UPS Holiday Schedule 2024: Find What You Need to Know
The holidays are a time of magic, joy, and connection—but let’s be real, they can also come with a bit of shipping chaos.
Whether it’s sending out gifts to your family across the country or delivering orders for customers during the busiest shopping season, those shipping deadlines can sneak up on you faster than a holiday sale.
I’ve been there—standing in line at the last minute, stressed about whether my packages will arrive on time. That’s why it pays to know UPS’s holiday schedule ahead of time. Trust me, a little planning now can save you a ton of stress later.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about UPS’s 2024 holiday schedule—including key shipping deadlines, hours, and some handy tips to make sure your packages get where they need to go.
After all, the holidays should be about spreading joy, not worrying about tracking numbers.
Let’s get into it and make this season smooth, stress-free, and full of happy deliveries! 🎁
Contents
UPS Holiday Schedule 2024
UPS observes several holidays throughout the year when services may be limited or completely unavailable. Below is the official UPS holiday schedule for 2024:
Holiday | Date | UPS Services Status |
---|---|---|
New Year’s Day | Monday, January 1 | No UPS pickup or delivery services. UPS Express Critical® is available. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 15 | Regular pickup and delivery. UPS Store® locations are open. |
Independence Day | Thursday, July 4 | No UPS pickup or delivery services. UPS Express Critical® remains available. |
Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 28 | No UPS pickup or delivery services. UPS Express Critical® remains available. |
Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25 | No UPS pickup or delivery services. UPS Express Critical® is available. |
Note: UPS Express Critical® provides 24/7 urgent shipping services, even on holidays.
UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Christmas Delivery
To guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve, follow these UPS holiday shipping deadlines:
Service | Ship By Date | Details |
---|---|---|
UPS® Ground | Check online tool | Delivery times vary by location. Use the UPS Time and Cost Calculator. |
UPS 3 Day Select® | Thursday, December 19 | Delivery within three business days. |
UPS 2nd Day Air® | Friday, December 20 | Delivery within two business days. |
UPS Next Day Air® | Monday, December 23 | Next-business-day delivery for urgent shipments. |
Tip: Ship early to avoid last-minute delays caused by holiday rushes.
Top Tips for Smooth Holiday Shipping with UPS
- Start Early: The earlier you ship, the less chance of delays. UPS experiences its heaviest volume in mid-to-late December.
- Use UPS My Choice®: Manage delivery times, track packages, and reroute shipments for added convenience.
- Secure Your Packages: Proper packaging prevents damage during transit. Use UPS-approved boxes and materials.
- Track Your Shipment: Use UPS’s real-time tracking tools to monitor delivery progress.
- Consider Shipping Insurance: For valuable packages, purchase additional coverage for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does UPS deliver on Christmas Eve?
Yes, UPS operates on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24) but with limited services. Check your local UPS location for specific hours and availability.
Q2: Is UPS open on New Year’s Day?
No, UPS does not provide pickup or delivery services on New Year’s Day (January 1). However, UPS Express Critical® is available for urgent shipments.
Q3: How do I check UPS holiday hours near me?
Use the UPS Locator Tool to find your nearest branch and confirm their hours during the holiday season.
Q4: What happens if I miss a UPS delivery during the holidays?
If you miss a delivery, UPS will leave a notice with instructions. You can reschedule delivery or pick up your package at a nearby UPS Access Point™ location.
Q5: Are there extra fees for holiday shipping with UPS?
Yes, UPS may apply peak surcharges during the holiday season, especially for oversized packages or high-volume shipping. Review the UPS Peak Surcharges for updated rates.
Conclusion
The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful when it comes to shipping. By understanding the UPS 2024 holiday schedule and adhering to shipping deadlines, you can ensure your packages arrive on time and in perfect condition.
Whether you’re sending a heartfelt gift or managing a business, early planning and utilizing UPS services like UPS My Choice® and Express Critical will make this holiday season smooth and worry-free.
Start planning now, and let UPS take the stress out of holiday shipping! 🎁