2023 Holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, UPS and FedEx

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.

Holiday Shipping deadlines — Image: Adobe Stock

Here are the shipping deadlines for 2023:

Always double-check dates, as information and deadlines are subject to change.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25, 2023

For Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)

USPS Retail Ground Service by Dec. 16, 2023
First-Class Mail Service by Dec. 16, 2023
Priority Mail Service by Dec. 18, 2023
Priority Mail Express Service by Dec. 20, 2023
For Alaska, packages need to be sent by Dec. 16, 2023 for First-Class Mail Service and Dec. 18, 2023 for Priority Mail Service. And Dec. 20, 2023 for Priority Mail Express Service.
For Hawaii, packages need to be sent by Dec. 16, 2023 for First-Class Mail Service and Priority Mail Service. And Dec. 20, 2023 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. 12, 2o23
FedEx Ground Economy by Dec. 13, 2023
FedEx Freight by Dec. 15, 2023
FedEx Ground by Dec. 15, 2023
FedEx Express Saver or FedEx 3Day Freight by Dec. 19, 2023
FedEx 2Day by Dec. 20, 2023
FedEx 1Day Freight or FedEx Extra Hours by Dec. 21, 2023
FedEx SameDay by Dec. 22, 2023

UPS – United Parcel Service

UPS Ground – Check here for time estimates.

UPS 3-Day Select by Dec. 19, 2023
UPS 2nd Day Air by Dec. 20, 2023
UPS Next Day Air by Dec. 21, 2023

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.

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