Shipping companies urge consumers to send packages early

DAYTON — Shipping companies are telling their customers to send their packages early considering there are shortages and delays on all sorts of items.

An uptick in online shopping, labor shortages plus jammed up shipping ports make holiday shipping delays expected this year.

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Every year, last minute shoppers find themselves in a mad scramble to get the gifts under the tree.

Global supply chain issues and resulting holiday shipping delays are poised to ruin Christmas. If you don’t want to be empty-handed this holiday season, here are some recommended shipping dates to remember:

USPS:

• First Class Mail: December 17
• First Class Packages: December 17
• Priority Mail: December 18
• Priority Mail Express: December 23

UPS:

• Ground Shipping: UPS advises customers to visit their website to find out shipping times for their package destination (Calculate Time and Cost: UPS - United States)
• Second-Day Air Services: December 22
• Next-Day Air Services: December 23

FedEx:

• Ground Economy: December 9
• Ground and Home Delivery: December 15
• Express Saver: December 21
• 2Day and 2Day AM: December 22
• Overnight: December 23
• Same Day: December 24

The United States Postal Service also recommends making sure handwritten addresses are legible, so carriers know to send mail to the proper location.

USPS said they are planning to hire more employees to help process mail faster over the holidays.

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