With Christmas quickly approaching, the window for mailing gifts is closing swiftly. As postal services and delivery companies prepare for the holiday rush, it’s important for senders to adhere to the shipping deadlines set by major carriers to ensure timely delivery.
As the festive season unfolds, it is crucial to meet the holiday shipping deadlines set by major carriers such as FedEx, USPS, and UPS. While postal workers strive to handle the surge in parcels, early mailing helps mitigate delays. Consequently, Americans are advised to send packages as soon as possible to avoid the year-end rush.
UPS, for instance, has responded to the increased demand by hiring over 125,000 seasonal employees, enhancing its capacity to manage the holiday influx. The company indicates that even though it accommodates last-minute shipments with deadlines up to 48 hours before December 25, earlier sendees improve reliability.
FedEx, facing a holiday season with fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, offers next-day delivery for shipments within the US, Mexico, Canada, or Puerto Rico if sent by December 23. This move aims to alleviate potential holiday chaos for consumers.
Similarly, USPS advises mailing gifts inside the US by December 21 for arrival before Christmas, with a slightly earlier cutoff of December 20 for Alaska and Hawaii. However, shipments to other regions, particularly Canada, remain uncertain amidst labor disputes.
Recent reports suggest USPS service to Canada experienced interruptions due to a postal workers strike, though efforts to resolve the issue are underway. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon’s intervention to compel returning to work is a step towards resumption.
Meanwhile, UPS customers can ship to locations in the US and Canada using the expedited Next Day Air service by December 23. It’s crucial to note that shipping costs may vary depending on both the shipping date and destination.
To avoid the disappointment of late deliveries, senders should act promptly, respecting the specified deadlines. With the collaborative effort of postal workers and senders, a seamless holiday gift delivery experience can be achieved, ensuring gifts reach loved ones in time for the celebrations.
Source: Businessinsider
