When Does the Post Office Deliver Mail: A Guide to Domestic and International Delivery

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The post office delivers mail Monday through Saturday, with the exception of federal holidays.

If you're sending mail within the United States, you can expect delivery within 1-3 business days, depending on the distance and service level chosen.

Domestic mail delivery times vary depending on the zip code and service level, with Priority Mail Express being the fastest option.

In general, mail is delivered between 8am and 6pm, but this can vary depending on the location and type of mail.

For international mail, delivery times can range from 6-20 business days, depending on the destination country and service level.

Keep in mind that these times are estimates and may be affected by various factors, including customs and weather conditions.

Delivery Days

USPS delivers on Sundays, but not every mail class is eligible for Sunday shipping. This means you might not get your package on a Sunday if it's not a Priority Mail Express or an Amazon shipment.

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Delivery times on Sunday vary depending on the service. For Priority Mail Express, deliveries are typically made by 10:30 a.m., with a guarantee of delivery no later than 6:30 p.m. If you don't receive your package by 6:30 p.m., you're entitled to a full refund.

You can also get your packages on Saturdays, as the USPS is open on Saturdays and you can visit a post office to send a package or have them pick up your shipments.

Sunday

Sunday is a delivery day for USPS, but not all mail classes are eligible for Sunday shipping.

USPS delivers on Sundays, but it's not a guarantee for every type of mail.

If you're expecting a package or mail on a Sunday, check the mail class to see if it's eligible for Sunday delivery.

USPS delivers on Sundays, but it's essential to note that not every mail class is eligible for this service.

Domestic

Domestic delivery times can vary depending on the volume of mail on the truck and other factors, but you can usually expect your mail to arrive on a pretty consistent schedule, within an hour or so of the usual time.

Urban skyline of Shanghai featuring a classic post office building by the river.
Credit: pexels.com, Urban skyline of Shanghai featuring a classic post office building by the river.

If there's a lot of mail on the truck, you might get your mail later in the day, while a light mail day might get it to you earlier.

The USPS has various express and standard mail services to choose from, including Priority Mail, which guarantees delivery within 3 to 5 business days, and Two Day USPS delivery, which ensures your package arrives within 1 to 2 business days.

You can even opt for overnight services, which guarantee delivery the very next day, or choose overnight morning or afternoon delivery for a more precise timeline.

USPS domestic delivery times vary, but you can expect the following: Priority Mail Express delivers within 1 to 3 business days, Priority Mail takes 2 to 9 business days, and First-Class Mail takes 3 to 9 business days.

Media

Media shipping can be a great option for sending educational materials. The standard shipping time for Media Mail is around two to eight business days.

Tracking Daily Activity

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You can track your mail delivery schedule online using the USPS code provided on packages and parcels. This will give you a ballpark idea of when mail will arrive.

The USPS database gets updated with a delivered scan timestamp as soon as tracked packages and parcels hit your mailbox. You can access this information from any internet-enabled device.

Using the Informed Delivery system, available for free on the USPS website, you can see digital scans of your envelopes and tracking information for packages. This service is really useful, but not many people are taking advantage of it.

Sign up for Informed Delivery a week or two in advance to get a better idea of what mail to expect and when it will arrive.

Stop on Sunday

USPS First Class Packages don't deliver on Sundays.

If you're expecting a package via First Class Mail, you can plan accordingly, as it's not delivered on Sundays.

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Credit: pexels.com, From above crop adult male wrapping ordered black notebooks in white cardboard box with craft perforated paper while preparing postal delivery

For Priority Mail Express, deliveries are typically made by 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.

If you're using Amazon shipments, deliveries can occur up until 10 p.m. on Sundays.

The delivery time for Priority Mail Express is guaranteed, so if your package doesn't arrive by 6:30 p.m., you're entitled to a full refund.

USPS delivery times on Sunday depend on the service you choose, which is worth considering when planning your day.

Is the Post Office Open on Saturdays?

Saturdays are part of the U.S. Postal Service's standard operating schedule, so you can visit a post office to send a package or have USPS pick up your shipments even on a Saturday.

The USPS operates on a standard schedule, which includes Saturdays, so you can plan your mail and package deliveries accordingly.

As a general rule, post offices are open on Saturdays, but it's always a good idea to check the hours of your local post office to confirm their schedule.

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In addition to Saturday hours, many post offices also offer extended hours on weekdays, making it easier to get your mail and packages sent out on time.

Whether you're sending a package to a friend or family member, or just need to mail a letter, the USPS is open on Saturdays to help you get it done.

Every Day

The post office delivers mail Monday through Saturday, but not on Sundays.

You can check the post office's website to see if your local post office has extended hours, which might be helpful if you need to send a package quickly.

Some post offices are open on Saturdays, but you should call ahead to confirm their hours.

You can also consider using the post office's online tracking system to stay up-to-date on the status of your mail.

If you're planning to send a package, it's a good idea to drop it off at the post office by 12 pm to ensure it gets processed and delivered on time.

The post office usually delivers mail between 8 am and 5 pm, depending on the location and the type of mail.

Delivery Types

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The US Postal Service (USPS) offers a range of delivery types to suit different needs, from fast and reliable to economical and quick.

For fast and reliable delivery, consider USPS Priority Mail Express, which guarantees next-to-2-day delivery by 6 PM. This service is ideal for time-sensitive packages.

USPS also offers Priority Mail, which has an expected delivery window of one to three business days to any state for packages up to 70lbs. This is a great option for packages that don't require same-day delivery.

USPS provides Sunday delivery for Priority Mail Express, as well as during holidays for an additional surcharge. This is a convenient option for packages that need to be delivered on weekends.

Here are the key features of USPS delivery types:

You can also consider First-Class Mail International, which has a delivery time that varies by destination. This option is best for packages that don't require fast delivery.

Typical Removed

Typical delivery times for mail vary depending on the type of delivery.

Delivery Courier Placing Parcel in Box on Porch
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Residential areas usually receive mail between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, ensuring you get your mail early in the day.

Afternoon deliveries are more common for businesses, allowing them to access important correspondence during working hours.

USPS Priority Mail Express is a reliable option for fast parcel delivery, offering next-day delivery at a flat rate.

This service guarantees delivery by 6 PM, or you get your money back if it's not delivered on time.

First-Class Mail delivery time is between one to five business days, making it a convenient option for sending letters and packages.

USPS Ground Advantage is a cost-effective service starting at $4.75, although it doesn't offer Sunday deliveries like First Class Mail.

International

International delivery options are available through USPS, offering varying delivery times and pricing. The fastest international delivery option is USPS Global Express Guaranteed, which takes 1 to 3 business days.

USPS offers several international delivery options, each with its own shipping time. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express International takes 3 to 5 business days, while USPS Priority Mail International takes 6 to 10 business days.

A Brown Delivery Box with Mailing Details
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If you're sending a package internationally, it's essential to consider the destination country, customs clearance procedures, and the specific shipping service used, as these can impact delivery times. Here's a quick overview of USPS international delivery options:

Keep in mind that some international delivery options, such as USPS First-Class Package International, can have varying delivery times depending on the destination country.

Priority

Priority mail is a great option if you need to get something to someone quickly. It's guaranteed to arrive within 3 to 5 business days, and often even faster than that.

If you need it even sooner, you can opt for overnight services, which will get your package to the recipient the very next day, business day or not.

For packages up to 70lbs, Priority Mail is a reliable choice, with an expected delivery window of between one to three business days to any state.

The USPS offers a range of Priority services, including Priority Mail Express International, which takes 1 to 3 business days, and Priority Mail Express International, which takes 3 to 5 business days.

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Here's a quick overview of Priority Mail delivery times:

Keep in mind that Priority Mail is not just for packages, but also for letter envelopes under 3.5oz and large envelopes under 13oz, which can arrive within one to five business days.

What Does Saturday Cost?

Saturday deliveries can be a convenient option for many businesses and individuals.

USPS offers Saturday delivery without any fuel, rural, or Saturday shipping surcharges, which is a cost-effective option compared to competitors.

UPS, on the other hand, charges $4 for Saturday commercial package deliveries.

USPS doesn't have any additional fees for Saturday deliveries, making it a more affordable choice.

Delivery Issues

Mail volume is a major factor in determining delivery time, with lighter mail loads resulting in earlier delivery and heavy loads resulting in later delivery.

Inclement weather can cause significant delays in mail delivery, making it a good idea to check the weather forecast before expecting your mail.

Other issues like traffic, road accidents, and roadwork can also hold up your mail, but these events are typically unpredictable and outside of your control.

Mail Delivery Issues

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Mail delivery issues can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind them can help you plan and prepare. Mail piece, package, and parcel volume can vary greatly, affecting delivery times. On days with light mail loads, you might receive your mail earlier than usual, while heavy loads can delay it.

Inclement weather, traffic, road accidents, and roadwork can also hinder mail delivery. These issues can cause delays, but they're usually temporary. The mail carrying vehicles themselves can also experience problems, further slowing down delivery.

USPS has guidelines for what constitutes late delivery. If your package is Priority Mail Express, contact customer service if it hasn't arrived by 6 PM local time on the delivery date. For other mail classes, the following timeframes apply:

You can expect slower delivery times during holidays like New Year, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday. These periods see a surge in package volume, causing delays.

At Night Weekends?

Image of Poczta Polska post office building in Ząbkowice Sląskie, Poland on a snowy day.
Credit: pexels.com, Image of Poczta Polska post office building in Ząbkowice Sląskie, Poland on a snowy day.

For Saturday deliveries, mail carriers typically work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Most Saturday deliveries are completed by 2 p.m., but they can extend until 6:30 p.m.

Guaranteed deliveries like Priority Mail Express possibly occur even later into the night.

The same delivery window applies to USPS night deliveries on Sundays, particularly for Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages.

Delivery Impact

If your mail isn't getting to you at the same time every day, don't worry, it's likely due to the overall volume of mail on the truck. This can vary greatly from day to day, with more mail on the truck during holidays like Christmas.

Inclement weather, traffic, road accidents, and roadwork can also impact delivery times. These issues can cause mail to be delayed, but the USPS strives to get your mail to you as quickly as possible.

USPS prioritizes expedited domestic and international shipping options, such as next-day delivery with Priority Mail Express, to ensure timely deliveries. This is especially important for eCommerce businesses that offer fast and dependable shipping.

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If your package hasn't arrived after the expected time, you can contact USPS customer service for assistance. The expected delivery times vary depending on the mail class, as outlined below:

During holidays like New Year, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday, you can expect slower delivery times due to the high volume of packages. It's a good idea to plan ahead and factor in extra time for delivery during these periods.

Delivery Schedules

USPS has a range of services that can help you control delivery times, including Priority Mail, which guarantees delivery within 3 to 5 business days.

Two Day USPS delivery is another option, with packages arriving within 1 to 2 business days. Overnight services, on the other hand, guarantee delivery the very next day.

You can even choose between overnight morning or afternoon delivery to get your package to your recipient bright and early or after lunch.

Saturday

Saturday is a popular day for deliveries, with many companies offering extended hours to meet the demand.

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Many retailers offer free delivery on Saturdays, with some even offering same-day delivery in select areas.

Some delivery services, like Amazon Flex, allow independent contractors to choose their own delivery schedules, including Saturdays.

Saturday deliveries can be a great option for people who have busy weekdays and prefer to receive their packages on the weekend.

Some companies, like UPS, offer Saturday delivery services, but it may cost extra.

If you're expecting a delivery on Saturday, be sure to check with the shipping carrier for any specific delivery schedules or restrictions.

In Transit Duration

Your USPS package's transit time can vary wildly depending on the specific mail class you choose to ship it.

If you choose Priority Mail, you can expect delivery within 3 to 5 business days, and it usually ends up even faster than that.

Transit time can also be affected by overall mail piece, package, and parcel volume, so if there's a lot of mail on the truck, it may take longer to arrive.

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On the other hand, if the mail truck is relatively empty, you might get your mail a bit earlier than usual.

Inclement weather, traffic, road accidents, roadwork, and issues with the mail carrying vehicles themselves can also hold up your mail and make it take longer to arrive.

With USPS services like two-day delivery, your package will arrive within 1 to 2 business days, and overnight services guarantee delivery the very next day.

This can give you a bit more control over your deliveries, especially if you're sending packages to specific recipients.

Fast Delivery to All

The USPS is a reliable partner for eCommerce businesses, offering various expedited domestic and international shipping options.

One of these options is next-day delivery at a flat rate with Priority Mail Express. This service is ideal for businesses that need to get packages to customers quickly.

For those on a budget, First-Class Mail provides economical and quick mail-carrying solutions. It's a great option for sending lightweight packages and letters.

USPS offers fast parcel delivery to all addresses in the U.S., making it a convenient choice for businesses of all sizes.

Handle Overnight Shipping?

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The post office has a reliable overnight shipping service called USPS Overnight, also known as USPS Priority Mail Express. This service is great for businesses because it guarantees on-time delivery.

If your overnight shipment is late, you're entitled to a full refund. This is a nice safety net to have.

USPS offers three options for Priority Mail Express, depending on the delivery location. These options vary in terms of delivery time and cost.

Here are the details on each option:

Priority Mail Express 1 Day is the fastest option, guaranteeing delivery by noon the next business day to most areas.

Delivery Information

The post office delivers mail at various times depending on the service you choose. Priority Mail guarantees delivery within 3 to 5 business days.

If you're looking for a faster delivery, you can opt for Two Day USPS delivery, which ensures your package arrives within 1 to 2 business days. Overnight services guarantee delivery the very next day, business day or not.

Saigon Central Post Office
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You can even choose overnight morning or overnight afternoon delivery to get your package delivered bright and early. This gives you more control over your deliveries and can be useful in a pinch.

The USPS offers various expedited domestic and international shipping options, including next-day delivery at a flat rate with Priority Mail Express. This is a great option for eCommerce businesses that need fast and dependable shipping.

US Global Mail offers a modern solution that allows for a lot of control over your deliveries. You get a 100% legitimate street address to use with US Global Mail, which enables all packages, parcels, and mail pieces from every service to be delivered.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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