Holiday Shipping Deadlines
If you are an eCommerce business, you are probably well aware of the holiday shipping deadlines that are fast approaching. Merchants and consumers alike should be mindful of these shipping cutoffs. These are the last day(s) a package or letter can be shipped and still arrive in time for Christmas. You still have the opportunity to squeeze in a few more sales and meet these tight deadlines. Keep in mind these are not guarantees but merely estimates. The final delivery date can change based on where you are shipping from, weather, delays, and other unforeseen circumstances. However, these guidelines ensure you have the best chance of getting your packages delivered on time. Here are the main carrier holiday shipping deadlines for 2022.
USPS
Your local United States Postal Service is estimating the following deadlines for shipments within the 48 contiguous states:
- Dec 17 – Deadline for USPS Retail Ground
- Dec 17 – Deadline for First Class Mail
- Dec 19 – Deadline for Priority Mail
- Dec 23 – Deadline for Priority Mail Express
Here are the additional deadlines if you are shipping from/to Alaska or Hawaii.
- Dec 2 for Retail Ground for Alaska, N/A for Hawaii
- Dec 17 for First Class & Priority for Alaska and Hawaii
- Dec 21 for Priority Mail Express for Alaska and Hawaii
FedEx
FedEx has the following holiday shipping deadlines for 2022. These are subject to change without notice. Check the FedEx holiday schedule for the most current announcements. These are for the 48 contiguous states only.
- Dec 9 – FedEx SmartPost shipments (exclusions apply)
- Dec 14 – FedEx Ground (scheduled pickup) and FedEx Home Delivery shipments
- Dec 20 – FedEx Express Saver and 3Day Freight shipments
- Dec 21 – FedEx 2Day Freight shipments
- Dec 22 – FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx First Overnight, and 1Day Freight shipments
- Dec 23 – FedEx SameDay shipments (additional fee may apply)
UPS
For UPS, you will want to use their online time and cost calculator to ensure you have the most up-to-date details, especially for their UPS® Ground services. Their expedited services are easier to add to your calendar and share with your customers. Here are the expedited deadlines for UPS services within the 48 contiguous states.
- Dec 20 – Deadline for UPS 3-Day Select shipments
- Dec 21 – Deadline for UPS 2nd Day Air shipments
- Dec 22 – Deadline for UPS Next Day Air shipments
- Dec 25 – No pickup or delivery service. UPS Express Critical services are available.
Holiday Shipping Deadline Calendar
If you are a visual person, this is a combined main carrier calendar noting the 2022 holiday shipping deadlines. Available for download below.
Holiday Shipping Deadline Calendar
No matter who you use for your holiday shipping needs, it is critical to know your final cutoff days/times to ensure packages arrive before Christmas. Every carrier has a slightly different policy and pricing structure. If you are an eCommerce business that has grown weary of trying to track deadlines and save money during peak season year over year, consider partnering with Falcon Fulfillment. Our relationships with a network of carriers and volume discounts could make your next holiday season a breeze. Contact one of our agents today if you want to find out more.
