When Do USPS Trucks Go Out For Delivery In 2024?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

The eager anticipation of waiting for a package delivery is a familiar feeling for many. You can’t wait to get your hands on your new purchase and are constantly wondering “when will my mail carrier arrive today?” If you’ve ever impatiently peered out your window awaiting the postal truck, you’re not alone.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers over 471 million packages per day on average. With this huge volume, coordinating USPS truck schedules is no small task. Below we’ll explore exactly when you can expect the familiar sight of those big blue USPS trucks rolling down your street.

What Time Do USPS Trucks Start Delivering Packages?

USPS mail trucks typically head out from local post offices to begin deliveries between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. However, a number of factors influence when carriers actually pull out of the garage.

  • In rural and suburban areas, carriers may leave their post office as early as 6:00 or 7:00 AM to beat traffic and start deliveries earlier. Urban routes tend to start later, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.
  • Morning sorting and loading time can vary day to day. On heavy mail volume days like Mondays, carriers may not leave until 10:00 or 11:00 AM.
  • Inclement weather like snow or storms can delay departures as trucks are loaded more slowly.
  • According to postal workers, Mondays and Saturdays tend to have the latest start times due to high volumes of mail and packages.

Regardless of when they pull out, carriers aim to begin actually making deliveries between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

How Late Do USPS Trucks Deliver?

Most USPS carriers finish their route and return to the post office around 5:00 PM. However, recipients at the end of the route likely won‘t receive their mail until late afternoon or early evening.

As of 2021, the Postal Service made over 84 million deliveries per day. With this quantity of mail, some unlucky addresses inevitably fall at the end of their carrier‘s sequence of stops.

These late deliveries around 6:00 to 7:00 PM are more common during peak seasons like the holidays. USPS delivery has grown 24% since 2019, largely driven by ecommerce package growth. This package boom means carriers have more stops than ever, resulting in later end times.

What Time Do USPS Trucks Start Delivering Packages on Saturdays?

Saturday delivery times typically align closely with weekdays for USPS. In most areas, trucks head out between 9:00 and 10:00 AM after the morning mail processing.

Priority Mail and first class packages should arrive by approximately 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Later in the day is more likely during busy periods when carriers have larger volumes of mail and parcels.

According to USPS data, over half of all packages are now delivered on Saturdays. Having carriers work this sixth day provides flexibility and capacity to handle the ongoing package surge.

Do USPS Trucks Deliver on Sundays?

Historically the Postal Service has not delivered mail to homes and businesses on Sundays. The exceptions are Amazon packages and Priority Mail Express items.

USPS has contracts with Amazon to provide Sunday delivery for Prime members. They also deliver Priority Mail Express parcels on Sundays in order to fulfill the expedited delivery guarantee.

Outside of peak season, Sunday delivery is fairly limited in scope and only applies to these pre-paid premium services. However, an increasing number of lawmakers are proposing legislation to make Sunday delivery permanent.

Are There Any Days USPS Trucks Don‘t Go Out For Delivery?

USPS typically does not make any residential or commercial deliveries on the following major federal holidays:

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

Post offices are closed on these holidays, so you can expect no USPS trucks out making deliveries. Postal employees enjoy the time off with their families.

When Should You Start Watching for the Mail Truck?

Eagerly awaiting a delivery? Here are some tips on when you should start periodically peering out your window:

  • Weekdays: Watch for the truck starting between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. If you live towards the end of the route, it may not come until 4:00 PM or later.
  • Saturdays: Look for the carrier starting at 11:00 AM. Saturdays are lighter volume so deliveries often finish earlier.
  • Mondays & Saturdays: An extra heavy mail day, so trucks may start deliveries later. Factor this in.
  • Holidays: No need to watch, USPS trucks aren‘t delivering to residences!

Conclusion

When USPS delivery trucks start and finish their routes can vary, but general trends emerge. Now that you know when carriers typically hit the road, you can better anticipate that satisfying moment when the familiar mail truck pulls up.

Next time you’re eagerly tracking a package and wondering “will I get my delivery today?” check the projected dates and use the tips above to know exactly when to be on the lookout. With this guide, your mailbox vigil has officially begun!

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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