The holiday shopping season is in full swing but it won't be long before time runs out on deadlines for mailing Christmas packages. Shippers, as well as retailers, have announced Christmas 2023 cutoff dates for getting gifts to their destinations on time.
With just 20 days left until Christmas, which falls on a Monday this year, windows for receiving and mailing goods without having to pay a premium for expedited delivery are narrowing.
"Shipping costs go up every year and fees and surcharges get more expensive as you get closer to the deadlines," said Krish Iyer, a vice president at e-commerce shipping solutions platform ShipStation.
He also urged consumers to be mindful of the time of day they hand over packages to shippers. Late afternoon and evening visits to UPS and FedEx could mean the package won't go out until the following day.
"Depending on time of day and when the pickup happens, you could wait a whole new day. Most consumers think they've beat the buzzer, but they may not have for that reason," he added.
Below, find out when is the last day to mail Christmas packages through the U.S. Postal Service, the last day to mail packages via UPS and FedEx, and the last day to order for Christmas delivery at major retailers.
The United States Postal Service has announced its cutoff dates for deliveries in time for Christmas.
Keep in mind, the USPS won't be delivering regular mail on Christmas Day. And because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, the last scheduled day for regular USPS delivery is Saturday, December 23.
For Priority Mail Express mail, if a holiday premium is paid, the last scheduled delivery day is Sunday, December 24.
Postage costs vary depending on the type of parcel you are mailing and its destination.
With FedEx, the deadline for mailing Christmas packages also varies depending on the service.
FedEx also offers express services that buy last-minute gift-givers more time.
All FedEx services, except for FedEx Custom Critical, are closed on Christmas Day.
UPS, which is also closed on Christmas, recommends the following deadlines for package deliveries in time for the big holiday.
Some major retailers have announced their own purchase deadlines for timely holiday delivery.
Check out CBS Essentials for more on holiday shopping ideas:
Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News streaming to discuss her reporting.
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