Customers searching for reliable overnight delivery of holiday gifts can look to Express Mail from the U.S. Postal Service to get it under the tree in time.
Express Mail service offers reliable, affordable next-day delivery to most locations, plus free tracking and proof of delivery. The last recommended day for mailing holiday gifts by Express Mail is Dec. 23.
Postage fees for Express Mail packages are based on weight and distance, and discounts of 5 percent apply when purchasing Express Mail using Click-N-Ship, PC Postage, Express Mail Corporate Account, or an approved Information Based Indicia (IBI) metering system.
For mailing those last-minute, must-have holiday greeting cards, letters and documents, the Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope is available for one low rate to any state. With the Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope, there's no need to weigh the contents or calculate postage for packages weighing less than 70 pounds. The cost is $17.50, regardless of weight or distance.
Additional services are available with Express Mail, including Return Receipt service, which provides a receipt with the date of delivery and the recipient's signature. Insurance coverage of up to $100 is included free of charge, with additional insurance for amounts up to $5,000 available for purchase online and at Post Offices.
Limited acceptance of Express Mail next-day service will be available on Dec. 24 for delivery on Dec. 25, and is restricted to designated service areas. A holiday delivery premium charge of $12.50 will apply. For more information, customers can contact the Postal Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS or visit their local Post Office.
The postage refund criteria have been modified for Express Mail shipments accepted with a next-day service commitment mailed from Dec. 22 through Dec. 25. During this time, Express Mail shipments with a next-day service commitment will be eligible for a postage refund only when the first attempt or delivery is more than two delivery days from the date of mailing.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Visit the Postal Service's interactive holiday press room at usps.com/news. For holiday mailing reminders and shipping tips, follow twitter.com/holidayshipping.
