We are well into September and it’s time to think about getting your packages shipped for delivery before the holidays. I am getting a jump on this year’s blog, thus you have plenty of time to purchase, wrap, box, and ship your gifts to arrive in time. Here are some dates to remember so your items arrive on time and at the best rates.
First off, I have some sad news, the USPS is placing a temporary price increase this holiday season. Here is a link to the temporary price increase. 2025 Postage Price Change
The dates below 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).
I always like to start out with dates for the APO/FPO/DPO addresses as those are the first needing to ship. These letters and packages take a little longer to be distributed worldwide, and the men and women serving our country always look forward to receiving packages as they are away from family and friends during the holiday season.
The dates below are for APO/FPO/DPO addresses:
* PMEMS not available for APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093
Packages that are going to the continental United States should be in the mail not later than the dates listed below:
Dates for sending letters and packages to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US Territories:
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.
Do not 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 Shipping and Mailing,
Rob Hanks