The United States Postal Service and private shippers UPS and FedEx are bolstering their hiring -- bringing in nearly a quarter million temporary workers -- to ensure they don't become overwhelmed by packages again.
Here are recommended holiday 2021 shipping deadlines for major shipping companies to help you get your packages in the mail on time.
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United States Postal Service (USPS) 2021 holiday shipping deadlines
For delivery before Dec. 25
- USPS Retail Ground: Dec. 15
- First Class Mail: Dec. 17
- Priority Mail: Dec. 18
- Priority Mail Express: Dec. 23
Click here for USPS shipping deadlines for mail sent to international and military addresses. USPS also offers a list on its website with tips about how to avoid common holiday shipping mishaps to ensure your packages arrive on time.
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UPS holiday 2021 shipping deadlines
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For Dec. 24 delivery
- UPS Ground: UPS recommends its self-service options for calculating delivery time
- UPS 3 Day Select: Dec. 21
- UPS 2nd Day Air: Dec. 22
- UPS Next Day Air: Dec. 23
Click here for more information about shipping via UPS to international addresses.
FedEx holiday 2021 shipping deadlines
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Recommended last days to ship for delivery by Dec. 25
- FedEx Ground and Freight Economy: Dec. 9
- FedEx Home Delivery: Dec. 15
- FedEx Ground: Dec. 15
- FedEx Freight Priority and Direct: Dec. 15
- FedEx Express Saver: Dec. 21
- FedEx 3Day Freight: Dec. 21
- 2Day & 2Day AM: Dec. 22
- FedEx 2Day Freight: Dec. 22
- FedEx 1Day Freight: Dec. 23
- FedEx Extra Hours: Dec. 23
- FedEx SameDay: Dec. 24
Click here for information about FedEx international shipping deadlines.
These recommendations were provided by each company and are subject to change. Please contact shipping companies directly with any questions.