Overview
- USPS recommends Dec. 17 for Ground Advantage and First‑Class, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail, and Dec. 20 for Priority Mail Express for most U.S. destinations, with slight variations for Alaska, Hawaii and territories.
- FedEx and UPS cutoffs depend on transit time, with multi‑day ground services beginning to close Dec. 15–19 and overnight options available through Dec. 23 for delivery by Dec. 24.
- The U.K. has published final posting dates, with Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed and DPD Gold offering a last guaranteed next‑day option on Dec. 23 and earlier cutoffs for standard services.
- International windows are tighter and vary by destination, with many USPS send‑by dates falling on Dec. 9 or Dec. 16 and customs requirements highlighted as a factor that can slow clearance.
- Carriers report expanded capacity—USPS says processing capability is up to 88 million packages daily with added sorters, vehicles and seasonal hires—yet they flag weather as the leading disruption risk and local stores report late‑season prices can jump significantly.