Southern California families and businesses planning to send gifts, cards, or parcels for the winter holidays should note the U.S. Postal Service’s recommended mailing dates. The agency released a clear schedule to help customers get their items to recipients before December 25.
Key dates for mainland shipments
For mail and packages traveling within the contiguous United States, the Postal Service advises the following cut‑off dates:
- Dec. 17 – Use USPS Ground Advantage or First‑Class Mail
- Dec. 18 – Use Priority Mail
- Dec. 19 – Use Priority Mail Express
Meeting these dates gives the best chance of delivery before Christmas Day.
Deadlines for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories
Senders to more distant locations should ship a day earlier for Ground Advantage, with the following recommendations:
- Dec. 16 – USPS Ground Advantage
- Dec. 17 – First‑Class Mail
- Dec. 18 – Priority Mail
- Dec. 19 – Priority Mail Express
These timelines reflect the additional transit time required for non‑contiguous destinations.
Military and international shipments
The Postal Service will also post a complete list of recommended mailing dates for packages headed to military APO/FPO addresses and overseas destinations. The list will be available on the USPS holiday‑shipping website beginning in mid‑October.
Preparing your packages
Customers can find guidance on the USPS website for properly preparing parcels, ordering free shipping supplies, and reviewing packaging guidelines. The site also outlines items that are restricted or prohibited from shipment during the holiday rush.
By planning ahead and using the recommended dates, Southern Californians can help keep the holiday season running smoothly, ensuring that loved ones receive their gifts and greetings on time.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
