Believe it or not, but as of October, we are in the final stretch of the year 2023, already! That means that the holiday season is fast approaching. All the families and their kids out there have a big thing on their mind as they approach the holidays: buying and sending gifts. Now, as of this morning, all major carriers have released their 2023 holiday shipping deadlines. Below, read about what you need to know.
This year, holiday shipping deadlines are very similar to last year, with date changes as Christmas Day is on a Monday this year and Christmas Eve is on a Sunday.
2023 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: USPS
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has published its 2023 holiday shipping deadlines. The USPS also announced that it won’t be charging surcharges this year, to hopefully reduce overall costs for customers and their families.
USPS Ground Advantage™: Saturday, December 16th, 2023
USPS First-Class® Mail: Saturday, December 16th, 2023
USPS Priority Mail®: Mon., December 18th, 2023 (Alaska), Sat., December 16th, 2023 (Hawaii)
USPS Priority Mail Express®: Wednesday, December 20th, 2023
2023 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: UPS
UPS Next Day Air®: Thursday, December 21st, 2023
UPS Next Day Air® (Saturday Delivery): Friday, December 22nd, 2023
UPS 2nd Day Air®: Wednesday, December 20th, 2023
UPS 2nd Day Air® (Saturday Delivery): Thursday, December 21st, 2023
UPS 3 Day Select®: Tuesday, December 19th, 2023
UPS Ground: Although the deadline depends on origin and destination, a U.S. East Coast to West Coast delivery before Christmas Day would have to be mailed by Monday, December 18th, 2023.
2023 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: FedEx
FedEx Ground® Economy: Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
FedEx Ground®: Similar to UPS, the deadlines vary based on origin and destination. But, a U.S. East Coast to West Coast delivery before Christmas Day would have to be mailed by Friday, December 15th, 2023.
FedEx Home Delivery®: Just as is the case with FedEx Ground® service, a U.S. East Coast to West Coast delivery before Christmas Day would have to be mailed by Friday, December 15th, 2023.
FedEx Express Saver®: Tuesday, December 19th, 2023
FedEx 2Day®: Wednesday, December 20th, 2023
FedEx Same Day: Friday, December 22th, 2023
Other Tips for Holiday Shipments
1. Expect Delays:
Delays are inevitable due to the weather, labor issues, staff shortages, and more. Plan with plenty of time ahead. Just because you can ship by the above deadlines, it does not guarantee a timely shipment due to external reasons.
2. Prepare for Backorders:
Over the past few years, many gifts were backordered because products and companies faced global, systemic backorders. Although inventory levels have remained stock throughout 2023, supply chain issues can still occur, and backorders are still in question. So, be prepared and ship early.
3. Ship Early to Save
Obviously, the earlier you ship your gifts to your home or office, the cheaper (in general) shipping costs can be as you will use a lower-tier delivery service level such as the various Ground services. Shipping by air is almost always more costly.
