Prepping a care package to send to a military-connected loved one this holiday season? As of right now, it’s officially go time! You’ll need to hustle to get your presents and cards ready in order to make the holiday shipping deadline.
Hustle to Make the 2019 Holiday Shipping Deadline
Run, don’t walk, to your closest USPS location to drop your parcels and envelopes so that they arrive in time for the holidays!
CONUS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
You have a little more wiggle room if you’re sending mail within the lower 48 US states.
- Retail Ground: December 14
- First Class: December 20
- Priority: December 21
- Priority Express: December 23
Just because you have a smidge longer to procrastinate doesn’t mean that you should hold off on sending your items. It’s better to be on the early side to ensure your packages arrive on time.
Alaska & Hawaii USPS Deadlines
If you’re sending things to Hawaii, you’re going to want to watch these dates:
- First Class: December 18
- Priority: December 19
- Priority Express: December 21
Alaska-bound mail has similar deadlines for their Christmas delivery:
- First Class: December 19
- Priority: December 19
- Priority Express: December 21
APO/FPO/DPO AE Zip 090-092 Mail Deadlines
Everything needs to be shipped, completely, by December 18. But that’s the most expensive option. If you’re looking to save some money, watch these dates:
- Retail Ground: November 6
- Space Available: November 27
- Parcel Airlift: December 4
- First Class and Priority Mail: December 11
- Priority Express Military: December 18
APO/FPO/DPO AE Zip 093 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
If you’re mailing to or from an AE zip code that begins with 093, you’ll want to mark these dates:
- Retail Ground: November 6
- Space Available: November 27
- Parcel Airlift: December 4
- First Class and Priority Mail: December 9
- Priority Express Military: None
APO/FPO/DPO AE Zip 094-099 Holiday Mail Deadlines
Like our first group of zip codes in OCONUS military locations, sending mail to or from AE FPO/APO/DPO addresses with zip codes beginning with 094-099 should watch these dates:
- Retail Ground: November 6
- Space Available: November 27
- Parcel Airlift: December 4
- First Class and Priority Mail: December 11
- Priority Express Military: December 18
APO/FPO/DPO AE Zip 340 Mail Deadlines
Everything sent to or from AE zips starting with 340 needs to be mailed by December 18 in order to ensure arrival before December 25. Keep these dates in mind when you’re planning:
- Retail Ground: November 6
- Space Available: November 27
- Parcel Airlift: December 4
- First Class and Priority Mail: December 11
- Priority Express Military: December 18
APO/FPO/DPO AP Zip 962-966 Mailing Deadlines
For packages, letters and cards headed to the Asian-Pacific region, everything will need to be posted by December 18. Mark these dates to ensure arrival by Christmas:
- Retail Ground: November 6
- Space Available: November 27
- Parcel Airlift: December 4
- First Class and Priority Mail: December 11
- Priority Express Military: December 18
Check It Twice & Pack It Nice
Always confirm shipping deadlines with your local military of civilian USPS locations. If these dates don’t work for you, it can pay to check with other shipping services, like UPS and FedEx. However, you may pay a premium for their shipping options.
When packing holiday packages, ensure that there are no prohibited items, like alcohol and drugs. For mail headed OCONUS, check the shipping restrictions for your intended recipient’s location.
For international mail, even if it’s being sent to or from a military post office, it’s important to complete a US customs form. There is a quick short-form option that’s easier to fill out. Pick up a few at your local USPS office. Make sure the form is filled out correctly and all information is accurate.
When packing items, take care with potentially fragile things. Adding some extra padding or using bubble wrap can help to ensure a break-free delivery! It’s also helpful to pack really breakable items so that they are surrounded by other items that can provide cushioning in the event of a drop or hard bump. Shipping can be rough!
For food gifts, double-check the expiration date on pre-packaged items. If you’re sending a special batch of homemade goodies, stick to dry and dense items, like biscotti, or use tried-and-true recipes, like canning jar cake.
Pro tip: don’t pack food items in with other non-food items, especially scented things. Smells can mingle and change during shipping due to proximity and varying external conditions, like temperature, altitude and humidity. When in doubt, pack things separately!
No matter what you are sending or where it is headed, be sure to secure all boxes prior to shipping. Use packing tape to really seal all edges and prevent the box from breaking apart in transit.
Add a clearly written address label to the box or envelope and you’re ready to send!
