Here are the deadlines for sending holiday gifts to ensure they arrive on time: NPR

Here are the deadlines for sending holiday gifts to ensure they arrive on time: NPR

In this July 27, 2020, file photo, the tails of three UPS planes are seen parked at Miami International Airport in Miami.

In this July 27, 2020, file photo, the tails of three UPS planes are seen parked at Miami International Airport in Miami.

Wilfredo Lee/AP


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Wilfredo Lee/AP

Christmas is less than two weeks away, which means you’re running out of time to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and ensure they receive them in time to open on Christmas morning.

Mail carriers say they are prepared for one of the busiest shipping times of the year. FedEx, in particular, says the company is committed to making it “easy, fast and affordable for our customers.”

“Consumers will inevitably feel the holiday stress with five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, and we are prepared to provide our customers with greater peace of mind through improved visibility and accuracy of estimated delivery times,” said FedEx Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Brie Carere.

Here are the deadlines you need to know to send gifts and greeting cards to your loved ones before Christmas Day.

Don’t hesitate

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that the sooner you send your items – greeting cards, packages and other gifts – the better.

If you would like to use the USPS and would like your items to arrive in the US before Christmas, they should be shipped by December 21st. If you are shipping items to Alaska or Hawaii, the deadline is December 20th. For international shipments, the deadline applies to countries in Africa and Central/South America, but gifts to countries in Asia and Europe must be sent by December 16th.

The USPS also warns that postal service to Canada is limited currently suspended due to an ongoing strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

While Christmas is on December 25th, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Christmas Day and is celebrated until January 2nd. Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas until January 1st.

If you use United Parcel Service (UPS) and want your items delivered by Christmas Eve, you can use UPS Next Day Air. However, you must ship within the US and Canada by December 23rd according to the shipping table. The carrier recommends that you calculate the cost and timing of delivery for your specific destination ups.com/ctc.

FedEx says You have at least until December 23rd to ship your package within the US so that it arrives before Christmas Eve, but that depends on which service you use. This is also the last day for shipping to Mexico, Canada or Puerto Rico if you want your package there before Christmas Eve.

Check branch opening and closing times

Branch hours may vary depending on which carrier you use. So check opening times in advance and be prepared for long lines as many people ship last minute.

The USPS will be closed on Christmas Day and will not deliver mail or packages. UPS will also be closed on Christmas Day and pickup or delivery will not be possible. FedEx says Its customized critical services, which handle government shipments, dangerous goods, high-value items and healthcare products, will be available on Christmas Day while all other locations and operations remain closed.

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