2022 holiday shipping deadlines
By Mark Inglett
The Postal Service recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25.
Who’s ready for the holidays? The United States Postal Service is. We’re ready to help you with all your holiday mailing needs. Here are the recommended mailing deadlines to help you get a head start on a worry-free holiday season.
Domestic Services
| Domestic Mail Class/Product | Mail by Date |
|---|---|
| USPS Retail Ground® | Dec 17 |
| First-Class Mail® (including greeting cards) | Dec 17 |
| First-Class Packages (up to 15.99 ounces) | Dec 17 |
| Priority Mail® | Dec 19 |
| Priority Mail Express®* | Dec 23 |
| Alaska to/from Continental U.S. Retail Ground Service | Dec 02 |
| Alaska to/from Continental U.S. Priority Mail | Dec 17 |
| Alaska to/from Continental U.S. First-Class Mail | Dec 17 |
| Alaska to/from Continental U.S. Priority Mail Express | Dec 21 |
| Hawaii to/from Mainland Priority Mail & First-Class Mail | Dec 17 |
| Hawaii to/from Mainland Priority Mail Express | Dec 21 |
*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before December 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office™ acceptance date and time and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express® shipments mailed December 22 through December 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two (2) business days.
Military Mail
| Military Mail Addressed To and From | USPS Retail Ground® | First-Class™ Mail Letters and Cards | Priority Mail® | Priority Mail Express Military® Service (PMEMS)1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 | Nov 05 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 16 |
| APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 | Nov 05 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | N/A |
| APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 | Nov 05 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 16 |
| APO/FPO/DPO AA ZIP 340 | Nov 05 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 16 |
| APO/FPO/DPO AP ZIPs 962-966 | Nov 05 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 16 |
1 PMEMS: is available to selected military /diplomatic post offices. Check with your local Post Office™ to determine if this service is available to an APO/FPO/DPO address.
International Services
| International Mail Addressed To | First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS) | Priority Mail International® (PMI)* | Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI)* | Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG)*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | Nov 29 | Nov 29 | Dec 06 | Dec 20 |
| Asia/Pacific Rim | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 |
| Australia/New Zealand | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 |
| Canada | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 |
| Caribbean | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| Central & South America | Nov 29 | Nov 29 | Dec 06 | Dec 20 |
| Europe | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| Mexico | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 |
| Middle East | Dec 06 | Dec 06 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 |
*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before December 25. Actual delivery dates may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office™ acceptance date and time and other conditions, including customs delays.
***GXG Notes: 1) Cutoff date does not take into account time needed for customs clearance. 2) Should allocate extra transit day(s) for delivery outside major cities.
You can always go to www.usps.com for additional information to help with holiday mailing needs, to order fun holiday stamps and free boxes, and more.
Happy Holidays from the United States Postal Service!
