contiguous U.S.

  • USPS Retail Ground: Dec. 15
  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 18
  • Priority Mail: Dec. 19
  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 23

Shipping dates for Alaska

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 18
  • Priority Mail: Dec. 19
  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 21

Shipping dates for Hawaii

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 15
  • Priority Mail: Dec. 15
  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 21

International and military shipping deadlines vary by location, with deadlines ranging from Nov. 6 to Dec. 22. Check usps.com/holiday for country-specific information.

UPS

  • Ground: Dec. 15 
  • 3 Day Select: Dec. 21
  • 2nd Day Air: Dec. 22
  • Next Day Air: Dec. 23

FEDEX

The following deadlines are for shipping within the U.S. only. Deadlines for other destinations — including Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico — can be found at fedex.com.

  • SmartPost: Dec. 9
  • Home Delivery or Ground: Dec. 15
  • Express Saver or 3Day Freight: Dec. 21
  • 2Day, 2Day A.M., or 2Day Freight: Dec. 22
  • 1Day Freight, Extra Hours, Standard Overnight, Priority Overnight, or First Overnight: Dec. 23
  • SameDay, SameDay City Priority, or SameDay City Direct: Dec. 25

RELATED: 50 great gifts that are under $10

Categories: Food