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Holiday Shipping Planner:
Peak Season Dates & Last Ship-By Deadlines [2026]


This guide gives you the last recommended ship-by dates for guaranteed delivery by December 25 and the service-window for UPS, FedEx, and USPS.

Carrier-by-carrier overviews


USPS (United States Postal Service)

  • Peak season start date: October 4, 2026

  • End date: January 17, 2027

  • Last ship-by date for delivery by Dec 25 (contiguous U.S.) :

    • Ground Advantage & First-Class Mail: December 17

    • Priority Mail: December 18

    • Priority Mail Express: December 19

    • Note: For Alaska & Hawaii: Shippers have until Dec. 16 for USPS Ground Advantage shipments, Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail, and Dec. 19 for Priority Mail Express.
photographic Packages with christmas bows

FedEx

  • Peak season start date: September 28, 2026
  • End date: January 17, 2027

  • Last ship-by date for delivery by Dec 25:

    • FedEx Ground Economy: December 15
    • Fedex Ground and Home Delivery - varies by destination (Check Fedex Holiday schedule here) 
    • FedEx Express Saver: December 21
    • FedEx 2Day: December 22
    • FedEx SameDay: December 24

UPS (United Parcel Service)

  • Peak season start date: September 27, 2026
  • End date: January 16, 2027

  • Last ship-by date for delivery by Dec 25:

    • UPS Ground: varies by destination (check its Calculate Time & Cost page for the cutoff date)

    • UPS 3 Day Select: December 21

    • UPS 2nd Day Air: December 22

    • UPS Next Day Air: December 23

RESOURCES

Discover more peak season resources

Prepare for peak season with discounted shipping rates with ZenShip