Holiday Shipping Cutoffs Near as USPS, FedEx and UPS Set Mid-December Send-By Dates

Overview

• USPS recommends sending Ground Advantage and First-Class by Dec. 17, Priority Mail by Dec. 18, and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 20 for Christmas arrival.
• FedEx lists Ground Economy by Dec. 15 and five-day Ground/Home Delivery options around Dec. 17, with overnight services available through Dec. 23.
• UPS advises Three Day Select by Dec. 19, Second Day Air by Dec. 22, and Next Day Air by Dec. 23 to make it by Christmas.
• Shipping experts suggest treating Dec. 17 as a practical safe zone to avoid cutting it close for on-time delivery.
• Post offices and shipping stores report heavy foot traffic, with a store manager warning prices can double or triple late in the season and DHL’s e-commerce chief flagging weather as the biggest disruption risk.