Kane County Reporter

The 2023 holiday shopping season is fast approaching, and it's crucial to know the important dates and deadlines for shipping packages to ensure they arrive on time for family celebrations. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has provided a comprehensive list of deadline dates for domestic, international, and military shipping destinations to guarantee the timely delivery of cards, letters, and packages by December 25.

According to USPS, there will be no peak or demand surcharge this holiday season. For shipments within the lower 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), the following are the regular holiday shipping and mailing deadlines:

- USPS Ground Advantage – Dec. 16

- Alaska – Dec. 16

- Hawaii – Dec. 16

- First-Class Mail (including greeting cards) – Dec. 16

- Alaska – Dec. 16

- Hawaii – Dec. 16

- Priority Mail – Dec. 18

- Alaska – Dec. 18

- Hawaii – Dec. 16

- Priority Mail Express – Dec. 20

- Alaska – Dec. 20

- Hawaii – Dec. 20

For FedEx, the last day for ground economy delivery is Dec. 13, and the last day for ground delivery is Dec. 15. The key shipping deadline dates for FedEx are:

- Ground Economy – Dec. 13

- Home Delivery, Ground – Dec. 15

- Express Saver, 3 Day Freight – Dec. 19

- 2 Day – Dec. 20

- 1 Day Freight, Extra Hours – Dec. 21

- Same Day – Dec. 22

UPS recommends obtaining an estimate from its website based on its operating hours, holiday schedule, and operational adjustments.

When it comes to shipping to Air/Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), and Diplomatic Post Office (DPO), the deadlines are as follows:

- USPS Ground Advantage – Nov. 6

- First-Class Mail – Dec. 9

- Priority Mail – Dec. 9

- Priority Mail Express Military Service – Dec. 15

(Note: Priority Mail Express Military Service is not available for APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093.)

For international mail deadlines, it is advisable to check the USPS website for specific information.

To ensure your packages reach your loved ones on or before the holidays, preparation is key. Each carrier and method of delivery may have different cutoff dates, but generally, the date range is between 5 and 7 business days. It's important to note that packages are delivered on holidays. If a letter or package is sent at least a week before the holiday, the recipient should receive it on the day of or the day before Christmas.

In conclusion, it is crucial to be aware of the shipping deadlines provided by USPS, FedEx, and UPS to ensure your holiday packages are delivered to your loved ones in a timely manner. By adhering to these deadlines and planning ahead, you can ensure a joyous and stress-free holiday season.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repugaste.com/2023/11/07/deadlines-to-mail-those-holiday-season-packages/