2024 USPS Holiday Schedule: Everything You Need to Know

Being aware of the United States Postal Service (USPS) 2024 holiday schedule is crucial for eCommerce merchants to effectively plan their shipping during the busy holiday seasons. The USPS observes all major federal holidays, which affects their operation and delivery times. In this post, we'll walk you through the 2024 USPS Holiday Schedule so you can stay ahead of the game and ensure your mail gets where it needs to go without a hitch.

Knowing the USPS holiday closures is essential for eCommerce merchants to determine the last dates customers can place orders for on-time delivery. With the USPS closed on all federal holidays, being aware of their schedule helps avoid any shipping delays and ensures timely delivery, which is crucial during the busy holiday seasons.

During these peak times in 2024, customers often need reminders of upcoming shipping cutoffs. Effective planning and communication of these cutoffs are important.

The United States Postal Service observes several federal holidays each year. These days, post offices are closed, and mail delivery is paused. Here’s the full list of USPS holidays in 2024:

1. New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 15
3. Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 19
4. Memorial Day – Monday, May 27
5. Juneteenth National Independence Day – Wednesday, June 19
6. Independence Day – Thursday, July 4
7. Labor Day – Monday, September 2
8. Columbus Day – Monday, October 14
9. Veterans Day – Monday, November 11
10. Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28
11. Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st. USPS services, including mail delivery and post office operations, are paused on this day. It’s advisable to send any important mail or packages well in advance to avoid delays.
 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January. USPS services are suspended to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Ensure all time-sensitive mail is sent ahead of this federal holiday.

Presidents' Day, celebrated on the third Monday of February, honors all U.S. presidents. USPS operations are halted, so plan accordingly to manage your mailing needs around this date.
 

Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, commemorates fallen military personnel. As a federal holiday, USPS services are closed. Early mailing is crucial to avoid disruptions.
 

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Informing customers about potential shipping delays, updating your shipping policies, and encouraging early shopping
 

Independence Day on July 4th is a major holiday. USPS operations are paused, and normal services resume the following day. Anticipate delays and plan your mailings accordingly.
 

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September. USPS does not operate, affecting all mail deliveries. Sending important items early is recommended.
 

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October, results in USPS closure. Understanding this holiday's historical context helps in planning your postal needs.

Veterans Day on November 11th honors military veterans. USPS services are suspended, requiring adjustments to your mailing plans.
 

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, sees USPS services halted. Ensure all mail and packages are sent in advance.
 

Christmas Day on December 25th is a major holiday, with USPS services closed. Plan your holiday mailings early to avoid delays.
 

Planning around the USPS holiday schedule involves several strategic steps to ensure timely deliveries and maintain customer satisfaction, especially for eCommerce retailers.
 

When a holiday is approaching, especially during busy seasons like Christmas or Thanksgiving, make sure to mail your items early. The USPS experiences high volumes of mail during these periods, so giving yourself a buffer can prevent delays.
- Use Priority Mail Express: If you're in a pinch and need to ensure quick delivery, Priority Mail Express is a reliable option, even around holidays.
- Track Your Packages: Always use tracking services to monitor your package's journey. This can give you peace of mind and help you manage expectations.
- Know Cut-Off Dates: For major holidays, USPS usually provides recommended mailing cut-off dates. Mark these on your calendar.
 

If you need to send something on a USPS holiday, consider alternative shipping companies like FedEx or UPS. These carriers may have different holiday schedules and can provide the service you need when the USPS is closed.
- FedEx: FedEx generally operates on some holidays when USPS is closed. For example, FedEx services are available on Presidents’ Day and Veterans Day.
- UPS: UPS also provides services on certain holidays. Check their schedule to see if they can accommodate your needs when USPS cannot.