UPS, FedEx and USPS announce cut-off dates depending on the shipping method selected
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Although Christmas is almost a week away, there is still time to ship packages so they arrive in time before the holidays. However, those submission deadlines are fast approaching.
Each year, major package delivery carriers post deadlines for packages or mail that need to be shipped before Christmas Eve. Deadlines vary depending on the specific shipping method.
With a flood of packages expected during the holiday season, UPS has tried to encourage shoppers in September to buy and ship packages earlier.
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Meanwhile, to prepare for this year’s holiday rush, the US Postal Service (USPS) announced in November that its largest mail processing facility, located in Los Angeles, has increased its daily processing capacity from 60 million to 88 million by deploying more than 600 package sorters.
A United States Postal Service (USPS) worker delivers packages on Cyber Monday in New York, US, on Monday, December 1, 2025. (Bess Adler/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The USPS said the 614 modern package sorting machines, added over the past five years, allow it to handle more and larger packages than legacy machines, and prepare for the “anticipated increase in package volume around the holidays.”
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UPS
UPS Forum: Check the specific deadline online, as the ship date varies by location.
UPS 3 Day Select: Last day of Christmas shipping is Dec. 19, 2025.
UPS 2nd Day Air: Last shipping date for Christmas delivery is 22 December 2025.
UPS Next Day Air: The last day to arrive for Christmas is December 23, 2025.
A UPS delivery person in Manhattan, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
FedEx
FedEx SameDay: Last day for Christmas delivery is 24th December with same day options where available.
FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight, and Additional Hours: The last day to ship using any of these overnight services is Dec. 23.
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FedEx 2Day & FedEx 2Day AM: The last shipping date for FedEx 2Day services is Dec. 22.
FedEx Express Saver: The last day to send the FedEx Express Saver is December 19.
FedEx trucks at a distribution center in San Diego, California. (Kevin Carter)
FedEx Ground/ FedEx Home Delivery. Depending on how far your package has to travel, the last shipping date:
- Five day itinerary: The last day is December 19.
- Four-day itinerary: The last day is December 20.
- Three day itinerary: The last day is December 21.
- Two day trip: The last day is December 22.
- One day transportation: The last day is December 23.
The USPS
USPS Ground Advantage: The last recommended shipping date before Christmas is December 17th.
First Class Mail: The recommended deadline for sending First Class Mail is Dec. 17.
Important Mail: The recommended last date for Priority Mail shipments is December 18.
Priority Mail Express: The recommended deadline for sending Priority Mail Express is December 20.
USPS Deadlines for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US Territories:
USPS Ground Advantage: The recommended last date for submission is Dec. 16.
First Class Mail: The recommended deadline for sending First Class Mail is Dec. 17.
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Important Mail: The recommended last date for shipping via Priority Mail for expected delivery is Dec. 18.
Priority Mail Express: The recommended deadline for sending Priority Mail Express is December 20.
