Guidelines To Follow To Get Your Packages Delivered by Christmas

Supply chain issues. Not enough truck drivers. Ports of entry shut down. Not the phrases you want to hear about when you're trying to make sure all of your Christmas gifts get delivered by December 25th! You've probably already heard this but I'm here to scream it at you again. Get things mailed early! As early as possible! But just how early?

KCRG reports that the Postal Service anticipates nearly 850 to 950 million packages will be delivered between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The total number of cards, letters, and packages processed should approach 12 billion. The UPS is set to expand its Sunday delivery services on November 28th.

Here are the deadlines the Postal Service recommends to have your package arrive by Christmas Day.

• December 9th - APO, FPO, DPO, priority mail and first-class mail.
• December 15th - USPS retail ground service.
• December 16th - APO, FPO, DPO, USPS Priority Mail Express Military.service
• December 17th - First Class mail, including greeting cards
• December 17th - First Class packages, up to 15.99 ounces.
• December 18th - Priority Mail service
• December 23rd - Priority Mail express service

KCRG points out that the USPS says that these dates are not guaranteed and can vary by origin or destination. They suggest that customers use priority mail flat boxes, available where ever you pay for your postage. Mail and packages that weigh more than 10 ounces and are more than half an inch thick and using stamps can not be dropped in a collection box, or left for a mail carrier to pick up. Instead, take them to your local post office.