WE are not even to Halloween, but the United States Postal Service is already letting customers know the important dates ahead of the holiday season.
The USPS revealed key dates to ensure your packages and cards arrive on time for Christmas.
The post office shared key dates to ensure holiday mail arrives on time[/caption]
The US Postal Service is gearing up for another busy season.
The post office processed more than 11.7 billion pieces of mail and packages during the 2022 holiday season.
The USPS said it took, on average, about 2.5 days to deliver a letter or package.
This year is expected to be no exception when it comes to the volume of holiday mail.
The post office said, “The earlier you send, the better, don’t delay.”
Here are important dates to keep in mind:
2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States (lower 48 States):
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 18
- First-Class Mail service: December 18
- Priority Mail service: December 19
- Priority Mail Express service: December 21
2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 16
- First-Class Mail service: December 18
- Priority Mail service: December 19
- Priority Mail Express service: December 20
If you’re mailing packages internationally or to military addresses, the USPS suggests checking their website for their recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates.
PRICING OPTIONS
The price of a first-class stamp is now 73 cents. If it’s a square, oversized, or unusual envelope, prices start at $1.19.
To mail a package by ground delivery, prices start at $5.40.
For a quicker option, the USPS offers Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes for $10.45.
HOLIDAY MAILING DEADLINES
The following deadlines are recommended by the US Postal Service for people who want to get their holiday packages to their destinations on-time.
2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States (lower 48 States):
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 18
- First-Class Mail service: December 18
- Priority Mail service: December 19
- Priority Mail Express service: December 21
2024 holiday mailing and shipping dates for items sent to addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: December 16
- First-Class Mail service: December 18
- Priority Mail service: December 19
- Priority Mail Express service: December 20
Source: USPS
Priority Mail boxes start at $9.65.
International pricing will be higher. It’s best to check with your post office.
The USPS said you can save with online shipping.
Their “click-n-ship” service offers people shipping domestically a lower commercial rate.
Businesses can get additional savings on certain services by opting in to the Business Rate Card.
Christmas Day is December 25.
Hanukkah begins on at sundown on December 25.
Kwanzaa starts on December 26.
