Charlotte, December 10, 2025

As the holiday season nears, Charlotte residents are advised to prepare for holiday shipping to ensure timely delivery of gifts and cards by December 25. The USPS has released recommendations for mailing and shipping deadlines, encouraging support for local businesses during this busy time. Residents are urged to plan ahead to avoid delays, considering both USPS and alternative carriers like FedEx and UPS, which also have their own cut-off dates. Early shipping is essential for a smooth holiday experience.

Charlotte Anticipates Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2025

Prepare Early for Uninterrupted Holiday Deliveries

Charlotte, NC – As the holiday season approaches, timely shipping is crucial to ensure gifts and cards arrive before December 25. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for 2025 to assist customers in planning their holiday shipments. With a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Charlotte and the surrounding areas, residents are encouraged to support local businesses during this bustling season, highlighting the importance of community engagement in economic growth.

USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2025

For expected delivery before December 25 within the contiguous United States, USPS recommends the following send-by dates:

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 17
• First-Class Mail Service: December 17
• Priority Mail Service: December 18
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 20

For shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, the recommended send-by dates are:

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
• First-Class Mail Service: December 17
• Priority Mail Service: December 18
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 20

Customers sending packages internationally or to military addresses can find the complete list of recommended mailing and shipping dates on the USPS website. It’s important to note that these dates are recommendations, and actual delivery times may vary based on origin, destination, and other factors. To ensure timely delivery, customers are encouraged to mail and ship packages as early as possible. For more information on mailing and shipping preparation, including packaging guidelines and local Post Office hours, visit the USPS website or the USPS YouTube channel.

Additional Considerations

During the holiday season, USPS applies temporary peak-season price increases on certain services. These increases vary by zone and weight. For example, USPS Ground Advantage packages weighing over 1 pound shipped to or from offshore ZIP codes (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories) may experience longer transit times and extended Estimated Delivery Dates. Customers should review the Estimated Delivery Date for these ZIP codes and adjust their shipping plans accordingly. Detailed information on these surcharges and other shipping considerations can be found on the USPS website.

Alternative Shipping Options

In addition to USPS, other carriers offer holiday shipping services with their own deadlines. For instance, FedEx and UPS have specific cut-off dates for their services to ensure delivery by December 25. Customers should consult the respective carrier’s website for detailed information on shipping deadlines and potential surcharges during the holiday season. It’s advisable to compare services and rates to choose the most suitable option for your needs.

Conclusion

Planning ahead is essential for timely holiday deliveries. By adhering to the recommended shipping deadlines and considering all available options, customers can help ensure their holiday mail and packages arrive on time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official USPS website or contact your local Post Office. Supporting local businesses as they navigate the holiday season can also have positive impacts on Charlotte’s economy, exemplifying the city’s spirit of resilience and innovation.

FAQ

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are the USPS recommended shipping deadlines for 2025?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “For expected delivery before December 25 within the contiguous United States, USPS recommends the following send-by dates: USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 17, First-Class Mail Service: December 17, Priority Mail Service: December 18, Priority Mail Express Service: December 20. For shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, the recommended send-by dates are: USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16, First-Class Mail Service: December 17, Priority Mail Service: December 18, Priority Mail Express Service: December 20.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are there any surcharges during the holiday season?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, during the holiday season, USPS applies temporary peak-season price increases on certain services. These increases vary by zone and weight. For example, USPS Ground Advantage packages weighing over 1 pound shipped to or from offshore ZIP codes (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories) may experience longer transit times and extended Estimated Delivery Dates. Customers should review the Estimated Delivery Date for these ZIP codes and adjust their shipping plans accordingly. Detailed information on these surcharges and other shipping considerations can be found on the USPS website.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are the shipping deadlines for other carriers like FedEx and UPS?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “FedEx and UPS have specific cut-off dates for their services to ensure delivery by December 25. For instance, FedEx recommends shipping by December 20 for Express Saver and by December 22 for 2Day services. UPS recommends shipping by December 19 for 3 Day Select and by December 22 for 2nd Day Air services. Customers should consult the respective carrier’s website for detailed information on shipping deadlines and potential surcharges during the holiday season. It’s advisable to compare services and rates to choose the most suitable option for your needs.”
}
}
]
}

Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Smart Strategies for Spending Wisely This Holiday Season
Seven Charlotte Companies Recognized Among Best Workplaces
Walmart Dominates Charlotte’s Grocery Market for Sixth Year
Global Avocado Exports Decline Amid Holiday Shipping Woes

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.