The United States Postal Service has already released winter holiday deadlines for estimated delivery, even though Christmas is more than two months away.
The USPS announced on Tuesday its annual shipping deadlines and package rules for you to get your gifts in the mail, so they arrive before Christmas.
Overview:
If you want to send things using Retail Ground Service or First-Class, the last day to send it is on Dec. 17. If you need more time, the deadline for Priority Mail is two days later on Dec. 19. The last resort, Priority Mail Express, has a deadline of Dec. 23, but the USPS warns that it’s not guaranteed to arrive before Dec. 25.
All USPS holiday shipping deadlines
Nov. 5 — APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) USPS Retail Ground service
Dec. 9 — APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
Dec. 16 — APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express Military service
Dec. 17 — USPS Retail Ground service
Dec. 17 — First-Class Mail service (including greeting cards)
Dec. 17 — First-Class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
Dec. 19 — Priority Mail service
Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express* service
*Not a guarantee unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time, and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered or delivery was not attempted within two business days.
The USPS will also apply temporary price adjustments during the holiday season on some shipping products. It says the price hike will help it compete and cover extra handling costs.
According to its website, the price adjustments will last until Jan. 22, 2023.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses. According to a recent press release, it says it relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
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The USPS also said it plans to hire an additional 28,000 “Peak Season Employees” to help support it during the holiday season.