SALT LAKE CITY – Ensuring those serving in the nation's armed forces and diplomatic service receive their holiday mail in time is a priority for the Postal Service. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Deadlines for Christmas delivery to U.S. Military and APO/FPO/DPO depend on the destination. For most destinations, the following cutoff dates apply:

Holiday cards and packages destined for military addresses in Iraq/Afghanistan/Middle East should be in the mail no later than Dec. 2 – all other military addresses Dec. 9. Priority Mail Express Military Service is available through Dec. 16.

The Postal Service offers a $2 discount on its largest Flat Rate Priority Box when sent to an APO/FPO/DPO address.

The USPS offers a free Military Kit consisting of: two Priority Mail APO/FPO/DPO Flat Rate Boxes, two Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes, Priority Mail tape, and Priority Mail address labels. To order the kit, call 800-610-8734.

For international destinations, mail-by dates range from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 depending on the country, with Global Express Guaranteed service available until Dec. 19 to Dec. 22, depending on the destination.

“We encourage customers to mail early and conveniently this holiday season,” said USPS District Manager Darrell Stoke, recommending customers ship from the comfort of home by going online to usps.com/holiday where they can print postage paid shipping labels, request a Free Package Pickup, find mailing tips, holiday shipping dates, order free Priority Mail boxes delivered to their door, download the USPS mobile app, and more.

Mail-by Dates — International Services

***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.

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.
2 PAL is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. PAL is available for Standard Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface price for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.
3 SAM parcels are paid at Standard Post prices with maximum weight and size limits of 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. SAM parcels are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis.

Domestic mailing deadlines are as follows:

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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More USPS holiday news, including shipping deadlines and Santa mail, can be found at usps.com/holidaynews.

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