DeKalb Times

As the holiday season approaches, many people are preparing to send gifts to loved ones both domestically and internationally. To ensure timely delivery, it is important to adhere to recommended shipping dates provided by major carriers.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced its 2024 holiday shipping deadlines for domestic shipments within the U.S., excluding Alaska and Hawaii. The recommended send-by dates are December 18 for USPS Ground Advantage Service and First-Class Mail Service, December 19 for Priority Mail Service, and December 21 for Priority Mail Express Service.

For those sending packages to Alaska and Hawaii, USPS advises mailing by December 16 for USPS Ground Advantage Service, December 18 for First-Class Mail Service, December 19 for Priority Mail Service, and December 20 for Priority Mail Express Service.

In addition to USPS, other carriers such as UPS and FedEx offer alternative shipping options that might better meet some customers' needs. UPS suggests mid-December as a cutoff for regular ground shipping with expedited services available until December 23. FedEx recommends sending packages by December 15 via FedEx Ground, with same-day delivery options extending until December 24.

For last-minute shipments, USPS provides Priority Mail Express with a guaranteed delivery window of one to two days even during the busiest weeks in December. This service's cutoff date in most areas is set at December 21. Digital gift cards or online subscriptions can serve as quick alternatives when time constraints make physical deliveries challenging.

Shipping plans may be affected by weather conditions or other disruptions. USPS, UPS, and FedEx regularly update their websites with service alerts which can help customers make informed decisions regarding cross-country or international deliveries close to deadline dates.

A little preparation along with attention to these deadlines can facilitate stress-free holiday package sending. For more information on current updates and guidelines, visiting about.usps.com or other carrier websites is recommended.