WASHINGTON (WPRI) — The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced its optimal shipping dates for the 2024 holiday season. If you want your letters or packages to arrive before Dec. 25, here are the recommended send-by dates: Mail ServiceMail-by date for contiguous U.S.Mail-by date for Alaska and HawaiiUSPS Ground AdvantageDec. 18Dec. 16First-Class MailDec. 18Dec. 18Priority MailDec. 19Dec. 19Priority Mail ExpressDec. 21Dec. 20 If you're shipping items internationally or by military mail, the USPS recommends sending them even earlier. INTERNATIONAL MAIL Mail ServiceMail-by date for Africa, Central & South AmericaMail-by date for all other regionsFirst-Class Package InternationalDec. 2Dec. 9Priority Mail InternationalDec. 2Dec. 9Priority Mail Express InternationalDec. 9Dec. 16 MILITARY MAIL Mail ServiceMail-by date for military ZIP codesUSPS Ground AdvantageNov. 4First-Class MailDec. 9Priority MailDec. 9Priority Mail Express MilitaryDec. 16 For more information about holiday shipping dates and packaging guidelines, visit the USPS website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW