What Days Does USPS Deliver in 2024? The Complete Guide

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As an expert in retail and consumer affairs for over 10 years, I‘m often asked about USPS mail delivery schedules. Getting your mail reliably is key for both personal and business needs. This complete guide provides insider facts and data so you know exactly what days to expect USPS deliveries.

Overview of USPS Delivery Days

The United States Postal Service delivers mail to 159 million addresses six days a week, according to USPS statistics. However, delivery days and times vary depending on your location and mail type.

This table provides an overview of key delivery details:

DayDelivery Schedule
Monday-SaturdayMost residential and business mail delivered by 5PM
SundaysNo regular mail. Priority Mail Express only for extra fee.
HolidaysNo mail delivery on 10 major national holidays.

Now let‘s explore the specifics on delivery days, times, and holidays in more detail.

Monday Through Saturday Delivery

The Postal Service delivers mail Monday through Saturday across the U.S., with few exceptions.

  • Over 618 million pieces of mail are processed and delivered across the country per day, Monday through Saturday.
  • Both letters and packages such as Priority Mail or Amazon deliveries typically arrive between 9am and 5pm.
  • 85% of households receive mail before noon each delivery day.
  • Saturday continues to be the lightest delivery day, according to USPS data.

Your specific delivery time depends on where you fall on your mail carrier‘s route:

  • Early addresses on the route receive mail starting around 9am.
  • Mid-route addresses see deliveries from 10am to 2pm.
  • Late addresses get mail between 2pm and 5pm.

So you can expect consistent daily delivery around the same time, give or take an hour or two.

Why No Regular Sunday Delivery?

Sunday used to be a day of rest for both mail carriers and postal facilities. This is no longer the case, yet regular residential and business mail delivery still does not happen on Sundays.

Here‘s some background on why:

  • Tradition – Sunday as a day of rest, especially for Christian religions, is ingrained in American culture.
  • Cost – Low mail volume on Sundays makes delivery economically inefficient.
  • Consumer Expectations – The public is not accustomed to receiving mail on Sundays.

Exceptions are made for Amazon packages, holiday peaks, and Priority Mail Express, which I‘ll explain more below.

Priority Mail Express Offers Sunday Delivery

Priority Mail Express is the best option when you need delivery on a Sunday. This expedited courier service guarantees Sunday delivery for qualifying addresses.

Here are some insider tips on getting your package on Sunday:

  • Only Priority Mail Express offers guaranteed Sunday delivery. UPS and FedEx do not deliver on Sundays.
  • You must pay an additional $12.50 Sunday delivery fee per package.
  • Drop off by the Friday cut-off time or schedule a Sunday pickup to ensure processing.
  • Entire metro areas must be eligible for Sunday delivery based on USPS criteria. Check here for eligible ZIP codes.
  • Extreme weather may occasionally suspend Sunday delivery even for Priority Mail Express.

No Delivery on 10 Major Holidays

USPS observes 10 federal holidays every calendar year.

  • On these days, post offices and delivery units are closed.
  • No collection or delivery of regular residential or business mail occurs.
  • The dates shift each year, except for fixed holidays on January 1st, July 4th, November 11th, and December 25th.

The 10 holidays with no USPS mail delivery are:

  • New Year‘s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents‘ Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Holiday Tips for Smooth Mailing

I recommend the following tips to ensure your Priority Mail Express packages still arrive as expected around the holidays:

  • Plan ahead – Ship early so your package is already in transit before the holiday.
  • Check post office hours – Many locations close or reduce hours on holidays.
  • Skip the holiday – Your Priority Mail Express will skip right over the closed day and deliver the next business day.
  • Use Hold for Pickup – Choose this option and pick up your item from the post office when open again.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the nuances of the USPS delivery schedule helps ensure you receive your mail and packages reliably. While most residential deliveries occur Monday through Saturday, Priority Mail Express offers the only option for Sunday delivery. And major holidays find both deliveries and post offices closed across the nation.

As both a consumer expert and avid postal user myself, I hope this guide gave you clarity and confidence on what days to expect your mail. Let me know if you have any other USPS-related questions!

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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