2016 USPS Holiday Mailing & Shipping Deadlines

To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

Mail-by Dates — Domestic Services

• Dec. 15 – USPS Retail Ground
  Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.
• Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail
  Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.
• Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
  Domestic service in 1, 2 or 3 business days based on where the package is mailed and where it’s being sent, variety of flat-rate options.
• Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express
  Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25.