WASHINGTON – Time is quickly running out for getting those Christmas presents to their destinations, and shipping carriers are urging customers to place their last minute orders in this week.
Monday is your safest bet for on-time delivery when it comes to FedEx ground shipping. If you don’t mind shelling out extra money for two-day delivery, you have until Dec. 20, UPS says. Even premium overnight or next-day shipping orders should be placed by Saturday, Dec. 22., unless you’re using the United States Post Office, which suggests getting in orders by Dec. 21 at the latest.
To prepare for the holiday demand, UPS says it will add more than 400 flights per day this week. The carrier estimates Thursday will be its biggest day of the year, though some estimate Monday is the beginning of the rush:
To make sure you don’t ruin someone’s holiday by showing up empty handed, check below for a rundown of shipping deadlines:
FedEx
- FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery: Dec. 17
- FedEx 2 Day: Dec. 20
- FedEx Overnight: Dec. 22
UPS
- UPS Ground: Dec. 21
- UPS 2nd Day Air: Dec. 21
- UPS Next Day Air: Dec. 22
U.S. Postal Service
- Parcel Post: Dec. 14
- First-Class Mail: Dec. 20
- Priority Mail: Dec. 21
- Most Express Mail: Dec. 22
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