Your Complete Holiday Guide To Shipping Deadlines, Delays & Rates For 2021

Shipping is the hot topic on everyone’s mind this year, and with good reason. The business sector, specifically those businesses within the eCommerce industry, has experienced substantial growth in the wake of the pandemic, as more customers turn to online shopping.

Unfortunately, this explosive growth has the business and shipping industries struggling to keep up. International supply line failures, labor shortages, raw material shortages, and supply chain bottlenecks are expected to cause substantial delays going into the 2021 Christmas shipping season. As the holidays mark the busiest and most lucrative time of year for most businesses, we’ve put together this shipping deadline guide to help you understand how to avoid shipping headaches and dissatisfied customers.

Christmas Shipping Deadlines 2021

If your business needs to get packages out and delivered by Christmas day, you’ll need to ensure that packages and mailings are sent out on your carrier’s Christmas shipping deadline — or preferably way before. Here are the shipping deadlines for the major US carriers.

USPS Christmas Shipping Deadlines

With USPS, the last day to ship a package and have it arrive by Christmas is December 23. However, for cheaper shipping options, you’ll want to send your packages well before this date. See the deadlines below:

Deadlines listed are up-to-date as of November 10, 2021.

UPS Christmas Shipping Deadlines

With UPS, the last day to ship a package and have it arrive by Christmas is December 23. However, if you don’t want to be stuck paying for Next Day Air, you’ll want to use another one of UPS’s shipping services and get those packages in sooner. See the deadlines below:

Deadlines listed are up-to-date as of November 10, 2021.

FedEx Shipping Deadlines

With FedEx, you could choose to ship a package on December 24 and still have it arrive by Christmas Day. But if you want to save a lot of money, and save a poor soul from having to work on Christmas Eve, you’ll need to send your packages a little sooner. See the deadlines below:

Deadlines listed are up-to-date as of November 10, 2021.

What to Know About Christmas Shipping Delays

All three major US shipping carriers are experiencing significant shipping delays. This is largely the result of an increase in eCommerce and the impact of the pandemic, as Americans rely more strongly on package shipments to receive their goods, while a labor shortage looms. On a global scale, the shipping delays can be traced back to supply chain limitations, skyrocketing shipping costs, excessive demand for shipping containers/ships, and a drop in international flights. In short, expect your business to experience some ripple effects of the shipping industry crisis.

It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid the effects of shipping delays. However, with the right shipping strategy, your business can minimize them. The best way to combat shipping delays is to stay informed of any policy changes from the major carriers. With that information, you can plan a shipping strategy that best serves your business (cost-effectiveness and efficiency) and your customers (timely deliveries).

To help, here’s a breakdown of how the major US shipping carriers have been affected by shipping delays.

• USPS recently unveiled a 10-year plan aiming to recoup the multibillion-dollar profit losses posted in the last 10 years. Terms of this plan include increased delivery times to some areas, increased shipping costs, and the closure of some postal offices. These changes come even as USPS faces shipping delays and labor shortages as a result of the pandemic.
• UPS has suspended its Service Guarantee due to complications caused by the pandemic. The guarantee has been reinstated for some air and international services, but remains suspended for most deliveries and shipments. The company has also increased delivery commitment times.
• FedEx has suspended its money-back guarantee for all FedEx express services. On an international level, FedEx shipments from a select number of countries have been temporarily suspended since early 2020.

As all major carriers are experiencing significant problems, it’s challenging for businesses to create a strategy for avoiding shipping delays. In some cases, it may be helpful for a business to use multiple carriers for different delivery requirements. For example, a business that wants to reduce shipment expenses could use FedEx Ground services up until December 9th to ensure that their deliveries arrive on time for Christmas. After that time, a business could switch to UPS for its Second Day Air services right up until Christmas Eve for fast shipping options. If your business is considering using multiple mail carriers, you should consider area coverage, Christmas shipping deadlines, and costs to create the most effective strategy.

Finding the Best Shipping Carrier For Your Business

In today’s small business world, you have more shipping options than ever, whether you outsource or use software apps and software. That means the holiday shipping rush doesn’t need to be crazy. Still, when it comes to shipping options, there are really three major contenders: The United States Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), and FedEx.

We’ll explain what services each provides, how much they cost, and which is the best to use for your shipping needs. And, if none of these fit your needs, we’ll also cover the best shipping software and outsourcing options.

To start, here’s a look at the top US shipping carrier providers and how they best serve businesses.

USPS Shipping For Holidays

Best for affordability and saving money when packages don’t need to arrive quickly.

USPS Rates

The USPS website has a useful and easy-to-navigate shipping calculator. You can use it to get an estimate for your shipping rate. If your shipping method is available via their Click-N-Ship® option, you can sign in to your account, select shipping type, pay, and print your label. Small businesses can use Click-N-Ship® to create batch shipments or order flat-rate boxes to be delivered directly to your home/place of business. Pick-up at residences and almost all business locations is free. For international shipping prices, visit the USPS business prices page.

Prices listed below are up to date as of November 10, 2021.

*USPS also has flat-rate prices for their priority mail service. With flat-rate boxes and envelopes, weight and destination do not affect pricing. If you can fit it in, it’ll ship for a pre-determined price.

Prices listed below are up to date as of November 10, 2021.

USPS Services

You have several shipping options with USPS. Here is a basic rundown of each option:

• USPS Retail Ground®: This is a shipping service for packages, thick envelopes, or tubes that do not exceed 70lbs. Cost is based on weight, size, and location of the shipment. The speed for Retail Ground is between 2-8 days, depending on the distance the package needs to travel. This shipping method is deliverable to PO Boxes and military bases. It is available for purchase only in-person at a US postal office.
• First-Class Mail®: This is for standard size envelopes weighing up to 3.5oz or small packages that weigh up to 13oz. Cost is based on weight, size, and location. The speed for First-Class Mail packages is 1-3 days, and it is only available for purchase in-person at a US postal office.
• Priority Mail®: This is a shipping service for packages that has a flat-rate, regional rate, and retail rate. Priority Mail regional and retail rates are based on weight, size, and zone. However, the flat-rate covers up to 70lbs without a need to weigh. An insurance policy is included with this shipping rate. Mail arrives between 1-3 days, and you can purchase this option in-person or online.
• Priority Mail Express®: This is the USPS option for overnight guaranteed shipping of packages under 70lbs. It also includes free pick-up at your home or office. That overnight shipping is guaranteed, or your money back, and includes insurance. (Although, for the holiday season, there is some fine print: the money-back guarantee is only applicable if the package hasn’t been delivered after two business days if it’s mailed between December 22 and December 25, due to the volume of mail.) The rate is based on weight, size, and location of the shipment destination. You can purchase this option in person or online.
• Media Mail®: If your business sells items that classify as media items then you might be able to use Media Mail® to ship items as an economical option. This is for videos, books, CDs, etc. This isn’t the best option for time-sensitive material as it takes anywhere between 2-8 days for delivery. It is available only in-person at a post office.

When To Use USPS For Holiday Shipping

If you are a low-volume merchant, USPS offers free pick-up, shipping advice from sales reps, and Click-N-Ship®. USPS overwhelmingly provides the best experience for most small businesses and eCommerce merchants. UPS and FedEx can’t compete with the prices and speed for lightweight (under 2lbs) packages. If that applies to your shipments, then this is your best choice. Additionally, you may get a commercial shipping price if you are a business that qualifies. However, USPS’s increased shipping costs and delivery times may drive some businesses away.

UPS Holiday Shipping Options

Best for fast deliveries with guaranteed shipping, package tracking, and no peak surcharges.

UPS Rates

UPS also has a handy calculator to determine shipping costs. Prices for shipping are different for daily rates or retail rates. Daily rates are for businesses with a scheduled UPS pick-up. Retail rates are the shipping rates you will pay if you go into a local UPS retail location. The fees for scheduling a pick-up start at $5.80, if scheduled in advance.

Here’s a breakdown of UPS’s shipping by service. Prices listed below are up to date as of November 10, 2021.

UPS Services

Unfortunately, UPS does not offer free pick-up or Saturday delivery, but it does have top-notch tracking and excellent uniforms. Reliability and ease of tracking are two of the positives of using UPS for business shipping.

Here is a rundown of shipping options available at UPS:

• Ground: This is the most economical option. Using Ground, a package will arrive between 1-5 days. Pricing is based on the weight, size, and package destination.
• UPS 3-day Select®: This option promises that your package will be delivered by the end of the third business day. Pricing is based on the weight, size, and package destination. (An AM option is also available for a fee; your package will be delivered by the morning of the third business day.)
• UPS 2nd Day Air®: This option promises that your package will be delivered by the end of the second business day. Pricing is based on the weight, size, and package destination. (An AM option is also available for a fee; your package will be delivered by the morning of the second business day.)
• UPS Next Day Air®: As it sounds, this option delivers a next-day/overnight shipment. (An AM option is also available for a fee; your package will be delivered by the morning of the next business day.)
• UPS Express Critical®: Details aren’t posted, but if you need a critical rush, UPS is dedicated to helping you get your package where it needs to go. This assuredly-not-cheap option can involve a private charter or courier to deliver your shipment.

When To Use UPS For Holiday Shipping?

UPS has great tracking. If you have a package you need to be delivered fast and you want to keep a close eye on its travels, then UPS might be worth the extra cost. Tracking and guaranteed speed are the two reasons to choose UPS over USPS. While some small businesses have amazing relationships with their UPS drivers, other small businesses and eCommerce sites will hesitate to pay the pick-up fees or the increased rate prices you’ll find when you head into a store.

FedEx Holiday Shipping Options

Best for fast deliveries with package tracking and Saturday shipping.

FedEx Rates

For the holiday 2021 season, FedEx does have peak and surcharge fees. You may also need to pay a fee for a package traveling to a remote area. You can use their rate calculator here and view a breakdown of their pricing details below.

Prices listed below are up-to-date as of November 10, 2021.

FedEx Services

FedEx offers several shipping options, which vary depending on how quickly you need your packages to arrive.

• Ground: Prices for Ground shipping are based on package weight, size, and destination location. Shipments will arrive between 1-5  business days (up to 7 days to Alaska and Hawaii). Ground shipping is available only for Monday-Friday delivery.
• FedEx Express Saver®: Prices for FedEx Express Saver® shipping are based on package weight, size, and destination location. Your shipment will arrive within 3 business days. 
• FedEx 2-Day Air®: Prices for FedEx 2Day Air® are based on package weight, size, and destination location. Your shipment will arrive by the end of business on the 2nd day. (You can also purchase 2Day® AM to make sure your package is delivered by the morning.)
• FedEx Standard Overnight®: Prices are based on package weight, size, and destination location. Your package will arrive by the next business day. 
• FedEx Priority Overnight®: Your package will arrive by mid-morning the next business day. (Early delivery, by 8, 8:30, or 9 a.m. is available to most areas, for an extra fee.)
• FedEx One Rate: This is FedEx’s flat-rate pricing option. When you use FedEx boxes and envelopes, weight and destination do not affect One Rate pricing. If you can fit it, it’ll ship for the pre-determined price starting at $8.90.

When To Use FedEx For Holiday Shipping

If you are close to a FedEx store or need a very detailed tracking provider, this is a solid choice. For what it’s worth, like USPS, FedEx does offer Saturday delivery, and they tout a more involved tracking system, too. There are fewer FedEx stores in the United States, so locations are limited, and that could add time to delivery for remote locations. This year, FedEx has added peak/surcharge pricing for the holiday season, so that may drive up your shipping costs.

Should You Use Shipping Software?

Best for streamlining your shipping process and integrating with your eCommerce site.

The main advantage of operating a business in 2021 is the access to a plethora of digital tools designed to make businesses processes (shipping included) easier and less time-consuming. Fortunately, there are tons of shipping software options available for businesses looking to reduce shipping craziness year-round. Here are the main benefits of adopting shipping software:

• Automate tasks to save you time
• Decrease human shipping errors
• Streamlines your shipping process
• Shipping rates updated in real-time
• Seamlessly integrates with eCommerce shops
• Keeps shipping information in a single location
• Easily find the right shipping solution for your business

If you find yourself spending more time calculating shipping costs or taking daily trips to the post office, it might be time to consider investing in shipping software. Time saved is money saved, after all.

Finding The Best Shipping Software

The search for the best shipping software starts and ends with your business. What shipping software features can your business benefit from? Today’s shipping software typically boasts useful features that may include eCommerce integration, shipment management, real-time shipment tracking updates, bulk shipping label printing, and more. So, which shipping software options should you look into? Below, you’ll find a few Merchant Maverick recommended shipping software options.

• Shipping Easy: Shipping Easy stands out for its affordable pricing and (not surprisingly) its ease of use. Businesses partnering with Shipping Easy benefit from its partnership with USPS. For low-volume merchants, Shipping Easy is a cost-effective option.
• ShipStation: ShipStation integrates with USPS, UPS, and FedEx, which is just one of the reasons why it’s a leader in the eCommerce shipping industry. Check out our full ShipStation Review for a more in-depth look at this shipping software option.
• Ordoro: Ordoro is a great option for businesses that want to avoid the holiday shipping rush. As Ordoro offers dropshipping options, businesses can ship directly from their suppliers and cut out extra time.
• Stamps.com: Stamps.com is another option that partners with USPS. It’s easy to fit this shipping software within your business budget, as it’s a single flat-rate service with a single monthly fee regardless of how many packages you ship. With free USPS pickup from almost any residential or business location, Stamps.com is a great choice.

If you’re in the market for a new shipping software for your business, check out our guide How To Choose The Best Shipping Software, for top tips to help you make your shipping software decision.

Shipping Rates & Deadlines: FAQs

Get Started On Your Holiday Shipping

Getting holiday shipping right is essential for any business. Beyond improving your business’s reputation and boosting your sales, fulfilling your shipping commitments can help spread a little more positivity during the holiday season. Staying informed about the holiday shipping deadline schedule can help you set an effective Christmas shipping strategy and reduce the impact of shipping delays. This holiday season, diligently track your inventory, compare shipping options, consider shipping software, and, above all, keep your cheer close and your holiday shipping deadlines even closer.

Check out some of our other helpful shipping hacks and resources to enhance your business’s shipping strategy and get the most out of this holiday season.

• The Complete Guide To eCommerce Order Fulfillment
• How To Survive Despite Retail & eCommerce Supply Chain Shortages in 2021
• The Retailer’s Inventory Management Guide: How To Use Your POS To Maximize Success