UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2024

As the holiday season approaches, planning your shipping schedule is crucial to ensure that your packages reach their destinations on time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2024 year-end holiday schedule for UPS, ensuring you can plan accordingly and avoid the holiday rush.

Key Dates for Domestic Shipping

To make sure your gifts and packages are under the tree by December 24, follow these important UPS holiday shipping deadlines for shipments within the U.S.:

UPS 3 Day Select®: The last day to ship is December 19.

UPS 2nd Day Air®: Packages must be sent by December 20.

UPS Next Day Air®: Send off your packages by December 23 to ensure delivery before Christmas Day.

Ensure your domestic packages are delivered by December 24 by adhering to these shipping deadlines:

UPS Domestic Shipping Holiday Deadlines

International Holiday Shipping Deadlines

For those sending cheer across borders, the deadlines are slightly different. Here are the key dates for shipping from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico:

U.S. to Canada

U.S. to Mexico

For other international destinations, check the UPS website for specific deadlines.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Schedule

Thanksgiving (November 28)

Thanksgiving Day: No UPS pickup or delivery service. UPS Express Critical® service is available. November 29: Normal service resumes, perfect for sending out Black Friday purchases.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas Day: No UPS services except for UPS Express Critical® for urgent needs.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day: All services are closed except UPS Express Critical®.

Noteworthy Adjustments:

On December 24 (Christmas Eve), only prearranged pickup services for Air and International Air packages are available. Regular pickup and delivery services will resume on December 26.

UPS Holiday Schedule for End of Year 2024

UPS Service Modifications and Tips

Suspension of Service Guarantee: Note that the service guarantee is suspended during the holiday season except for select services. Check the UPS website for specifics.

Extended Delivery Times: From November 29 to December 31, scheduled delivery times for Air and International Air packages will be extended. Make sure to account for these changes when planning your shipments.

Ground and Standard Shipping: Starting from November 18, 2024, to January 10, 2025, some UPS Ground and Standard packages may require additional transit time.

For more information visit the 2024 Year End Holiday Schedule for UPS.

Utilizing UPS Tools for UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

To efficiently manage your holiday shipping, make use of UPS’s helpful online tools:

Calculate Time and Cost: Get detailed information on shipping durations and pricing at ups.com/ctc

Schedule a Pickup: Conveniently arrange for package pickup at ups.com/pickup

Track a Package: Keep an eye on your shipments every step of the way at ups.com/track

By keeping these deadlines and tips in mind, you can plan your holiday shipments with ease and ensure that your holiday season is as stress-free as possible. Happy shipping, and here’s to a joyful holiday season!

Demand Fulfillment During the Holidays

While knowing the last days to ship is critical, effectively managing your demand fulfillment during this high-demand period is equally important to ensure that operations run smoothly and customers remain satisfied.

Forecast Demand

Use historical data to predict sales volumes, helping you plan adequate inventory levels and staffing.

Streamline Operations

Optimize your warehouse layout and adopt efficient pick and pack strategies like batch picking or zone picking to reduce the time spent processing each order.

Leverage Technology

Implement a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) that integrates with carriers like UPS to track shipments in real-time, enhancing transparency and control over your logistics operations.

Plan for Contingencies

Develop contingency plans for unexpected delays or shortages. Having backup suppliers and alternative shipping methods can help you navigate unforeseen challenges without impacting customer service.

Communicate with Customers

Keep your customers informed about their order status and any potential delays. Effective communication can help manage expectations and maintain customer satisfaction during peak periods.

Need Tips on Managing High Demand during Peak Season? Stay ahead of the curve with our insights on demand fulfillment. Whether it’s peak season or a sudden surge in orders, our guide provides the strategies you need to handle increased demand efficiently. Explore our demand fulfillment guide here.

Streamline Your Holiday Logistics with 3PL Center

At 3PL Center, we’re committed to making your holiday shipping as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Here’s how we can help:

Strategic Warehouse Locations: With multiple warehouses strategically located across the country, we offer the speed of express shipping without the hefty price tag. Our locations near major hubs mean your shipments move faster through the shipping network.

Advanced WMS Tracking: Our state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) provides real-time tracking for shipments directly from the carriers. Stay updated with the precise location and status of your goods from pickup to delivery.

Let 3PL Center handle the complexities of holiday logistics while you focus on your business. Learn more about our services and how we can support your shipping needs this holiday season.

Stay Ahead of the Holiday Rush! Don’t let shipping deadlines catch you by surprise. For more detailed information on holiday shipping for all major carriers, including USPS, UPS and FedEx, check out our complete guide to 2024 holiday shipping deadlines. Make sure your gifts arrive on time and your holiday season is stress-free.

UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines FAQs

Can I ship packages on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve?

Yes, you can ship packages on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but with limited services. On Christmas Eve, pickup service is available only for Air and International Air packages that have been prearranged by December 19. On New Year’s Eve, delivery is restricted to UPS Air and International Air packages, with pickup service available only if prearranged by December 26.

What should I do if my package is delayed during the holiday season?

If your package is delayed, use the UPS tracking tool to check the status. For urgent shipments, consider using UPS Express Critical® service, which is available every day, including holidays. If you need further assistance, contact UPS customer service for more detailed information on your shipment.

Are there any special packaging requirements for shipping during the holiday season?

While UPS does not have specific holiday packaging requirements, it is crucial to ensure that your packages are securely packed to withstand transit during high-volume periods. Use sturdy boxes, sufficient cushioning, and robust sealing tape. For fragile items, consider double-boxing and clearly marking the package as fragile. Consider purchasing insurance for any high-value items you wish you ship as gifts for the holidays.