Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images
With Christmas just around the corner, there's still time to ensure your packages arrive on time, but shipping deadlines are fast approaching. Major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS have posted their deadlines for packages to arrive by Christmas Eve.
According to USPS, recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25 vary by service. For domestic mail, the deadlines are December 17 for First-Class Mail, December 18 for Priority Mail, and December 20 for Priority Mail Express. USPS advises sending packages early to avoid delays.
FedEx offers various options to ensure timely delivery. FedEx One Rate guarantees delivery within two days across the U.S., so even last minute shoppers can still have packages delivered if they order by December 22. The company provides a holiday schedule to help customers plan shipments, emphasizing the importance of checking specific service availability during the holiday season.
UPS has similar deadlines, and promises packages will arrive by December 24 if they are shipped by December 19 using UPS 3 Day Select. If you are really running late, and you order by December 23 using UPS Next Day Air, your package will arrive on Christmas Eve.
To avoid disappointment, customers are encouraged to ship their packages as early as possible, considering potential delays due to high holiday demand.