Shipping gifts for the holidays. If it's important they arrive at their destination by December 24, you'll want to be aware of these ship by dates. The US Postal Service says the latest you'll want to ship by ground anywhere in the contiguous US is December 17. You can literally buy yourself *** few more days using Priority Mail Express, but of course that will cost you. If you opt for FedEx or UPS ground delivery, plan for December 16th being your last date. They both offer faster delivery services if you're in ***. But know that it might not be an option in all locations and could significantly increase the cost. Each company offers online tools to help you compare delivery and cost. Make sure to enter the origin and destination zip codes to get the clearest picture of timing. Any other arrive by date around the holidays, the normal transit window is up to 5 days, but we suggest assuming it may take *** full week for ground services. Carriers warn that volume and weather in December can add delays. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lou.
Holiday shipping deadlines you need to know
Make sure your gifts arrive in time
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Updated: 1:00 PM CST Nov 6, 2025
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Shipping gifts for the holidays? If it’s important they arrive at their destination by Dec. 24, you’ll want to be aware of these “ship by” dates. The U.S. Postal Service says the latest you’ll want to ship by ground anywhere in the contiguous U.S. is Dec. 17. You can literally buy yourself a few more days using Priority Mail Express, but, of course, that will cost you.If you opt for FedEx or UPS ground delivery, plan for Dec. 16 or 17 being your last date. Both carriers offer faster delivery services if you’re in a pinch, but know that it might not be an option in all locations and could significantly increase the cost. Each company offers online tools (UPS, FedEx) to help you compare delivery and cost. Make sure to enter the origin and destination zip codes to get the clearest picture of timing.For any other arrive-by date around the holidays, the normal transit window is up to five days, but they suggest assuming it may take a full week for ground services. Carriers warn that volume and weather in December can add delays.
Shipping gifts for the holidays? If it’s important they arrive at their destination by Dec. 24, you’ll want to be aware of these “ship by” dates.
The U.S. Postal Service says the latest you’ll want to ship by ground anywhere in the contiguous U.S. is Dec. 17. You can literally buy yourself a few more days using Priority Mail Express, but, of course, that will cost you.
If you opt for FedEx or UPS ground delivery, plan for Dec. 16 or 17 being your last date. Both carriers offer faster delivery services if you’re in a pinch, but know that it might not be an option in all locations and could significantly increase the cost. Each company offers online tools (, ) to help you compare delivery and cost. Make sure to enter the origin and destination zip codes to get the clearest picture of timing.
For any other arrive-by date around the holidays, the normal transit window is up to five days, but they suggest assuming it may take a full week for ground services. Carriers warn that volume and weather in December can add delays.
