Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2023: USPS, UPS, FedEx

In a world fueled by ecommerce and instant gratification, delivering packages on time remains an essential component of maintaining customer trust and satisfaction. Especially during the festive season, ensuring timely deliveries becomes even more crucial. With the holiday season around the corner, shoppers and sellers need to be aware of the shipping deadlines to ensure packages reach their destinations in time for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other cherished celebrations.

In light of this, let’s dive into the 2023 holiday shipping deadlines for some of the major carriers.

USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines in the US

USPS ServiceShipping Deadline: 2023
USPS Ground Advantage™Saturday, December 16, 2023
First-Class MailⓇSaturday, December 16, 2023
Priority MailⓇMonday, December 18, 2023
Priority Mail ExpressⓇWednesday, December 20, 2023

For Alaska and Hawaii, the deadlines slightly vary:

USPS ServiceAlaska DeadlineHawaii Deadline
USPS Ground Advantage™Saturday, December 16, 2023Saturday, December 16, 2023
First-Class MailⓇSaturday, December 16, 2023Saturday, December 16, 2023
Priority MailⓇMonday, December 18, 2023Saturday, December 16, 2023
Priority Mail ExpressⓇWednesday, December 20, 2023Wednesday, December 20, 2023

FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines in the US

FedEx ServiceShipping Deadline: 2023
FedEx Ground Economy: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
FedEx Ground®: Specific deadlines can be found on FedEx’s website.
Home Delivery®: Specific deadlines can be found on FedEx’s website.
Express Saver: Tuesday, December 19, 2023
2Day & 2Day AM: Wednesday, December 20, 2023
FedEx Same Day: Friday, December 22, 2023

For FedEx international shipping, it’s best to contact FedEx directly.

UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines in the US

As for UPS, specific dates for some services are still TBD.

UPS Service2023 Shipping Deadline
UPS® GroundCheck ups.com/ctc for details
UPS 3 Day Select®Tuesday, December 19, 2023
UPS 2nd Day Air® servicesWednesday, December 20, 2023 or Thursday, December 21, 2023 with Saturday Delivery options
UPS Next Day Air® servicesThursday, December 21, 2023, or Friday, December 22, 2023 with Saturday Delivery options

It’s recommended to keep an eye on their website for updates. For international shipping with UPS, refer to the UPS’s official website.

Tips for Hassle-Free Holiday Shipping

  1. Start Early: The sooner you ship, the better. Avoid last-minute rushes and potential delays by shipping well ahead of the recommended dates.
  2. Utilize Online Tools: From free shipping supplies to label printing, take advantage of the online tools provided by these carriers.
  3. Free Pickup: Schedule a free pickup, especially if you have multiple packages. This can save you time and the hassle of long queues at the post office.
  4. Track Your Shipments: Always track your packages to ensure they’re on the right path and to address any unexpected delays promptly.

Whether you’re a business aiming to fulfill orders or an individual sending gifts to loved ones, being aware of these dates ensures a seamless and joyous holiday season. 

Simplify Your Holiday Shipping with ShipEngine

Navigating the holiday shipping frenzy becomes considerably smoother with ShipEngine by your side. Their platform not only offers a seamless interface to shop for rates but also provides efficient tools to manage bulk orders, ensuring your packages reach their destination on time. And it’s not just about functionality; it’s about cost-efficiency as well. With ShipEngine, you can take advantage of exclusive discounted rates with major carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS, ensuring you get the best deal during the busiest shipping season of the year. So, whether you’re an ecommerce store or sending gifts to loved ones, rely on ShipEngine to make your holiday shipping hassle-free and cost-effective.

Looking to supercharge your shipping process this holiday season? Start a free ShipEngine trial or get in touch with their team to explore tailored solutions for your needs. Remember, in the world of ecommerce, timely delivery is the best gift you can give to your customers!