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2020 holiday shipping deadlines

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Every year, people are told to get their holiday shopping done and shipped early. But this year, in 2020, it might be a good idea to really do it. Shipping packages this year may take longer, as millions of Americans cut back on in-person shopping and in-person gift-giving as the coronavirus spikes across the country.

Some shipping services offer online or low contact methods, so people can avoid crowding into a storefront or post office at this time.

Here is a list of shipping deadlines based on method; go ahead and circle dates on the calendar, set reminders, etc.

United States Postal Service (USPS):

  • Ground - Deadline: December 15
  • First Class - Deadline: December 18
  • Priority Mail - Deadline: December 19
  • Priority Mail Express - Deadline: December 23

FedEx:

  • FedEx SmartPost - Deadline: December 9 (with some exceptions)
  • FedEx Ground - Deadline: December 15
  • Home Delivery - Deadline: December 15
  • Express Saver - Deadline: December 21
  • 2Day Services - Deadline: December 22
  • Overnight Services - Deadline: December 23

UPS:

  • UPS Ground - Deadline: December 15
  • 3 Day Select - Deadline: December 21
  • 2nd Day Air Services - Deadline: December 22
  • Next Day Air Services - December 23

Amazon (estimates based on last year’s deadlines):

  • Standard shipping - Deadline: December 18
  • Prime Free 2-day - Deadline: December 21
  • Prime Free 1-day - Deadline: December 23
  • Prime Same Day - Deadline: December 24
  • Prime Now 2-Hour Delivery - Deadline: December 24