Comprehensive Carrier Holiday Shipping Calendar for 2022

It’s that time of year again.

The air is cooling. Pumpkin-spice-everything is popping up everywhere. And before you know it, red and green-themed aisles will start spreading in your local store.

You know what that means.

Holidays are coming!

If you’re holiday shipping online orders or shipping gifts and goodies this year, it’s time to get started now. The pandemic-related supply chain and shipping slowdowns we saw last year are most likely to repeat in 2022.  With additional growth in online holiday orders capacity with carriers like UPS, FedEx and USPS will continue to be an issue and most likely result in delayed delivery. 

Thankfully, we have the inside scoop on everything you need to know for holiday shipping. Keep reading for all the details.

Major Carrier Holiday Shipping Deadlines

You don’t have to rely on a sleigh to get your packages where they need to go this holiday. There are several affordable and reliable options to choose from.

Read on for more information about holiday shipping options from the three major carriers.

USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a convenient, affordable shipping option for the busy holiday season. Knowing the last drop-off day for arrival by Christmas will help you plan ahead and ensure your deliveries get there on time.

While the USPS hasn’t released its official calendar yet, here is an estimated list based on prior years:

• Dec. 15th: Last day to ship USPS Retail Ground
• Dec. 16th: Last day to send USPS Media Mail
• Dec. 18th: Last day for USPS First-Class Package Service (FCPS)
• Dec. 19th: Last day to ship USPS Priority Mail (PM)
• Dec. 23rd: Last day to send USPS Priority Mail Express (PME)

Keep in mind that cutoff times for delivery to International locations will be different. Check out the USPS holiday and events page for more details as we get closer to the shipping season. 

We should also note that USPS has announced a proposed temporary rate increase for the 2022 peak holiday season. It only affects prices on commercial and retail domestic parcels shipping via PME, PM, FCPS, Parcel Select, and Retail Ground. It does not impact International products.

The increases range from 30 cents to $1.00 and will be effective from Oct. 3rd through Dec. 26th. For more information, check out the complete pricing list.

UPS

The United Parcel Service (UPS) is also an excellent option for your holiday shipping needs. UPS offers various shipping speeds to ensure your packages are on the right doorstep at the right time.

The official deadline list isn’t posted yet. But you can feel confident planning around these cutoffs times based on previous year deadlines:

• Dec. 16th: Last day for UPS Ground Shipping
• Dec. 21st: Last day to send UPS 3 Day Select
• Dec. 22nd: Last day for UPS 2nd Day Air Services
• Dec. 23rd: Last day to ship UPS Next Day Air Services

The dates listed above are for domestic shipments only. Packages mailed to Canada or Mexico will need earlier deadlines. If you plan to ship to other international destinations, you’ll have to calculate time and cost.

Check UPS’ Holiday Shipping page often for official details on Christmas shipping deadlines. 

FedEx

FedEx is another reliable choice with a variety of shipping options for your holiday packages.

The deadlines for FedEx holiday shipping start a bit earlier in the month than others. But if you pay close attention to dates when making plans, you should have no problem getting packages delivered on time.

• Dec. 8th: Last day to ship via FedEx Ground Economy and Freight Economy
• Dec. 14th: Last day to send via FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery
• Dec. 20th: Last day for FedEx Express Saver and 3-Day Freight
• Dec. 21st: Last day to send FedEx 2Day, 2Day AM, and 2Day Freight
• Dec. 23rd: Last day to ship via FedEx Standard Overnight, Priority Overnight, First Overnight,1Day Freight, and FedEx SameDay

Expect earlier deadlines for packages headed to international destinations such as Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

For more information, see the official 2022 FedEx holiday shipping schedule.

If you need help getting your supply chain ready for the holiday shipping season, contact Fulfillment IQ’s team of supply chain experts today. Our team knows how to get businesses through challenging peak seasons.

Download Carrier Shipping Calendar for 2021