Christmas Shipping- When, Where, & What’s A No-No
I'm one of seven children. Six of us have children, and we are all scattered around the country. It's important to make sure the Christmas gifts, especially for the nieces and nephews, get where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there.
If you have family or friends that aren't in driving distance, you know the feeling. You have a few shipping options, and some things you shouldn't put on Santa's shipping truck.
- 1
United States Postal Service
Deadlines:
- Thurs 12/15- Retail Ground
- Tues 12/20-- First Class Mail
- Wed 12/21-- Priority Mail
- Fri 12/23-- Priority Mail Express
The USPS website notes that the above dates are for domestic delivery by Christmas Day.
On their website, you can schedule a pickup, track packages, order boxes and postage, and print labels.
- 2
FedEx
There are several "if-then" statements on the FedEx "Last Day To Ship" page. The short-version-deadline list is:
- Sat 12/17- Home or Ground Delivery
- Tues 12/20- Express Save
- Thur 12/22- Two-Day Shipping
- Fri 12/23- Standard Overnight
Some areas have same-day delivery. Contact FedEx.
You can find a FedEx location and track packages online.
- 3
UPS
Read carefully, and make sure you select the correct delivery date when shipping with UPS.
- Mon 12/19- 3-day Select
- Wed 12/21- 2nd Day Air
- Thur 12/22- Next Day Air for delivery on 12/23
- Thur 12/22- 2nd Day Air for deliver on 12/24 (MUST use Saturday delivery option)
- Fri 12/23- Next Day Air for delivery on 12/24 (MUST use Saturday delivery option)
The UPS website allows you to calculate the time and cost for shipping a package, and it allows you to track your package.
There are also locally owned UPS Store's that can help you with the whole process.