Lexington, December 3, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, major shipping carriers in Lexington, KY are urging residents to mail their packages early to ensure timely delivery before December 25. The USPS, FedEx, and UPS have recommended send-by dates to avoid potential delays, especially for ground and priority services. Customers are encouraged to follow provided guidelines to enhance their shipping experience and ensure their holiday packages arrive on time.
Lexington, KY – Shipping Carriers Urge Early Holiday Mailing as Deadlines Approach
Major shipping carriers are advising residents in Lexington, Kentucky, to mail their packages early to ensure on-time delivery before December 25. The United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, and UPS have outlined their recommended send-by dates as the holiday season approaches.
USPS Recommended Deadlines
The USPS has established the following deadlines for expected delivery by December 25:
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 17
- First-Class Mail: December 17
- Priority Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 20
For shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, the send-by dates are one day earlier:
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
- First-Class Mail: December 17
- Priority Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 20
Customers sending packages to military or international addresses should refer to the USPS holiday shipping page for specific deadlines. These dates are recommendations, and actual delivery times may vary based on several factors, including origin and destination. The USPS urges early shipping to avoid delays. More details are available on the USPS Holiday Newsroom website.
FedEx and UPS Deadlines
Similarly, FedEx and UPS have recommended their shipping deadlines. While dates may differ depending on service type and destination, both carriers suggest shipping by December 19 to ensure Christmas delivery. Customers should visit the respective carriers’ websites for more information on specific shipping options and timelines.
Additional Tips for Holiday Shipping
To enhance the holiday shipping experience, here are some helpful tips:
- Package Items Securely: Ensure items are packaged correctly to avoid damage during transport.
- Use Free Shipping Supplies: Take advantage of free shipping supplies found at Post Office locations or on the USPS website.
- Schedule Package Pickup: Utilize the free Package Pickup service to have packages collected when the carrier delivers your mail.
- Check for Service Interruptions: Stay informed of potential service interruptions, such as temporary suspensions of international mail due to strikes.
By adhering to these guidelines and deadlines, Lexington residents can help ensure their holiday mailings arrive on time, brightening the holiday season for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the USPS recommended send-by dates for holiday shipping?
The USPS recommends the following send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25:
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 17
- First-Class Mail: December 17
- Priority Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 20
For shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, the recommended send-by dates are one day earlier:
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
- First-Class Mail: December 17
- Priority Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail Express: December 20
Customers sending packages to military or international addresses should consult the USPS holiday shipping page for specific deadlines.
What are the FedEx and UPS holiday shipping deadlines?
FedEx and UPS recommend shipping by December 19 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Specific deadlines may vary based on service type and destination. Customers are encouraged to check the respective carrier’s website for detailed information on shipping options and deadlines.
How can I ensure my packages arrive on time during the holiday season?
To ensure timely delivery, consider the following tips:
- Package Items Securely: Properly package items to prevent damage during transit.
- Use Free Shipping Supplies: Utilize free shipping supplies available at Post Office locations or online at usps.com/freeboxes.
- Schedule Package Pickup: Arrange for free Package Pickup when the carrier delivers your mail. This service is free regardless of the number of packages. Schedule pickups at usps.com/pickup.
- Check for Service Interruptions: Be aware of any service interruptions, such as temporary suspensions of international mail services due to strikes or other issues.
By adhering to these deadlines and tips, you can help ensure your holiday cards and packages arrive on time, making the season brighter for all.
Key Features of Holiday Shipping Deadlines
| Carrier | Service | Recommended Send-By Date | Delivery by December 25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | USPS Ground Advantage Service | December 17 | Yes |
| First-Class Mail | December 17 | ||
| Priority Mail | December 18 | ||
| Priority Mail Express | December 20 | ||
| FedEx and UPS | All Services | December 19 | Yes |
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


