With the holiday season in full swing, the US Postal Service is reminding residents of several important deadlines to make sure long distance gifts reach their destination on time.
The deadline for priority and first-class mail to be shipped overseas to Army, Fleet or Diplomatic post offices is Wednesday. Other important deadlines to be aware of include:
• Dec. 14 — USPS Retail Ground
• Dec. 18 — APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express
• Dec. 20 — First-Class Mail (including greeting cards)
• Dec. 20 — First-Class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
• Dec. 21 — Priority Mail
• Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express*
Alaska
• Dec. 18 — Alaska to mainland First-Class Mail
• Dec. 19 — Alaska to mainland Priority Mail
• Dec. 21 — Alaska to mainland Priority Mail Express
Hawaii
• Dec. 19 — Hawaii to mainland Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
• Dec. 21 — Hawaii to mainland Priority Mail Express
The postal service reminds residents these dates are not a guarantee unless otherwise noted. The dates are for estimated delivery before Christmas Day, however, actual delivery dates can be impacted depending on where the package was shipped, the destination, post office acceptance dates, weather conditions, and other factors.
Residents are also urged to utilize free priority mail flat rate boxes that are available at all local Post Offices or online at usps.com/freeboxes.
The Emporia Post Office will be extending its full retail and package pickup hours from 10 am to 2 pm on Dec. 15th and 22nd. The Postal Service also asks residents to help make deliveries as easy as possible for their mail carriers by keeping pathways clear, keeping pets inside and leaving porchlights on.
If you have additional questions contact the United States Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777.
