Need to Get It by Christmas? Holiday Shipping Dates You Should Know

Q: What does “order by” mean for holiday shipping?

“Order by” indicates the latest recommended date to place an order or ship a package to reasonably expect delivery by Christmas, accounting for standard carrier transit times.

Q: Which carrier typically has the latest ground shipping cutoff?

UPS often has later ground cutoff options like UPS 3 Day Select around Dec. 20, while USPS and FedEx ground deadlines are commonly earlier in the week of Dec. 16.

Q: Can I still get packages delivered on time if I wait past the listed dates?

Possibly, but waiting increases the chance you’ll need expedited and more expensive services; delivery guarantees are limited as holidays approach and inventories fill up.

Q: Are these cut-off dates the same for Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations?

No. The listed dates apply to the continental U.S. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or international addresses typically require earlier shipping and different carrier schedules.

Q: How can I avoid holiday shipping delays?

Ship early, choose reliable services, confirm carrier transit maps for your ZIP codes, and allow extra time for busy periods or adverse weather.

Published by

Clara

Mar 30

Shopping Online Order By These Dates — Holiday Cutoffs

Here’s an easy method to keep holiday spending down: Skip unnecessary shipping fees.

If you’re mailing gifts to family and friends who live elsewhere, send them early so they arrive by Christmas — and so you avoid paying premium rates. There’s still ample time to get packages to your loved ones before the holiday without resorting to expensive expedited shipping.

To help you organize your timeline, we’ve compiled the standard shipping cut-off dates for the major carriers.

Deadlines below are for delivery by Dec. 24 within the continental U.S., unless noted otherwise.

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Shipping Cut-Off

Ship by Dec. 16 using USPS Retail Ground or Media Mail to get regular pricing.

USPS Retail Ground is the typical option for gifts and merchandise. Costs depend on the distance to delivery and the weight of your parcel(s).

Media Mail is appropriate for books, films and multi-page printed materials. Rates begin at just $3.92.

For holiday cards and other lightweight envelopes or small packages, send them by Dec. 16. These can be mailed with a standard $.66 First-Class postage stamp.

For later cut-off dates and express shipping prices, check USPS.com.

United Parcel Service (UPS) Shipping Cut-Off

Ship by Dec. 20 using UPS 3 Day Select.

Send items by Tuesday, Dec. 19 with UPS 3 Day Select to secure delivery by Dec. 23.

UPS Ground arrives in one to five business days, depending on the distance. You can verify the deadline for your shipment with the UPS Shipping Calculator.

Rates change based on weight, origin, and destination. Request a quote here.

For later dates and rush shipping options, view the UPS year-end holiday schedule.

FedEx Shipping Cut-Off

Ship by Dec. 16 using FedEx Ground or Home Delivery.

FedEx Ground generally delivers in one to seven business days across the continental U.S., depending on your location. Consult this map for transit times in your area.

FedEx Home Delivery provides quicker residential delivery. It handles packages up to 150 pounds and typically delivers within one to five business days.

Pricing depends on weight, where the package ships from, and where it’s going — get an estimate here.

For later deadlines and expedited options, visit FedEx.com.

Alex Mercer ( [email protected] ) is a former branded content editor at Savinly. Ciara McLaren contributed to this piece.