Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025 For USPS, UPS, and FedEx

Why Holiday Shipping Deadlines Matter

As the holiday season approaches, ensuring your gifts and parcels arrive on time is more important than ever. Whether you’re a business owner managing customer expectations or an individual sending love across miles, knowing the 2025 shipping schedules for USPS, UPS, and FedEx is essential.

At 3PL Center, we help businesses navigate peak season with confidence. From rate shopping and real-time tracking to same-day fulfillment, we make sure your orders arrive when they should. Here’s your detailed guide to the 2025 holiday shipping deadlines, closures, and key tips.

2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Quick Reference Table

Here are the last recommended ship dates for Dec. 24 delivery across USPS, UPS, and FedEx:

USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025

The United States Postal Service provides various options tailored for your holiday needs. Here are the key USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025 for domestic services:

Domestic Mail for Contiguous U.S.

Ground Advantage® Service: Dec. 17


First-Class Mail®: Dec. 17


Priority Mail®: Dec. 18


Priority Mail Express®: Dec. 20

Alaska & Hawaii

Ground Advantage®: Dec. 16


First-Class Mail®: Dec. 18


Priority Mail®: Dec. 18–19 depending on zone


Priority Mail Express®: Dec. 20

Military APO/FPO/DPO Deadlines

Ground Advantage®: Early November


Priority & First-Class Mail®: Early December


Priority Mail Express Military®: Mid-December

(Exact USPS military cutoff dates for 2025 will be updated once officially published.)

International Mail

International deadlines vary by destination. In general:

Dec. 2–9 for standard services


Dec. 9–16 for express services
Check USPS.com for country-specific dates.

USPS Holiday Notes

Closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).


Some branches close early on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Temporary rate increases and holiday surcharges may also affect costs.

UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025

Domestic U.S.

Ground / Ground Saver: Use UPS Time & Cost Calculator (varies by ZIP).


3 Day Select®: Dec. 19


2nd Day Air®: Dec. 22


Next Day Air®: Dec. 23

International

To Canada:


Standard – check by ZIP


Worldwide Expedited® – Dec. 20


Worldwide Express® – Dec. 23


To Mexico:


Standard – check by ZIP


Worldwide Expedited® – Dec. 19


Worldwide Express® – Dec. 22

Standard – check by ZIP


Worldwide Expedited® – Dec. 20


Worldwide Express® – Dec. 23

Standard – check by ZIP


Worldwide Expedited® – Dec. 19


Worldwide Express® – Dec. 22

UPS Holiday Service Notes

Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): Deliveries as normal. Pickups only for Air/Intl if prearranged.


Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): Closed (UPS Express Critical® available).


Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve): Air/Intl deliveries only. Pickups if prearranged by Dec. 26.


Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed (UPS Express Critical® available).


Jan. 2: Normal service resumes.

During the holidays, additional UPS demand surcharges may apply, especially for oversized shipments.

FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025

U.S. Domestic

Ground Economy: Dec. 13


Ground / Home Delivery: Dec. 16


Express Saver®: Dec. 19


2Day®: Dec. 22


Overnight Services (First, Priority, Standard): Dec. 23

Freight

FedEx 3Day® Freight: Dec. 19


FedEx 2Day® Freight: Dec. 22


FedEx 1Day® Freight: Dec. 23

International

Canada / Mexico / Puerto Rico: Economy deadlines range Dec. 17–19; Express Dec. 20; Next Flight Dec. 23.


Other Destinations: Vary by country; check FedEx.com.

FedEx Holiday Service Notes

Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): Modified service.


Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): Closed (Custom Critical® available).


Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve): Modified service.


Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed.


Jan. 2: Normal service resumes.

Businesses should also prepare for FedEx demand surcharges this peak season.

Year-End Holiday Closures & Modified Service (All Carriers)

Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shipping

Ship Early: Ground cutoffs (Dec. 16–17) are the safe bet.


Use Express for Backup: Overnight and Priority Express options extend to Dec. 20–23.


Expect Surcharges: All carriers add peak season demand surcharges — see our 2025 surcharge comparison.


Track & Communicate: Real-time tracking and proactive updates keep customers happy.


Work With a 3PL Partner: A fulfillment partner can help you meet cutoffs and save on surcharges.

Check out our 7 Must-Do Tips for Peak Season 2025 for more preparation ideas.

How 3PL Center Helps During the Holidays

Same-Day Fulfillment: Orders placed by 2 PM ship the same day.

Nationwide Warehouses: 2-day delivery coverage without relying only on air.

Discounted Carrier Rates: Savings on oversized, bulky, and residential shipments.

Advanced WMS Tracking: Real-time visibility into every order’s journey.

We specialize in oversized shipping, handling everything from bikes and furniture to strollers and BBQs. Our team also supports pick and pack fulfillment for ecommerce brands and B2B fulfillment for retail and wholesale shipments.

Final Takeaway

Holiday deadlines aren’t optional — they determine whether your shipments make it under the tree. By planning around UPS, FedEx, and USPS cutoff dates, you can keep customers happy, avoid last-minute costs, and sail through peak season.

👉 Get a Quote Today and let 3PL Center handle the logistics while you focus on growing your business this holiday season.