Wondering if your mail will arrive on Veterans Day? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves checking the mailbox, unsure whether deliveries happen on this important federal holiday. Knowing if the mail runs can help you plan ahead—especially if you’re expecting a package or need to send something urgent.
In this article, we’ll answer whether mail is delivered on Veterans Day. Plus, we’ll share helpful tips so you’re never caught off guard on holidays.
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Does the Mail Run on Veterans Day?
If you’re wondering, “Does the mail run today on Veterans Day?” you’re not alone. Many people rely on routine mail delivery, whether for business, personal use, or expecting an important package. Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, so it can impact when and how you receive mail. Let’s break down exactly what happens with mail service on Veterans Day and what you can do for smooth shipping.
Is There Mail Delivery on Veterans Day?
The simple answer is:
No, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not deliver regular mail on Veterans Day.
Here’s why:
- Federal Holiday: Veterans Day is recognized as a federal holiday, observed annually on November 11th.
- USPS Operations: On this day, most post office branches close, and there is no standard mail delivery—including letters and packages.
- Exceptions: Certain express services—like Priority Mail Express—may still operate, but these are limited and often come at an extra cost.
Let’s dig deeper into the details.
How Veterans Day Affects Your Mail and Shipping
1. USPS Services on Veterans Day
- Post Offices: Local USPS branches are closed for in-person business. No retail counter service is available.
- Mail Collection and Delivery: Regular mail, including First-Class, Priority Mail, and packages, are not delivered.
- PO Boxes: Mail is not sorted or placed in PO Boxes. If you check your box, it will look just as it did the day before!
- Priority Mail Express: This is the exception. Certain urgent, overnight deliveries will still be made, but it’s best to check the service commitment when you ship.
2. Private Carriers: FedEx and UPS
Many people also rely on private carriers for shipping needs. Here’s how the other main carriers work on Veterans Day:
- FedEx:
- Most FedEx services (including Home Delivery, Ground, and SmartPost) do not operate on Veterans Day.
- Only specific offerings, like FedEx Custom Critical, may deliver on holidays.
- UPS:
- Regular UPS pickup and delivery services are not available.
-
UPS Express Critical, a costly urgent service, may still operate.
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Best Practice:* Always check directly with your carrier if you have time-sensitive shipments.
3. What About Package Lockers and Kiosks?
- Self-service kiosks and automatic parcel lockers inside post offices may remain accessible even if the lobby is closed. However, new mail will not be deposited on Veterans Day.
Benefits and Challenges of Mail Service Shutdowns on Veterans Day
Benefits
- Recognition: Postal workers and federal employees get the day to honor veterans or observe the holiday.
- Consistency: The system is easy to remember—no regular mail service on federal holidays.
Challenges
- Delays: Letters, bills, cards, and packages can be delayed by one business day.
- Business Impact: If you’re running a business or waiting for important documents, you may need to adjust your schedule.
What Should You Do If You Need to Ship or Receive Mail on Veterans Day?
If you have urgent shipping or receiving needs that fall on Veterans Day, here’s how to prepare:
- Plan Ahead: Mail or ship your packages in advance, keeping USPS holiday closures in mind.
- Use Express Services: If you must get something delivered on Veterans Day, ask about Priority Mail Express (for USPS) or premium same-day services from FedEx or UPS.
- Check the Tracking: Keep an eye on your package’s tracking status. Most carriers will pause status updates until regular service resumes.
- Visit Open Kiosks: While retail counters may be closed, some self-service kiosks are accessible year-round for buying postage or mailing items.
- Communicate Changes: If you’re shipping business products or expecting important documents, let recipients know about the holiday delay.
Cost Tips for Holiday Shipping
Mailing around Veterans Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to save on shipping:
- Ship Early: Avoid last-minute express fees. The earlier you send your package, the more affordable the shipping options.
- Compare Carriers: If your timeline is tight, compare expedited services from USPS, FedEx, and UPS to find the best rate for same-day or next-day delivery.
- Consider Flat Rate Options: USPS’s flat rate boxes can sometimes be less expensive for heavier items, especially if you plan ahead for the holiday pause.
- Track Discounts: Many carriers offer promotional codes or business discounts during the fall—watch their websites or sign up for alerts.
- Batch Shipments: If you have multiple items, shipping them together can sometimes reduce the per-item cost.
Extra Advice: Avoiding Shipping Headaches Around Veterans Day
- Review the USPS Holiday Calendar: Knowing all the federal holidays in advance (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day) helps you avoid similar surprises.
- Set Reminders: Mark Veterans Day and other mail holidays in your digital calendar.
- Inform Recipients: Especially in business, let partners and customers know about expected shipping delays around holidays.
Quick Comparison: Mail Service on Veterans Day vs. Other Holidays
| Holiday | USPS Service | FedEx/UPS Service | PO Open? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans Day | Closed | Most closed | Closed |
| Thanksgiving | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Christmas | Closed | Limited/Closed | Closed |
| New Year’s Day | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Good Friday | Open | Open | Open |
| MLK Day | Closed | Open (FedEx/UPS) | Closed |
| Presidents’ Day | Closed | Open (FedEx/UPS) | Closed |
- Always double-check specific services, especially during the holiday seasons, as schedules may change.*
Using Veterans Day to Honor Your Recipients
Mail may pause, but your appreciation doesn’t have to! Consider these small gestures:
- Send Early Cards: If you’re honoring a veteran, send your thank-you or greeting card a week early.
- Include a Note: For packages sent before Veterans Day, add a personalized message about the significance of the holiday.
- Support Veterans: Choose products or shipping services that support veteran-friendly organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there regular USPS mail delivery on Veterans Day?
No, there is no regular mail delivery, pickup, or sorting by USPS on Veterans Day. Local post offices are also closed.
2. Are FedEx and UPS open and delivering on Veterans Day?
Most FedEx and UPS services are suspended for the holiday, except for certain premium, urgent offerings. Always check with your local branch or the carrier’s website for specific services.
3. Will Priority Mail Express be delivered on Veterans Day?
Yes, Priority Mail Express is the exception. This overnight service is still in operation on Veterans Day, although delivery times may vary by location.
4. How does the Veterans Day holiday affect package delivery times?
Packages and letters scheduled for delivery on Veterans Day will be delivered the next business day. The holiday may add a one-day delay to your mail.
5. Can I access my PO Box or use the kiosk on Veterans Day?
You can access self-service kiosks and sometimes PO Boxes if your post office lobby is open, but no new mail will be processed or delivered that day.
Conclusion
Veterans Day is a time to honor those who served, and as a federal holiday, it means there is no regular mail delivery or retail post office service from USPS. Private carriers like FedEx and UPS also adjust schedules, with only select express shipments making the cut. Planning ahead and knowing your options will help you avoid shipping snags and keep your mail moving smoothly—even when the carriers take a well-deserved break.
Remember to mark your calendars and use Veterans Day as a reminder of both the service of our veterans and the importance of planning your shipments!
