When you need to mail a Christmas gift to a family member or friend, getting it shipped at the right time is essential. Every major shipper will only guarantee delivery before the holiday if your shipment is processed before a specific cutoff date. If you miss that mark, then your package could be late. If you’re wondering, “What are the shipping deadlines for Christmas 2022?” here’s what you need to know.
What Are the Shipping Deadlines for Christmas 2022?
USPS Shipping Deadlines
Mailing Christmas gifts through the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a popular option. If you want to ensure your items make it to the recipient on time, you need to get them accepted before a specific cutoff date.
The cutoff dates vary depending on your location and the type of mail service you’re using. Here’s an overview of the USPS shipping deadlines for Christmas 2022, based on location.
Contiguous United States:
- USPS Retail Ground Service – December 17
- First-Class Mail Service – December 17
- Priority Mail Service – December 19
- Priority Mail Express Service – December 23
Alaska
- USPS Retail Ground Service – December 2
- First-Class Mail Service – December 17
- Priority Mail Service – December 17
- Priority Mail Express Service – December 21
Hawaii:
- First-Class Mail Service – December 17
- Priority Mail Service – December 17
- Priority Mail Express Service – December 21
The timelines for international mail vary dramatically. As a result, you’ll want to check the recommended send-by dates on the USPS website for additional details.
UPS Shipping Deadlines
UPS has its own recommended last days to ship to ensure delivery before Christmas. Here’s a look at the cutoffs for different shipping services.
Domestic:
- UPS 3-Day Select – December 20
- UPS 2nd Day Air – December 21
- UPS Next Day Air – December 22
To Canada:
- UPS Worldwide Expedited – December 19
- UPS Worldwide Express – December 22
To Mexico:
- UPS Worldwide Expedited – December 19
- UPS Worldwide Express – December 21
For UPS Ground in the US, to Canada, or to Mexico, you’ll need to check the UPS website to see when you’ll need to send the package. For any services to other international destinations, refer to the website, as well.
FedEx Shipping Deadlines
FedEx also has its own shipping deadlines for Christmas 2022. Here is a list of the domestic FedEx deadlines for holiday packages.
FedEx Express:
- FedEx SameDay – December 23
- FO, PO, SO, Extra Hours – December 22
- 2Day & 2Day AM – December 21
- FedEx Express Saver – December 20
- FedEx 1Day Freight – December 22
- FedEx 2Day Freight – December 21
- FedEx 3Day Freight – December 20
FedEx Ground:
- Ground Contiguous United States – December 14
- Ground Alaska and Hawaii – December 14
- Home Delivery Contiguous US – December 14
- Home Delivery Alaska and Hawaii – December 14
- Ground Economy – December 8
FedEx Freight:
- FedEx Priority – December 14
- FedEx Freight Economy – December 8
- FedEx Freight Direct – December 14
Here is a list of the international FedEx deadlines for holiday packages:
From The US to Canada
- FedEx International Next Flight – December 23
- FedEx International First – December 22
- FedEx International Priority – December 17
- FedEx International Priority Distribution – December 17
- FedEx International Economy – December 16
- FedEx International Connect Plus – December 15
US to Canada Ground
- Canada Domestic – December 14
- Northbound – December 12
- Southbound – December 13
US to Mexico
- FedEx International Next Flight – December 23
- FedEx International First – December 21
- FedEx International Priority – December 21
- FedEx International Economy – December 20
- FedEx International Connect Plus – December 20
Going From the US to Puerto Rico
- FedEx International Next Flight – December 23
- FedEx International First – December 21
- FedEx International Priority Distribution – December 21
- FedEx International Economy – December 20
For other international destinations, check the FedEx website for additional details.
Amazon
Amazon hasn’t formally released its Christmas shipping deadlines for 2022. However, it’s possible to anticipate them based on their typical shipping timelines. With standard shipping, the cutoff will likely be December 17. For two-day shipping, it’ll like be December 22, while one-day shipping should be an option in areas with that service on December 23. For places with same-day delivery, placing an order on December 24 could still get you your purchase before Christmas.
Do you usually try to finish up any Christmas-related shipping well before the deadlines? Have you ever sent something on the last day listed for a Christmas shipping deadline just to have it arrive after the holiday? Do you think it’s worth paying extra for guaranteed delivery before Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- The Wrap: Mailing Holiday Gifts and Packages Gets More Expensive
- 25 Ways to Cut Christmas Expenses
- Alternative Christmas Decorations
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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