The holiday rush comes fast every year, and 2025 will be no exception. With Christmas falling on Thursday, December 25, shipping schedules will be tight. Whether you manage fulfillment for an ecommerce brand or oversee warehouse operations, staying ahead of carrier deadlines is the easiest way to keep customers happy and deliver on time.
This guide highlights the latest 2025 shipping cutoff dates for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Canada Post, along with updated surcharge information and tips to streamline your shipping workflow during the busiest time of year.
2025 holiday shipping cutoff dates
To help you plan your fulfillment calendar, here are the most recent domestic deadlines released by major carriers. Be sure to confirm final dates directly with each carrier as we get closer to December.
USPS
UPS
FedEx
Canada Post
What’s different in 2025
Peak surcharges and temporary rate changes
Carriers have already confirmed several rate adjustments for the 2025 holiday season.
- USPS will apply a seasonal price increase for select package services from October 5, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
- UPS and FedEx will continue to apply peak surcharges, typically ranging from $0.30 to $5.00 per package, depending on size and destination.
#ShipTips: Factor these surcharges into your pricing or free shipping thresholds early, rather than reacting mid-season.
Saturday delivery options
With Christmas falling on a Thursday, Saturday delivery will matter for last-minute shipments.
- USPS includes Saturday delivery at no additional cost.
- UPS and FedEx offer Saturday delivery for 2-day and next-day services, but you’ll need to select the option and pay a small fee.
Carrier holidays
Watch for limited operations or closures on these dates:
How to avoid holiday shipping delays
1. Start early
Encourage customers to order well before mid-December. Offer incentives like early-bird discounts or free shipping on orders placed before December 1.
2. Automate tracking and communication
Keep customers informed with real-time tracking updates through your shipping software. Transparency reduces support inquiries and builds trust.
3. Validate addresses
Small address errors can cause major delays. Use validation tools at checkout to confirm street names, postal codes, and apartment numbers.
4. Build in buffer time
Add an extra day or two to your internal fulfillment schedule to account for weather or volume-related slowdowns.
5. Package properly
Invest in strong packaging and cushioning materials to prevent damage-related reships. A well-packed order saves time, money, and frustration.
6. Diversify your carriers
Don’t rely on a single carrier during peak weeks. Having multiple accounts gives you flexibility if one network experiences delays.
7. Simplify returns
Make returns easy by including printable labels or portal-based return options. Extending your window through mid-January helps maintain customer loyalty.
International shipping guidelines
If you ship internationally, start even earlier. Longer transit times and customs processing mean you’ll need to plan ahead.
Always check with your carrier for specific international shipping deadlines, as they can vary significantly by destination and service level. Additionally, be mindful of international holidays in destination countries, which can affect delivery times.
Wrapping up: Prepare now, ship smarter later
The best way to win the holiday season is through preparation. By understanding 2025’s updated deadlines, anticipating surcharges, and optimizing your shipping process, you can protect profit margins and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
ShipWise helps shippers stay ahead of the rush by automating label creation, comparing real-time carrier rates, and tracking every order from one dashboard.
Start planning now to make this your smoothest holiday season yet.
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