Community Corner
USPS: Shipping Deadline is Today for Some Holiday Mail
If you're planning to ship holiday packages overseas this holiday season, today is the deadline to lock-in the cheapest rates.
If you snapped up bargains on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, chances are that you’re finished with your holiday shopping - or at least a good portion of it. Now, it’s time to get everything wrapped and shipped.
Depending upon where your packages are headed, today is the deadline to get the cheapest rate on parcels from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
If you have a loved one serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan, this Saturday, Dec. 3 is the absolute deadline for guaranteed Christmas Day arrival.
To keep you on track, we’ve compiled a listing of shipping deadlines for most corners of the globe. Bookmark this page for quick reference in the weeks to come!
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Shipping to Overseas Military
Iraq and Afghanistan – Saturday, Dec. 3 is the deadline for Priority Mail packages and First Class cards and letters. All other deadlines have already passed.
Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
All other APO / FPO / DPO AE – Saturday, Dec. 3 is the deadline for Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL). The deadline for Priority Mail packages and First Class cards and letters is Dec. 10. Your last chance for mailing is Express Mail Military Service, with a deadline of Dec. 17.
Overseas Shipping
Overseas shipping deadlines depend upon the final destination of your packages. The earliest deadlines are to Central America, South America and Africa. Here is the breakdown from the USPS:
AFRICA
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 2
Priority Mail International - Dec. 2
Express Mail International - Dec. 10
Global Express Guaranteed - Dec. 20
ASIA/PACIFIC RIM
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 9
Express Mail International - Dec. 15
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 19
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 9
Express Mail International - Dec. 15
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 19
CANADA
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 12
Express Mail International - Dec. 16
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 21
CARIBBEAN
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 12
Express Mail International - Dec. 15
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 20
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 2
Priority Mail International - Dec. 2
Express Mail International - Dec. 10
Global Express Guaranteed - Dec. 20
EUROPE
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 12
Express Mail International - Dec. 15
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 20
MEXICO
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 9
Express Mail International - Dec. 15
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 21
MIDDLE EAST
First-Class Mail International - Dec. 9
Priority Mail International - Dec. 12
Express Mail International - Dec. 15
Global Express Guaranteed -Dec. 20
Domestic Shipping
If all of your shipping is within the U.S., you have a bit of breathing room. For procrastinators, your deep pockets will allow you to ship as late as Dec. 22. Frugal? Get your shipping done by Dec. 15.
PARCEL POST: Dec. 15
FIRST CLASS MAIL: Dec. 20
PRIORITY MAIL: Dec. 21
EXPRESS MAIL: Dec. 22
Take a look at the map to the right for the closest post office, FedEx store, UPS store and Postal Stop in Milpitas.
And, don't forget to visit our 2011 Holiday Guide page for all the latest articles on local events, shopping tips and gift ideas, holiday safety, recipes and crafts, and more.
Happy Holidays from Gilroy Patch!
