Holiday shipping schedules for parcel carriers, FedEx, UPS, and USPS are now available. The dates are near mirror images of shipping deadlines for the 2019 and 2020 peak seasons. However, the risks of late deliveries are still subject to increase, and while carrier network optimization may help, shippers still need to know these deadlines. As reported by USA Today, 22% of consumers started holiday shopping in October, and 24% intend to start shopping in November before Thanksgiving. Regardless of when consumers begin the annual splurge on Christmas gifts, shippers need to know a few things about the shipping deadlines and how they'll impact experiences and costs.
The shipping deadline for delivery by December 24, 2021, delivery depends on the service level. For UPS, here are the dates to remember:
UPS Ground shipping deadlines are a bit trickier. Depending on origin and destination, shippers may have a range of shipping deadlines between Friday, December 17, 2021, and Monday, December 20, 2021. The variance is due to the risk of potential delays in transit. Additionally, the latest shipping time frame for UPS Ground has a set 9:00 AM scheduling deadline and a Noon latest pickup time. Even nearby locations, such as shipping from San Antonio, TX to Amarillo, TX by ground, have the same deadlines, but the delivery date shifts slightly to December 23, 2021. Regardless, it]s best to err on the side of caution with a one-to-two-day window in advance of Monday, December 20, 2021. Furthermore, these dates are for domestic transportation only. As a result, the best way to plan your deadlines is to use UPS Calculate Time and Cost app and assume the latest deadline is December 20, 2021—or earlier for international shipments, excluding shipments to Canada and Mexico.
FedEx holiday shipping deadlines are more stringent:
FedEx has also released the following specific deadlines for North American international deadlines:
Note: For shipments to other international destinations, users are advised to input origin and destination data on the FedEx Rate Finder.
USPS holiday deadlines are also further in advance of UPS, more closely aligned to those of FedEx as noted below:
Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is slightly different:
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Understanding the total transit times and costs throughout the holiday shipping season is essential to maximizing profitability. However, there is uncertainty in the market as there is ongoing risk for new peak surcharges. Ultimately, any carrier may choose to enact additional surcharges or advance the deadlines further in advance of the holidays. Regardless, the key to success lies in using data to know how long typical transit times take and their total landed costs. That's all possible by working with an advanced shipping data intelligence resource like Intelligent Audit. Connect with Intelligent Audit to get started today.
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