CAPE CORAL, Fla. — With just over a week to Christmas, the race is on to get your gifts shipped so they arrive before Santa.
This holiday season, whether you've planned or procrastinated, many are still wondering if their presents will be delivered by Christmas.
A good place to start is by looking for the company that's shipping your package, then take a closer looker at their holiday deadlines and hours.
These are the important send-by dates U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx recommend for a delivery by Christmas.
U.S. Postal Service
Dec. 15: USPS Retail Ground Service
Dec. 18: First-Class Mail Service
Dec. 19: Priority Mail Service
Dec. 23: Priority Mail Express Service
UPS
Dec. 15: UPS Ground
Dec. 21: UPS 3 Day Select
Dec. 22: UPS 2nd Day Air
Dec. 23: UPS Next Day Air
FEDEX
Dec. 15: FedEx Ground and Home Delivery
Dec. 21: FedEx Express Saver
Dec. 22: FedEx 2Day
Dec. 23: FedEx Standard and Priority Overnight
Customers are also being warned not to wait until the last minute to send a package.
Earlier this year, FedEx and UPS suspended their money-back guarantee due to COVID-19 closures and record online orders.
That means if your delivery date is moved and misses Christmas, you might not be getting your money back.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, consumers spent around $199 billion online from July to September alone. It's more than a 35% jump from the same quarter last year.
Major delivery companies prepared earlier in the year. UPS says they hired more than 130,000 workers before the holiday season.
The bottom line for getting your gifts delivered by Christmas is to do it as soon as possible.
If you run out of time and need a plan B, you can always check your options at a local store to see if they're offering delivery or pick up.
