Holiday shipping deadlines approaching for Christmas delivery

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Time is running out for anyone planning to mail holiday cards and gifts and still have them arrive by Christmas Day.

The U.S. Postal Service says Tuesday is the deadline for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail to ensure delivery by Christmas. USPS notes those deadlines do not apply to shipments headed to Hawaii or Alaska.

USPS says Thursday is the final day to ship items using Priority Mail service, while Saturday is the last day to send packages using Priority Mail Express for delivery by Christmas.

For customers using other carriers, FedEx recommends shipping by Dec. 23 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve.

UPS advises customers to ship packages by Friday using its Three-Day Select service. For faster options, UPS recommends shipping on Dec. 22 or Dec. 23 using Second Day Air or Next Day Air services.

Shipping companies encourage customers to double-check cut-off times and delivery guarantees, especially as holiday volume continues to increase.