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# Postal Service releases recommended 2026 holiday shipping dates
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/postal-service-releases-recommended-2026-holiday-shipping-dates/
- Published: 2026-10-05T18:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-05T18:58:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: News, National

The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for delivery by Dec. 25.

In the contiguous United States, the Postal Service recommends sending mail and packages by the following dates:

USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail: Dec. 17

Priority Mail: Dec. 18

Priority Mail Express: Dec. 19

For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, the recommended date for Ground Advantage is one day earlier, Dec. 16\. The recommended dates for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are the same as in the contiguous states.

Recommended dates for military and international addresses will be posted on the USPS holiday shipping page starting in mid-October.

The Postal Service urges customers to mail and ship packages early to make sure they arrive by Dec. 25.

The Postal Service's website, usps.com, and its YouTube channel have tips on preparing packages, ordering free shipping supplies, packaging guidelines (including restricted and prohibited items) and post office hours. More holiday information is available at usps.com/holidaynews.

Edited by SMDP Staff