The busy holiday season is upon us, and as families prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and shop on Black Friday, many are wondering about mail delivery schedules during this hectic period. It's important to know how U.S. Postal Service (USPS) processes, along with those of other major carriers, operate around these holidays.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, all USPS offices will be closed. This closure means no regular mail will be delivered, so if you were expecting something special, it will have to wait until after the holiday. The same applies to other major carriers like FedEx and UPS, both of which also observe Thanksgiving as a holiday. FedEx will not deliver any packages except for its Custom Critical service, and UPS has limited operations as well, providing only their Express Critical service.
Fortunately, the day after Thanksgiving, often dubbed Black Friday, is different. Customers can expect full service to resume across the board. On November 29, 2024, all USPS offices will be open and operating on their regular schedules. This is the time when holiday shopping accelerates, so having the ability to ship and receive mail is imperative.
USPS has expressed confidence about handling the holiday rush, thanks to improvements made under their Delivering for America plan. Dr. Joshua Colin, USPS’s Chief Retail and Delivery Officer, mentioned, "Our ability to move packages and mail throughout our network has never been stronger," indicating their readiness for the increased volume of parcels and letters both before and after Thanksgiving.
Black Friday has become one of the largest shopping days of the year, not just for retailers but also for shipping services. Several people scramble to get packages mailed out to loved ones or take advantage of the deep discounts available online and at stores. Fortunately for them, USPS will be ready. Their operating hours typically range from 8 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, which allows ample time for people to get their last-minute holiday shopping done.
Meanwhile, FedEx and UPS will also return to their standard operating hours on Black Friday. Customers can expect normal deliveries and may even receive some of their online purchases made during Black Friday sales. FedEx, though, will be running on a modified schedule, meaning not all services may be available as usual, especially with respect to freight services.
For those who prefer shopping with Amazon, they won’t need to worry about delays either as they continue to operate without interruption. Amazon has stated there won’t be any disruptions to their delivery services on Thanksgiving or Black Friday, enabling shoppers to receive their purchases without any hitches.
It’s worth noting, too, for those who collect stamps or might want to post holiday cards, Black Friday translates to promotional opportunities. Some retailers might offer discounts on stamps, which can be appealing to those mailing cards and packages during this festive season.
With the increasing reliance on online shopping, many people turn to various delivery services to fulfill their holiday needs and send gifts to family and friends. The USPS, FedEx, UPS, and others are all geared up for the busy weeks leading to Christmas, and their operations during Thanksgiving and Black Friday are pivotal. By planning accordingly and being aware of the hours and services available, consumers can navigate this holiday season smoothly and keep the festive spirit alive.