The United States Postal Service (USPS) generally suspends all regular mail delivery and retail operations on official federal holidays. This means that standard letters, packages, and periodicals are not delivered to homes or businesses on these designated days. While this provides a predictable schedule for customers, it requires planning for time-sensitive correspondence.
Federal Holidays with No USPS Delivery
The United States Postal Service observes 11 specific federal holidays throughout the year when mail carriers do not run their routes. These days include:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
- Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Independence Day (Fourth of July)
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
While standard mail delivery is paused, a limited exception exists for Priority Mail Express, which is a premium service that operates 365 days a year in select locations. Some package delivery services, often for high-volume shippers like Amazon, may also continue on Sundays and holidays in certain areas, but this is separate from the regular mail stream.
Private Carrier Holiday Schedules
Private shipping companies operate under different holiday schedules than the federal postal service, leading to variations in service availability. Carriers like FedEx and UPS often maintain modified operations on days when the USPS is completely closed. These companies may offer limited services, such as express or air delivery options, while suspending their standard ground delivery services.
For example, a private carrier might only close entirely on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, but offer reduced service on other federal holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday or Veterans Day. Customers relying on these private carriers should consult the specific company’s published holiday calendar for the most accurate information. The difference in schedules means that a package sent via a private carrier may still move through the network on a day when no government mail is being delivered.
Post Office and Collection Box Operations
The suspension of service on federal holidays extends beyond just the delivery routes to include all retail locations. Every USPS Post Office is closed on the 11 federal holidays, meaning customers cannot access counter services, purchase stamps, or pick up held mail.
Mail collection boxes, the familiar blue receptacles, are also not serviced on these days. Any mail deposited into a collection box on a federal holiday will remain there until the next business day when normal operations resume. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service advises customers to be mindful of this delay, especially for time-sensitive documents, and to check the posted pickup schedule on the box.