Along with double-checking your gift list, it’s essential to keep an eye on the calendar. The clock is ticking if you still need to send gifts to family and friends across the United States this festive season.

This year, the holidays arrived sooner, necessitating careful planning. To assist you in sending your gifts on time, the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and UPS have provided their holiday shipping deadlines.

Most shipping companies have increased their workforce in preparation for the busy season. For example, the Postal Service recruited 7,500 seasonal workers to manage the holiday demand. “So, ship early and make the most of your holiday season,” said Steve Monteith, the Postal Service’s chief customer and marketing officer, in a recent statement.

If you still have gifts to send this holiday season, check out these crucial dates to keep in mind.

USPS Shipping Deadlines for Holiday Deliveries

Here are the suggested send-by dates from USPS for ensuring your holiday mail and packages arrive at their destinations before December 25 within the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states):

• USPS Ground Advantage service (2-5 business days): Wednesday, December 18
• First-Class Mail service (1-5 business days): Wednesday, December 18
• Priority Mail service (1-3 business days): Thursday, December 19
• Priority Mail Express service (1-2 day delivery): Saturday, December 21

For mailing items to Alaska and Hawaii, the recommended USPS holiday shipping dates are as follows:

• First-Class Mail service: Wednesday, December 18
• Priority Mail service: Thursday, December 19
• Priority Mail Express service: Friday, December 20

If you’re sending packages internationally or to military addresses, visit usps.com/holidayshippingdates for a complete schedule of recommended mailing dates.

FedEx Holiday Shipping Schedule for 2024

Here are the suggested dates from FedEx for ensuring your packages reach their destinations by or before Sunday, December 24. FedEx Home delivers packages weighing 150 pounds or less to residences daily (with a $5.15 surcharge per residential package). FedEx Ground handles deliveries to commercial addresses from Monday to Friday.

• FedEx Home Delivery 5-Day Shipping: Tuesday, December 17
• FedEx Home Delivery 4-Day Shipping: Wednesday, December 18
• FedEx Home Delivery 2-to-3-Day Shipping: Friday, December 20
• FedEx Home Delivery 1-Day Shipping: Monday, December 23
• FedEx Overnight: Monday, December 23
• FedEx Same Day: Tuesday, December 24
• FedEx Ground 5-Day Shipping: Tuesday, December 17
• FedEx Ground 4-Day Shipping: Wednesday, December 18
• FedEx Ground 3-Day Shipping: Thursday, December 19

For additional information on shipping dates for packages sent to Mexico, Canada, or Puerto Rico, click here. You can also calculate shipping rates here.

UPS Holiday Schedule for 2024

Here are the final suggested dates to ship gifts within the United States using UPS for delivery by December 24:

• Ground Shipping: Visit the UPS website for the specific cut-off times and details.
• 3-Day Select: Thursday, December 19
• 2nd Day Air: Friday, December 20
• Next Day Air: December 23

Shutterfly’s Holiday Delivery Deadlines

If you enjoy sending personalized holiday cards, calendars, or photo books through Shutterfly, be mindful that the cut-off for these items is approaching. For specific dates and additional details, visit their website.

• Expedited:** Tuesday, December 17
• Rush: Thursday, December 19
• Super Rush: Friday, December 20

Keep in mind that the creation and delivery times for customized products may differ, so be sure to check your cart for the latest delivery estimates at checkout.