Postal Service Releases 2015 Christmas Shipping Deadlines

Are you planning to use the Postal Service to handle your Christmas shipping this year? If so, these dates will be important to know to be sure that your gifts reach their intended recipients by Christmas Day.

Mail-by Dates (Domestic Services)

  • Dec. 15 – Standard Post
    Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.
  • Dec. 19 – First Class Mail
    Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.
  • Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
    Domestic service in 1, 2, or 3 business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent, variety of Flat Rate options.
  • Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express
    Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25.

Mail-by Dates (International Services)
Customers mailing internationally during the holidays are advised to review the chart below for specific deadlines based on the locations they are mailing to and the service they are using. When mailing and shipping internationally, customers must also follow necessary customs guidelines. Check out the International Shipping page on usps.com for more information.

International Mail Addressed To Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG)*** Priority Mail Express International™ (PMEI) Priority Mail International® (PMI) First-Class Package International Service™ (FCPIS)
Africa Dec-21 Dec-8 Dec-1 Dec-1
Asia/Pacific Rim Dec-19 Dec-15 Dec-8 Dec-8
Australia/New Zealand Dec-19 Dec-15 Dec-8 Dec-8
Canada Dec-22 Dec-17 Dec-11 Dec-8
Caribbean Dec-21 Dec-15 Dec-11 Dec-8
Central & South America Dec-21 Dec-11 Dec-1 Dec-1
Mexico Dec-22 Dec-15 Dec-8 Dec-8
Europe Dec-21 Dec-15 Dec-11 Dec-8
Middle East Dec-19 Dec-15 Dec-11 Dec-8

Mail-by Dates (Military)
For items being shipped to military installations, complete deadlines for shipping to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide, as well as tips and guidelines are available on the USPS.com website.

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.