Ever rushed to your mailbox, only to wonder—is the post office even open today? Whether you’re expecting an urgent package, need to send important documents, or just want to avoid a wasted trip, knowing the USPS schedule can save time and frustration.

This article has you covered. We’ll answer if the US Post Office is working today, clarify holiday closures, and share simple tips for finding local post office hours—with no confusion.

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Is the US Post Office Working Today? Here’s What You Need to Know

Wondering whether the US Post Office is open and operating today? Many people find themselves asking this question—especially when mailing a time-sensitive letter, waiting for a package, or planning their errands around a busy schedule.

Let’s break down what you need to know about post office operating hours, holiday closures, and how you can quickly find out if your local USPS branch is open and working today.

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Are Post Offices Open Today? The Straightforward Answer

The US Postal Service (USPS) generally operates from Monday through Saturday, following standard business hours. Most post offices remain open on regular business days, but they do close on Sundays and on federal holidays observed nationwide.

If today is a typical weekday, chances are that most USPS locations are open for business. However, if today falls on a federal holiday or a Sunday, the physical post office branches are likely closed.

Key Points to Remember

• Open on: Most weekdays (Monday-Friday) and Saturdays
• Closed on: Sundays and official federal holidays
• Mail delivery: Follows the same schedule—regular delivery is paused on Sundays and federal holidays

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Understanding USPS Holiday Closures

The biggest variable affecting whether the post office is open is the federal holiday calendar. USPS recognizes a set list of holidays each year, during which all post offices and mail delivery services are suspended.

USPS Holidays: Days When the Post Office Is Closed

Here are the standard federal holidays—and the days you can expect post offices to be closed:

1. New Year’s Day (January 1)
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
3. Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
4. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
5. Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
6. Independence Day (July 4)
7. Labor Day (First Monday in September)
8. Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
9. Veterans Day (November 11)
10. Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
11. Christmas Day (December 25)

If the holiday falls on a Sunday, USPS typically observes the holiday on the following Monday.

Pro Tip:

If you’re unsure about a specific holiday, it’s always best to check the calendar or call your local post office to confirm their hours.

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How to Check If Your Local Post Office Is Open

Not all post offices operate with identical hours, and some may have extended or reduced hours for certain services. What if you have a package to mail today and need to check quickly?

Simple Steps to Check Local Post Office Hours

1. Check Their Official Website
   Visit the official USPS website or use their location finder tool to view specific post office hours in your area.

2. Call Your Local Branch
   Most post offices have an automated phone system or in-person staff who can confirm whether they’re open today.

3. Look for Posted Notices
   Many post office lobbies feature a notice or sign with upcoming holiday closures and any unexpected closed dates.

4. Use Service Apps or Maps
   Navigation apps and postal service dashboards often list real-time status updates for local post offices.

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What About Mail Delivery on Holidays?

It’s not just the lobby or counter services that close during holidays. Mail delivery—both incoming and outgoing—also stops on those days.

On Holidays:

• No regular mail delivery
• No package pickup or drop-off
• No postal retail operations

However, USPS often makes exceptions for premium services. For example:

• Priority Mail Express: This is the only USPS mailing service that may operate and deliver even on federal holidays for certain orders (at an additional cost).

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Extended Hours and Self-Service Kiosks

Some post offices may have lobbies that are open 24/7, even when the service counters are closed. These self-service areas allow:

• Purchasing postage
• Printing shipping labels
• Dropping off prepaid packages in collection bins

This can be a lifesaver if you need to handle simple mailing tasks outside normal business hours or during holidays when counter service is closed.

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Benefits of Knowing Post Office Hours in Advance

Staying informed about USPS operational hours can save you time, frustration, and money. Here’s how:

• Plan Deliveries: Ensure your mail and packages arrive on time, especially when working around holidays or weekends.
• Avoid Missed Deadlines: Mailing legal documents, bills, or gifts? Knowing open hours helps you avoid late fees and disappointments.
• Save Shipping Costs: Understanding when to ship helps you avoid last-minute rush services and premium express fees.

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Cost-Saving Tips for Sending Mail and Packages

Shipping can get expensive, especially if you’re caught off guard by unexpected closures or delays. Here’s how you can save:

1. Ship Early: Avoid express shipping fees by mailing before peak holidays or weekends.
2. Use Flat Rate Boxes: USPS offers flat rate shipping options that can be cheaper for heavy or oversized items.
3. Compare Methods: Evaluate Priority Mail, First Class, and parcel select ground to find the most cost-effective option for your needs.
4. Buy Postage Online: Some online postage providers offer discounts compared to in-person rates.
5. Consolidate Shipments: Mail multiple packages at once to save on per-package fees.

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Despite your best efforts to plan ahead, you might still face hurdles:

• Unplanned Closures: Weather events, emergencies, or local issues can lead to sudden post office closures.
• Holiday Rush: During major holidays, the volume of mail increases and may cause delays—even before official closure dates.
• Varying Local Hours: Some smaller or rural post offices may have limited or varying business hours that differ from large city branches.

Best Practices

• Double-Check Online: Before a big shipment, validate the current hours directly with your local branch.
• Track Your Packages: Use USPS tracking to stay informed about real-time delivery updates.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Many post office services allow you to receive text or email notifications about closures or delivery disruptions.

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Special Considerations for Businesses and Frequent Shippers

If you rely on the post office frequently, whether for e-commerce, business shipments, or regular correspondence, keep these additional points in mind:

• Schedule Pickups: Most businesses can schedule package pickups, even when dropping off isn’t feasible.
• Bulk Mail Scheduling: Plan bulk mailings around holidays to ensure timely arrival for newsletters, marketing, and invoices.
• Talk to Your Postal Representative: Larger accounts may have a dedicated representative who can offer guidance on shipping schedules, rates, and operational changes.

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Conclusion

Knowing whether the US Post Office is working today isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping your life and business running smoothly. By understanding holiday schedules, using online tools, and planning ahead, you can avoid unnecessary stress and extra costs. Keep a close eye on the federal holiday calendar, double-check your local branch’s hours, and take advantage of self-service and online options for hassle-free mailing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the post office open on Sundays?

No, USPS post office branches are closed on Sundays nationwide, with no regular mail delivery or retail counter services available.

Does USPS deliver mail on federal holidays?

Regular USPS mail and packages are not delivered on federal holidays. The only exception is Priority Mail Express, which provides limited delivery on some holidays for an extra fee.

How can I find out the hours of my local post office?

You can quickly check the hours for your nearest USPS branch by using the USPS online location tool or by calling the branch directly for the most up-to-date information.

Are all USPS services unavailable when the post office is closed?

While retail counters and general mail processing are paused, some self-service kiosks inside lobbies may remain open. These allow you to buy postage, drop off prepaid packages, and more—even during holidays and after hours.

What should I do if I have urgent mail to send on a holiday?

Use Priority Mail Express if urgent delivery is required, as this service may be available even on holidays. Check with your local post office to confirm eligibility and cutoff times. If possible, plan to ship ahead of the holiday to avoid paying higher express fees.

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By keeping tabs on post office hours and planning your shipments in advance, you can stay ahead of holiday closures and ensure your important mail gets where it needs to go—on time and on budget.