USPS announces 2026 holiday shipping deadlines

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released its recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for the 2026 holiday season to ensure delivery by December 25.

For shipments within the contiguous United States, the recommended deadlines are December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, December 18 for Priority Mail, and December 19 for Priority Mail Express.

For destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories, the Ground Advantage deadline is slightly earlier on December 16, while other service levels follow the contiguous U.S. dates. Deadlines for military and international mail are expected to be released in mid-October.