The stores just took down the Halloween decorations and online pre–Black Friday sales are ramping up, which means it's time to start thinking about sending off holiday letters and packages. Here are some dates to remember so your items arrive on time and at the best rates. Please note that the USPS has placed a temporary price increase again for the 2022 holiday season.
The dates that I am listing should allow for your letters and packages to arrive before December 25th for domestic addresses along with Air/Army Post Offices (APO), Fleet Post Offices (FPO) and Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO).
Nov. 5: APO, FPO, and DPO addresses (all ZIP Codes), USPS Retail Ground service
Dec. 9: APO, FPO and DPO (all ZIP Codes), Priority Mail and First-Class Mail services
Dec. 16: APO, FPO, DPO (except ZIP Code 093), Priority Mail Express Military service
Dec. 17: USPS Retail Ground service
Dec. 17: First-Class Mail, including greeting cards
Dec. 17: First-Class Mail packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
Dec. 19: Priority Mail
Dec 23: Priority Mail Express
The USPS also has some new package regulations regarding used electronics and hazardous materials. Those include Lithium-ion batteries (used cell phones for example). These items must now be shipped using surface transportation.
Don’t forget you can get free Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes at your local post office. You can also get Shipping Supplies at the Postal Store and holiday stamps at USPS.com.
I would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy holiday season.
Happy Mailing,
Rob Hanks