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Embracing the impending holiday season, we find ourselves amidst the whirlwind of holiday shipping once again. The evolving landscape has pushed the peak season earlier each year, underscoring the significance of delivering gifts before the most special days of the season.
This is that time of the year when it is most important to meet and exceed shipping expectations for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. You must have a proper understanding of holiday delivery dates to prevent potential negative reviews or returns due to delayed packages.
On this note, remember that recognizing that customers may not be fully aware of these crucial deadlines. So, proactive communication on your online store also becomes absolutely critical. Moreover, through a prominent display of these dates, you not only keep customers well-informed but also ignite trust.
To aid in your meticulous preparations, we’ve compiled the latest information on the 2023 holiday shipping deadlines for popular carriers commonly used by WooCommerce store owners.
Navigating the Shifting Holiday Shopping Landscape
Reflecting on the previous holiday season, we can observe a nuanced balance between digital and physical sales channels. This contributed to the steadfast growth of the e-commerce industry.
In 2022, US online holiday sales surpassed an impressive $211 billion, marking a resilient 3.5% year-over-year increase. Despite the challenges posed by inflation and diminished pandemic-era savings, predictions indicate a nearly 5% surge in holiday online sales, reaching an anticipated $222 billion in 2023.
Prepare for an imminent surge in orders by ensuring thorough preparations to deliver every customer’s holiday gifts in a timely fashion. It will also help to be well-acquainted with e-commerce holiday shopping trends so that you may tailor your holiday business strategies to what your customers need!
Understanding the Dynamics of Holiday Order Deadlines
Holiday order deadlines, also known as cut-off or order-by dates, serve as indispensable guidelines for strategically placing orders to guarantee timely delivery for the festive season.
These deadlines vary based on:
- Product category
- Shipping method
- Destination
They highlight the need for meticulous communication with customers. Proactively informing customers of these deadlines helps circumvent potential issues, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction due to belated gifts.
Unpacking the Advantages of Communicating Holiday Order Deadlines
The fundamental principle is elegantly simple: deadlines cultivate a sense of urgency that amplifies interest and engagement.
Schedule Local Deliveries & Pickups in WooCommerce
Order Delivery Date Pro for WooCommerce lets you create different delivery schedules, set charges for Weekdays & special dates, manage local pickup dates, and notify customers once the order is ready
Since the customers pick a delivery date and time set by you, order fulfillment and customer satisfaction becomes a breeze.
Recognizing that customers are more likely to make a purchase when confronted with the looming specter of time running out, it is crucial to ensure that your order deadlines are not merely visible – but conspicuous across all essential customer touchpoints to maximize their impact.
Before Diving into Details…
Regardless of the holiday your customers are celebrating – be it Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or any other special occasion – familiarizing yourself with the shipping deadlines for 2023 is paramount. It ensures that their cherished gifts arrive punctually for the festivities.
Given the unique temporal dynamics of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, spanning multiple days, even the slightest delay in delivery could impact your customer’s celebration. Adhere to the provided ship-by dates for your specific destination and mail class. Pair this up with a keen awareness of the holiday hours for your chosen carriers, and you’re good to go!
Carriers in the USA
USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
For those opting for USPS, dispatch your packages no later than December 16 for most domestic shipments. The exact ship-by date for your destination and mail class is outlined in the tables below. A noteworthy boon for 2023 is that USPS is waiving the holiday shipping premium, allowing you to ship without additional costs.
| For Contiguous States in the USA | |
| Domestic Mail Class | Dates |
| USPS Ground Advantage™ Service | December 16 |
| First-Class Mail® Service | December 16 |
| Priority Mail® Service | December 18 |
| Priority Mail Express® Service | December 20 |
| For Alaska and Hawaii | ||
Domestic Mail Class | Dates | |
| Alaska | Hawaii | |
| USPS Ground Advantage™ Service | December 16 | December 16 |
| First-Class Mail® Service | December 16 | December 16 |
| Priority Mail® Service | December 18 | December 16 |
| Priority Mail Express® Service | December 20 | December 20 |
| USPS Deadlines for Military Mail (APO/FPO/DPO) | |||||
| Mail Class | AE Zips 090-092 | AE Zip 093 | AE Zips 094-099 | AA Zip 340 | AP Zips 962-966 |
| USPS Ground Advantage™ Service | November 6 | November 6 | November 6 | November 6 | November 6 |
| First-Class Mail® Service | December 9 | December 9 | December 9 | December 9 | December 9 |
| Priority Mail® Service | December 9 | December 9 | December 9 | December 9 | December 9 |
| Priority Mail Express Military® Service (PMEMS), Available to only selected military/diplomatic Post Offices | December 15 | N/A | December 15 | December 15 | December 15 |
| USPS Deadlines for International Mail | ||||
| Destination | First-Class Package International Service® | Priority Mail International® Service | Priority Mail Express International® Service | Global Express Guaranteed® Service |
| Africa | November 29 | November 29 | December 6 | December 15 |
| Asia & Pacific Rim | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
| Australia & New Zealand | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
| Canada | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
| Caribbean | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
| Central & South America | November 29 | November 29 | December 6 | December 15 |
| Europe | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
| Mexico | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
| The Middle East | December 6 | December 6 | December 13 | December 15 |
GXG® Note: Not a guarantee; dates are for estimated delivery before December 25. Actual delivery may vary based on various conditions, including customs delays.
Retrieve shipping rates seamlessly through the USPS API, offering a comprehensive solution that caters to both domestic and international parcels using the USPS Shipping Method by WooCommerce.
UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
Streamlining the holiday shipping process, UPS provides a comfortable buffer with a ship-by date of December 19, covering most service levels, and no peak season surcharges for small businesses. Additionally, enjoy savings of up to 82% on holiday packages through EasyPost for free.
| UPS Deadlines for U.S. Domestic | |
| UPS U.S. Domestic Service Levels | Date |
| UPS 3 Day Select® | December 19 |
| UPS 2nd Day Air® | December 20 |
| UPS Next Day Air® | December 21 |
| UPS® Ground | Check http://ups.com/ctc for details |
| UPS Deadlines for U.S. to Canada | |
| UPS International Service Levels | Date |
| UPS® Standard | Check http://ups.com/ctc for details |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited® | December 19 |
| UPS Worldwide Express® | December 20 |
| UPS Deadlines for U.S. to Mexico | |
| UPS International Service Levels | Date |
| UPS® Standard | Check http://ups.com/ctc for details |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited® | December 19 |
| UPS Worldwide Express® | December 20 |
Leverage the UPS Shipping Method by WooCommerce to obtain shipping rates effortlessly through the UPS API, catering to both domestic and international parcels.
FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines
For those entrusting FedEx with their shipments, peruse the provided table and cross-reference with FedEx’s website for the most accurate ship-by date tailored to your package’s precise origin and destination. While FedEx shipments incur a demand surcharge, EasyPost offers a respite through discounted rates.
Check the final shipping date to ensure your packages are scheduled for arrival on or before Sunday, December 24th.
| FedEx Deadlines for Domestic FedEx Ground® | |
| FedEx Ground Service Levels | Date Range |
| FedEx Ground | December 15 – December 21 |
| FedEx Home Delivery | December 15 – December 22 |
| FedEx Ground Economy | December 13 |
| FedEx Deadlines for Domestic FedEx Express® | |
| Service | Date |
| FedEx SameDay | December 22 |
| FedEx FO, PO, SO, Extra Hours | December 21 |
| FedEx 2Day & 2Day AM | December 20 |
| FedEx Express Saver | December 19 |
| FedEx Express 1Day Freight | December 21 |
| FedEx Express 2Day Freight | December 20 |
| FedEx Express 3Day Freight | December 19 |
| FedEx Deadlines for Domestic FedEx Freight® | |
| FedEx Freight Service Levels | Date(s) |
| FedEx Freight Priority | December 15 – December 21 |
| FedEx Freight Economy | December 12 |
Utilize the FedEx Shipping Method by WooCommerce to effortlessly obtain shipping rates through the FedEx API, accommodating both domestic and international parcels.
DHL eCommerce Holiday Shipping Deadlines
For shippers aligning with DHL, foresight is key for international shipments. Accounting for longer shipping times between countries and continents is paramount. Notably, DHL Express services will diligently operate until 4:30 p.m. on December 24, 2023.
| DHL eCommerce Deadlines for DHL eCommerce Domestic | |
| DHL eCommerce Domestic Service Levels | Date |
| SmartMail Expedited Max | December 18 |
| SmartMail Expedited | December 15 |
| SmartMail Ground | December 14 |
| DHL eCommerce Deadlines for DHL Parcel International Direct (PLT) | |
| Country | Date |
| Australia | December 1 |
| Hong Kong | December 1 |
| Canada | December 8 |
| France | December 12 |
| Germany | December 8 |
| Rest of the EU | December 4 |
| UK | December 14 |
| Japan | December 11 |
| Mexico | December 15 |
| DHL eCommerce Deadlines for DHL Parcel International Standard (PLY) | |
| African Countries | November 6 |
| Australia | November 30 |
| Hong Kong | November 30 |
| Canada | December 5 |
| France | December 4 |
| Germany | December 6 |
| UK | December 12 |
| Japan | December 5 |
| Mexico | November 10 |
Carriers in Canada
Canada Post
For Canadian businesses, referencing the most up-to-date shipping deadlines is non-negotiable to ensure your customers receive their orders before December 24. Use Canada Post’s online delivery standard tool to discern expected delivery times between Canadian addresses.
| Zones | Service and Dates | |||
| Priority™ | Xpresspost™ | Expedited Parcel™ or Flat Rate Box™ | Regular Parcel™ | |
| Local Zone | December 21 | December 21 | December 20 | December 19 |
| Regional Zone | December 21 | December 21 | December 18-20 | December 14-19 |
| National Zone | December 20 | December 20 | December 12-19 | December 8-18 |
Make the most of the Canada Post Shipping Method by WooCommerce to seamlessly retrieve shipping rates through the Canada Post Ratings API, managing both domestic and international parcels effortlessly.
UPS Canada
Ensuring timely deliveries in Canada necessitates adhering to the recommended last days to ship for a December 23 delivery with UPS.
| Canada Domestic | |
| Service | Date |
| UPS® Standard | Check ups.com/ca for details |
| UPS Expedited® | December 20 |
| UPS Express® | December 21 (December 22 with Saturday Express delivery options) |
Canada to International Destinations
For shipments from Canada to other international destinations, a calculated approach is essential – compute time and cost at ups.com/ca, taking note that certain destinations may warrant an earlier ship date.
Carriers in Australia
Sendle
For those venturing into the Australian market, the latest dates to send orders that arrive before Christmas Day are elucidated below.
| Sendle Domestic | Date |
| Long-haul National | December 5 |
| Short-haul National | December 14 |
| Same City | December 19 |
| Sendle Express | Date |
| Long-haul National | December 18 |
| Short-haul National | December 19 |
| Same City | December 20 |
| Sendle International | Date |
| Zone 2 & 5 (Asia Pacific and rest of world) | November 30 |
| Zone 3 (US/Canada) | December 6 |
| Zone 1 & 4 (NZ & UK) | December 13 |
Carriers in United Kingdom
DPD
With Christmas Eve on Sunday, December 24, DPD’s commitment to weekend deliveries is commendable. For specific details, reach out to their customer support team. Importantly, to send parcels on these crucial dates, ensure booking with DPD Air Express.
| DPD International | |
| Country | Date |
| India | December 7 |
| USA | December 18 |
| Australia | December 12 |
| South Africa | December 13 |
| UAE | December 18 |
Evri
The posting deadlines for sending parcels in the UK and internationally are as follows. Notably, from November 13, the drop-off time for Next Day delivery has been temporarily adjusted from 12 pm to 11 am. To facilitate same-day collection, drop off at a ParcelShop or Evri Locker by 11 am Mon-Fri.
| Evri Standard International Shipping | |
| Country | Date |
| France | December 12 |
| UAE | December 15 |
| Evri Priority International Shipping | |
| Country | Date |
| France | December 17 |
| USA | December 12 |
| Germany | December 16 |
| Ireland | December 16 |
Strategies for a Seamless Season
Recognizing that the holiday season is not only a lucrative time for businesses but also a period rife with potential pitfalls, prioritizing customer satisfaction and punctual deliveries is imperative. To this end, consider the following comprehensive strategies to ensure a merry and bright season.
- Add order-by dates to product listings and your shopping cart: Elevate customer awareness by incorporating delivery estimates and cut-off dates into product descriptions. Specify deadlines for express and standard shipping, providing customers with transparent choices.
- Add a buffer: Alleviate unnecessary stress by incorporating a judicious buffer when communicating shipping deadlines. This strategic approach ensures that the promised packages arrive on time, enhancing customer joy and satisfaction.
- Evaluate last year to plan for this year: Gain invaluable insights by analyzing past trends, anticipating the level of order fulfillment activity, and determining the optimal expected delivery date. This foresight empowers you to set realistic expectations for your customers and circumvent potential delays.
- Consider Order Delivery Date: Transform your WooCommerce store’s customer experience with the Order Delivery Date Plugin, a robust solution that allows customers to effortlessly select their desired delivery date and time at checkout. This versatile plugin, equipped with flexible date options, easy management tools, and conditional choices, enhances your ability to streamline delivery operations and prioritize business growth.
- Mark the cutoff date and time for holiday delivery: Enhance efficiency by leveraging insights from previous years’ warehouse and team activity. Calculate the time required to fulfill an order and determine when to notify customers about potential delays. Running corresponding promotions, such as engaging email campaigns like “Only 2 Days Left to Receive Your Holiday Gift,” can prompt action and serve as a gentle reminder amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Endnotes: Important Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2023
The holiday season draws nearer and nearer! Meticulous planning and effective communication of shipping deadlines are non-negotiable for a successful and joyous experience for both businesses and customers alike. Armed with comprehensive knowledge and implementing the aforementioned strategies, confidently navigate the holiday shipping frenzy, ensuring that gifts arrive on time and leaving an indelible positive impression on your valued customers.
With the holiday season here, the right plugins prove to be indispensable, providing customers across various WooCommerce versions with the flexibility to schedule deliveries amidst the festive rush. Ensure a seamless and personalized shopping experience, fostering heightened satisfaction and loyalty during this crucial time of increased demand and expectations.
Here’s to a prosperous and delightful holiday season!
