Last year saw a lot of holiday gifts delayed as shipping companies were overwhelmed. While things seem to be a bit better this year, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on the deadlines, as they’re coming up sooner than you might think.
The U.S. Postal Service in October enacted new standards that will result in longer transit times, which could put additional pressure on UPS and FedEx as shippers look for alternatives. Meanwhile, holiday shipping cutoff dates vary widely among major retailers, which can be even more frustrating for consumers. (Amazon, Target, and Walmart have not yet posted their 2021 shipping deadlines.)
Keep in mind that when it comes to shipping there are no real guarantees. Amazon’s next-day delivery often takes a bit longer at this time of year. And one unexpected Arctic blast can disrupt things across the country. While these dates are a good guideline, your odds of a successful shipment increase the earlier you send the package.
Shipping deadlines for 2021
FedEx
Dec. 9 – Ground economy, freight economy
Dec. 15 – Ground, freight priority
Dec. 21 – Express saver, 3-Day Freight
Dec. 22 – FedEx 2 Day, 2-Day Freight
Dec. 23 – FedEx Standard, Priority and First Overnight
Dec. 24 – FedEx SameDay
UPS
Dec. 21 – UPS 3-Day Select
Dec. 22 – UPS 2nd Day Air
Dec. 23 – UPS Next Day Air
Ground shipping – Dates vary by location. Head to UPS’s shipping estimator to calculate how long it will take for your package to arrive.
U.S. Postal Service
Dec. 15 – USPS Retail ground service
Dec. 17 – First class mail
Dec. 18 – Priority Mail
Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express (Dec. 21 for Alaska and Hawaii)
Major retailer shipping deadlines for 2021
Amazon
Dec. 23 – Last day to order items eligible for one-day delivery
Dec. 24 – Last day to order items eligible for same-day delivery and for free two-hour grocery delivery.
Anthropologie
Dec. 21 – Standard shipping
Dec. 23 – Express shipping
Apple
Apple’s order deadlines vary widely depending on the product ordered, ranging from Dec. 8 deadline for the iPad Pro to Dec. 22 for recent iPhone models. (If you’re hoping for a MacBook Pro or AirTag, the deadline has already passed. Consult Apple’s website for details.)
Barnes & Noble
Dec. 16 – by 11:59 p.m.
Cole Hahn
Dec. 16 – Ground shipments
Dec. 22 – Two-day shipping
Dec. 23 – Overnight
Columbia
Dec. 12 – Standard
Dec. 19 – Expedited
Dec. 20 – Rush
Crate & Barrel
Dec. 10 – Standard
Dec. 19 – Premium
Dec. 21 – Express
DSW
Dec. 10 – Standard
Famous Footwear
Dec. 15 – Standard
Dec. 20 – Expedited
Dec. 21 – Rush
J. Crew
Dec. 10 at 9 pm – APO/DPO/FPO and U.S. Territories
Dec. 12 at 9 pm – P.O. Boxes
Dec. 16 at 9 pm – Orders shipping to Alaska and Hawaii
Dec. 19 at 11:59 pm – Orders for Continental U.S.
L.L. Bean
Like Apple, the deadlines vary depending on your order and where it’s shipping to. It’s already too late for items that include monogramming, but most general orders can ship by Dec. 20. See the Website for details.
Land’s End
Dec. 15 – Standard shipping
New Balance
Dec. 13 – Standard
Dec. 21 – 2-Day
Dec. 22 – Overnight
NewEgg
Dec. 15 – Standard Ground delivery
Dec. 21 – Three-day
Dec. 22 – Two-day
Dec. 23 – Overnight
Nike
Dec. 13 – No-Rush shipping
Dec. 15 – Standard
Dec. 21 – Expedited
Dec. 22 – Express
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