Deadlines loom for shipping holiday packages out of Charlotte. What you should know.
The clock’s ticking on those holiday gifts, and the first shipping deadline has arrived.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, is the deadline to ship packages through the U.S. Postal Service’s retail ground service.
USPS, UPS and FedEx will not be picking up or delivering on Christmas Day. They’re all operating normally on Christmas Eve, but some post offices and stores may have limited hours.
Here’s some information to help get your holiday gifts delivered before Santa arrives:
US Postal Service
The USPS recommends that packages be sent by Wednesday, Dec. 15, for regular retail ground shipping.
Other service deadlines will be on Friday for first-class, Saturday for priority mail and Dec. 23 for priority mail express.
There are at least 30 post offices in the Charlotte area, with different retail hours ranging from as early as 8 a.m. to as late as 5 p.m. Some will have limited hours on Saturday.
FedEx
Wednesday also is the last day for FedEx ground shipping to ensure delivery before Christmas.
FedEx’s express shipping options could allow customers to send their gifts through Dec. 24. Same-day and two-day shipping options also are available, but will likely be at higher prices.
To find a FedEx location, visit local.fedex.com/en-us/nc/charlotte.
UPS
UPS doesn’t have a recommended date for ground shipping. Instead, its website allows customers to calculate the best time to mail packages so they’re delivered before Christmas.
UPS offers 3-Day Select, 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air services to customers who may not be able to get their packages delivered before Christmas through ground shipping. Those deadlines run Dec. 21-23.
Find a UPS Store or Access Point in Charlotte at locations.ups.com/nc/charlotte.
Retailer shipping suggestions
▪ Amazon recommends that its customers shop no later than Dec. 23 for one-day shipping, or earlier if they plan to use standard shipping.
Amazon Prime members will be able to use same-day shipping on Dec. 24.
▪ Walmart suggests shopping by Dec. 20 to ensure packages are delivered before Christmas with ground shipping. Expedited shipping also is an option, but it’ll cost more.
▪ Macy’s customers should order items by 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 so they make it under the tree before Christmas, the retailer recommends.
▪ Many items at Best Buy qualify for same-day delivery if ordered by 5 p.m. Free next-day delivery also is an option for some products.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 6:15 AM.
