Somehow it’s already December and the holidays are just around the corner. Whether you’re looking to grab a last-minute sale or start gift-giving, it’s time to actually think about your shipping strategy. Because that’s exactly what it is – a strategy.

The new USPS could impact the purchasing of those who leave the entire process until the last moment… and in this case may pose a problem. Read on to find out all the news for Christmas 2024 and get all the information you need to get your gifts on time.

Shopping for gifts: It’s not that early yet

However, you can never start Christmas shopping too early. It is already known that there are people who start their Christmas shopping in summer. However, the possibility of delay is real. Let’s be honest: the excuse “Your gift is on the way, I promise” only comes up so often. Don’t be the type of person who is always late to buy Christmas presents for your loved ones.

To help you, let’s take a look at the USPS holiday shipping deadlines and lay them out for you simply and clearly. These are the recommended shipping dates for estimated delivery before December 25th^Th.

USPS 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Contiguous US States

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: USPS Ground Advantage® Service provides a cost-effective and reliable way to ship packages within the United States, including all 50 states, military bases, territories and freely associated states. It is ideal for shipping HAZMAT items that cannot be shipped by air. Prices start at $5.40 at Post Offices™, with lower rates available through Click-N-Ship® and additional business discounts. It is important to emphasize that there are some mailing regulations and standards that do not allow cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Finally, the final recommended date is December 18th^Th.
• First Class Mail Service: First Class Mail® service is a cost-effective and easy way to send envelopes and postcards. First Class Mail Forever® stamps are $0.73 (the current 1 ounce price) and never expire, even if the First Class™ postage price increases. Additionally, stamps for standard letters start at $0.73, while square or oversized envelopes start at $1.19. Standard postcard stamps cost $0.56, oversized postcards require $0.73 stamps. Large envelopes (flat) start at $1.50. First-class mail letters can weigh up to 3.5 ounces; Flats up to 13 oz. Rectangular shapes are required or additional costs may apply. Note that the last recommended date is December 18th^Th.
• Priority Mail Service: Priority Mail^® The service includes tracking and delivery within 1-3 business days. Check delivery time estimates on the Priority Mail Delivery Map. Priority mail flat rate^® These products allow you to ship packages up to 70 pounds to any state for the same price. Shipping by post^™ locations or online from home or company. Prices start at $9.65 at a post office. (Online shipping with extended Click-N-Ship^® Service and get lower business rates. Businesses can achieve additional savings by opting for the Business Rate Card. Please note that the last day is December 19th^Th–
• Priority Mail Express Service: The Priority Mail Express service offers next day to 2 day delivery service by 6:00 p.m. with a money back guarantee. Get competitive pricing and fast delivery to most U.S. addresses and PO boxes all year round, with few exceptions. The last day is December 21st^st.

Please note that the post office will be closed on December 25th^Th and mail is not delivered.

Other shipping companies

Curious about other shipping providers? UPS marks December 19th^Th The last day for the 3-day selection is December 20th^Th as the last day for Air on the second day and December 23rd^approx as the very last deadline for next day flight packages. For FedEx, the last day for ground shipping and home delivery is December 17th and December 23rd is the deadline for one-day shipping. Keep in mind that you will pay extra for overnight shipping and will likely have to wait in a long line!