Holiday shipping deadlines: When to send gifts by FedEx, UPS and USPS for Christmas 2022

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If you're shipping your holiday gifts to loved ones, the options for getting them there before Christmas are dwindling.

But with the help of UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service, you can still get your gifts on time. While shopping earlier is always recommended, we understand that people live busy lives — so knowing your shipping deadlines will come in handy this holiday season.

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2022 holiday shipping deadlines for the the three largest carriers — UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service — are almost identical to 2021 deadlines. The only difference is deadlines are a day earlier this year, with Christmas falling on a Sunday. You'll need to shop three days earlier than last year to meet USPS' ground shipping delivery cutoff dates.

Another thing to note is that many retailers' have their own shipping deadlines for online purchases, so you may want to be conscious of those deadlines while you shop. Some stores will have banners or countdowns for shipping on their site to help you navigate your holiday shopping. Other than that, you can always opt for curbside or in-store pickup all the way through Christmas Eve.

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Last day for ground shipping before Christmas 2022

This year, the ground shipping deadlines vary from carrier to carrier. For FedEx, the last day for ground delivery was Wednesday, Dec. 14. For USPS, the last day for ground delivery was Saturday, Dec. 17. UPS, on the other hand, suggests getting an estimate from its website based on its operating hours, holiday schedule and operational adjustments.

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Shipping deadlines for Christmas 2022

The following are the shipping deadlines for UPS, FedEx and USPS.

Last day to ship UPS for Christmas 2022

The following dates are the recommended last days for shipping holiday gifts within the U.S. for delivery by Saturday, Dec. 24:

• Ground: Check the UPS website for details

• 3-Day Select: Tuesday, Dec. 20

• 2nd Day Air: Wednesday, Dec. 21

• Next Day Air: Thursday, Dec. 22

Note: Like last year, UPS has suspended its service guarantee on most packages and, until further notice, has made operational adjustments including extending UPS Next Day Air Delivery commitment times from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

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Last day to ship FedEx for Christmas 2022

The following dates are the recommended last days for shipping holiday gifts within the U.S. for delivery by Sunday, Dec. 25:

• FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx Ground: Wednesday, Dec. 14

• FedEx Express Saver, FedEx 3Day Freight: Tuesday, Dec. 20

• FedEx 2Day: Wednesday, Dec. 21

• FedEx 1Day Freight, FedEx Extra Hours: Thursday, Dec. 22

• FedEx SameDay: Friday, Dec. 23

Last day to mail USPS for Christmas 2022

The following are the recommended “send-by-dates for expected delivery” before Sunday, Dec. 25 in the contiguous U.S. (lower 48 states):

• Retail Ground: Saturday, Dec. 17

• First-Class Mail: Saturday, Dec. 17

• Priority Mail: Monday, Dec. 19

• Priority Mail Express: Friday, Dec. 23

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Alaska shipping deadlines for 2022 are as follows:

The following dates are the recommended last days for shipping holiday gifts from Alaska for delivery by Sunday, Dec. 25:

• Ground: Friday, Dec. 2

• First-Class Mail: Saturday, Dec. 17

• Priority Mail: Saturday, Dec. 17

• Priority Mail Express: Wednesday, Dec. 21

Hawaii shipping deadlines for 2022 are as follows:

The following dates are the recommended last days for shipping holiday gifts from Hawaii for delivery by Sunday, Dec. 25:

• First-Class Mail: Saturday, Dec. 17

• Priority Mail: Saturday, Dec. 17

• Priority Mail Express: Wednesday, Dec. 21

2022 Holiday Gift Guide:

• 18 best experience gifts to give this year

• 15 experience gifts for kids you can buy at the last minute!

• It's not too late—Christmas gifts you can buy online and pick up in store

• 45 stocking stuffer ideas for everyone on your list that will arrive before Christmas

• 15 best Christmas gift ideas for teachers 2022: glasses, mugs, learning tools and more

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, UPS, FedEx for Christmas delivery