Feel that chill in the Chicago air? It’s a sign that the winter holidays are fast approaching and the United States Postal Service (USPS) has already released its domestic holiday shipping deadlines and dates for 2024. This year, some of the biggest holidays are back-to-back, with the first day of Hanukkah falling on Christmas Day and the first day of Kwanzaa falling on the day after Christmas.
“The earlier you send, the better,” the USPS stated in a recent post. And it’s true, with the holiday season being the busiest time of the year for the postal service, it’s important to plan ahead and send your packages early to ensure they arrive on time.
In order for expected delivery before December 25th, the USPS recommends sending packages via ground service or First-Class mail by December 18th. For those who prefer Priority Mail, packages should be sent by December 19th, and for Priority Mail Express Service, the deadline is December 21st. These dates also apply to packages being shipped to Alaska and Hawaii, with the exception of ground service which has an earlier deadline of December 16th.
For international packages, the deadlines are even earlier, with some beginning as early as the beginning of December. It’s important to check the USPS website for a full list of holiday shipping dates and deadlines for international mail.
To ensure a smooth holiday season, the USPS has increased its daily processing capacity to approximately 60 million packages. They have also hired 7,400 seasonal staff and made upgrades to their fleet, shipping services, and technology. These efforts will help the postal service handle the increased volume of packages during the peak holiday season.
As we all know, the holiday season can be a stressful time with all the shopping, decorating, and planning. But the USPS is doing everything in its power to make sure that your packages are delivered on time and with care. So why not take advantage of their services and send your gifts and packages early? Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will also help the postal service handle the influx of packages and ensure that everyone’s holiday season is a little bit brighter.
In addition to the holiday shipping deadlines, the USPS has also released a new set of holiday stamps for 2024. These stamps feature festive designs and are perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your cards and packages. They are available for purchase at your local post office or online.
The holiday season is also a time for giving back and the USPS has a way for you to do just that. Their “Operation Santa” program allows individuals and organizations to adopt letters to Santa written by children in need and fulfill their holiday wishes. This program has been running for over 100 years and has helped bring joy to countless children during the holiday season.
So, as we feel that chill in the Chicago air and prepare for the winter holidays, let’s remember to spread love and kindness. And with the help of the USPS, we can make sure that our packages and gifts reach our loved ones on time. Happy holidays and happy shipping!
