Holiday orders are already picking up. Customers are shopping earlier, carriers are warning about volume, and merchants everywhere are trying to avoid the yearly scramble. Clear holiday shipping deadlines 2025 help you set expectations and keep orders moving on time.
Here are the major carrier deadlines for getting packages to customers by December 25. These are recommended ship-by dates, not guarantees, so earlier is always better.
USPS 2025 Holiday Deadlines
Within the continental US
- Ground Advantage: December 17
- First Class Mail: December 17
- Priority Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 20
Alaska and Hawaii
Ship earlier. Weather and routing sometimes shift these deadlines. Find out more info here.
UPS 2025 Holiday Deadlines
- UPS Ground – Dependent on zones
- UPS 3 Day Select: December 19
- UPS 2nd Day Air: December 22
- UPS Next Day Air: December 23
- Source: UPS Year-End Holiday Schedule 2025 (PDF)
Pickup windows vary, so merchants should confirm cutoffs with their local facility.
FedEx 2025 Holiday Deadlines
- Ground Economy: December 15
- Express Saver: December 20
- Home Delivery : December 17-23
- 2 Day Services: December 22
- Overnight: December 23
- Source: FedEx Holiday Schedule 2025 (PDF)
If you ship perishable or regulated goods, build in extra lead time.
2025 Holiday Deadlines for Additional Carriers
Sendle (USA)
Sendle has kept its December timeline similar to previous years. Here are the updated recommended dates for Christmas delivery.
- 4G Saver: Send by December 15
- Saver: Send by December 16
- Preferred: Send by December 17
- 3 Day Guaranteed: Send by December 18
- 2 Day Guaranteed: Send by December 19
These dates assume on-time pickup. Rural areas may need an earlier buffer. More info here.
DHL Express
DHL typically delivers quickly, but international volume climbs fast in December. These updated 2025 cutoffs reflect their current guidance.
- Rest Of The World: December 15
- USA, Canada & Mexico: December 16
International shipments should go as early as possible since customs adds unpredictability. More info here.
Canada Post (National Zone)
Canada Post has released its recommended deadlines for domestic holiday shipping, with dates varying by zone and service level. Most local and regional services run into the week of December 19 to December 23, while national shipments need more lead time, especially for Regular and Expedited Parcel.
For the full breakdown by Local, Regional, and National zones, visit Canada Post’s official guide.
Australia Post (USA-bound and International)
Australia Post has published its recommended send-by dates for parcels, letters, and international shipments. Deadlines vary by state, destination, and service level, but most domestic parcels need to be sent by mid to late December, and international parcels should go out much earlier.
For the full list of services and cutoffs, see Australia Post’s official guide.
Tips for Merchants Entering Peak Season
- Set expectations early – Display your deadlines on product pages, in email, and at checkout.
- Add internal buffers – Carrier deadlines do not include your pick and pack time. Build that into your customer messaging.
- Separate international and military deadlines – These come much earlier and need their own communication.
- Use express sparingly – Merchants who shipped early in 2024 spent less on urgent upgrades.
What Is Different in 2025
Two shifts are shaping this year.
USPS is rolling out seasonal rate adjustments through early 2026, which affects heavier shipments. This matters for merchants shipping tools, consumables, equipment, and bulky items.
Customer expectations also continue to rise. More retailers are offering next-day delivery close to Christmas Eve. That means clear messaging and timely fulfillment matter more than ever.
FAQ: 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
When should merchants communicate shipping deadlines if it is already December?
Now. Even if the season is underway, customers still look for clear cutoffs before placing last-minute orders. A simple banner or checkout reminder goes a long way in reducing support tickets.
Do these deadlines guarantee delivery by Christmas?
No. These are carrier recommendations. Weather, volume, and routing can still cause delays. Early fulfillment is the safest approach.
Should merchants add extra buffer days?
Yes. Build in at least one to two days of processing time, depending on order volume.
Will express shipping still work close to Christmas?
Usually. But capacity sells out fast, especially on December 22 to 23. Offer it, but avoid relying on it.
Are international deadlines the same as domestic?
Not even close. International and APO/FPO shipments need to leave weeks earlier. If you ship overseas, publish separate deadlines.
Final Takeaway
Deadlines are getting earlier, expectations are getting higher, and peak season is stretching across more of the year. Clear communication and early fulfillment remain the simplest and most effective tools for protecting customer experience. If you need support getting your workflow holiday-ready, our team is here to help.
If you want everything in one place, download our holiday shipping cheat sheet and keep it handy for the rest of the season.