Ever found yourself heading to the post office, only to discover it’s closed for a holiday? With Presidents Day around the corner, many are left wondering whether USPS locations will be open or not. Knowing the hours in advance can save you time and frustration, especially if you need to send or receive important mail.
In this article, we’ll clarify how USPS operates on Presidents Day, including postal hours, services available, and helpful tips to plan your mailing needs.
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If you’re planning a trip to your local post office or expecting an important delivery around Presidents Day, it’s essential to know what to expect from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on this federal holiday. Presidents Day, observed on the third Monday in February, is a day when most government and public services—including the USPS—adjust their typical operations. This article covers everything you need to know about USPS hours on Presidents Day, how it may impact your mailing plans, and tips to help you stay on top of your shipping needs during this holiday.
USPS Hours and Services on Presidents Day
1. Post Offices Are Closed
On Presidents Day, all USPS post office locations are closed nationwide. This includes standalone post offices and branches inside supermarkets, malls, or other retail spaces.
- No window service: You won’t be able to buy stamps at the counter, mail packages, or manage P.O. boxes in person.
- No retail services are available: All customer-facing activities inside the post office pause for the day.
2. No Regular Mail Delivery
USPS suspends its regular mail delivery services on Presidents Day.
- This means standard letters, bills, and packages that would typically arrive on this day will be delivered on the next business day.
- Residential and business mail services pause for the holiday.
3. Limited Package and Priority Services
Although regular mail stops, certain USPS services may still operate:
- Priority Mail Express: This is the only USPS service running on Presidents Day. If you need to send something urgent, consider using this expedited shipping option.
- No other expedited or standard services: All other mail types and shipping services are paused.
4. Access to Self-Service Kiosks
You can still use USPS self-service kiosks, typically available in many post office lobbies.
- Buy stamps, weigh packages, and drop off prepaid shipments using these automated machines.
- Lobbies housing these kiosks may remain accessible even when the main office is closed.
5. Online and Automated Services Remain Open
Luckily, some USPS services are always open online:
- USPS.com services: You can buy postage, print mailing labels, schedule pickups, and track shipments via the official website.
- Mail drop-offs: Blue collection boxes are available, but outgoing mail won’t be processed until the next business day.
Impact on Your Mailing and Shipping Plans
Presidents Day can change your timeline, especially if you’re sending time-sensitive documents or expecting an important package. Here’s how it might impact your schedule:
Mailing Outgoing Packages
- If you need something to arrive by a specific date, consider shipping earlier to avoid holiday-related delays.
- If using USPS Priority Mail Express, confirm drop-off deadlines to ensure same-day processing.
Receiving Deliveries
- Incoming mail will not be delivered, except for Priority Mail Express shipments.
- Packages shipped via FedEx and UPS may have limited service, but this depends on the type of delivery. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the specific carrier.
Business Considerations
- Many small businesses that rely on USPS for shipping should plan inventory management and shipping schedules around the holiday.
- Setting clear shipping expectations with your customers can reduce confusion and improve customer satisfaction.
Alternative Shipping Options on Presidents Day
If you must send or receive something on Presidents Day, consider these alternatives:
Private Carriers
- FedEx and UPS may offer limited services or modified pickup/delivery schedules on Presidents Day. FedEx Express and UPS Express Critical sometimes run, while other services are paused.
- Check with the carrier directly about holiday hours and cutoff times.
In-Store Shipping
- Some grocery stores and retail outlets with in-house shipping counters might use private carriers instead of USPS. Ask ahead for their Presidents Day schedule.
Smart Tips for Navigating Presidents Day Shipping
Holidays can create confusion or unexpected interruptions in your shipping plans. Here are some ways you can stay ahead:
1. Plan Ahead
- Ship early: Always add an extra day or two to your schedule when a federal holiday is near.
- Use USPS’s online scheduling to prepare and print shipping labels at home.
2. Check Service Availability
- Call ahead to confirm lobby and kiosk access—the hours can sometimes vary based on location.
- Look for official signage at your local post office in the days leading up to Presidents Day.
3. Use Online Tools
- Track your packages online for the most accurate delivery updates.
- Monitor USPS announcements for any weather-related delays that may coincide with the holiday.
4. Set Shipping Expectations
- If you’re a small business, notify customers when their orders may be delayed because of the holiday.
- Update your storefront or website to reflect adjusted shipping times.
5. Leverage Priority Mail Express
- For absolutely urgent shipments, consider USPS Priority Mail Express, which operates even on most federal holidays.
- Be aware this service is more expensive than first-class or priority alternatives.
Cost Tips for Shipping Around Presidents Day
Shipping costs can add up, especially if you need expedited service due to holiday delays. Here are practical ways to save:
- Compare costs across carriers: Sometimes private shipping companies offer competitive rates or specialized holiday options.
- Use flat-rate USPS shipping boxes: These can simplify pricing, especially for heavier parcels.
- Purchase shipping services online: You can often find discounts and avoid waiting in line, which is especially handy just before a holiday.
- Avoid unnecessary surcharges: Some carriers charge extra fees for holiday or expedited shipping. Read the fine print before paying.
- Bundle shipments: Sending multiple packages together can reduce overall costs.
Common Challenges to Expect
It’s always wise to be prepared for potential bumps in the road:
- Backlogs: Mail volume often spikes right after holidays, leading to minor delivery delays.
- Miscommunication: Customers and recipients may not realize that USPS closes on Presidents Day.
- Changes in service hours: Kiosk or lobby hours might differ by location; use online resources or call ahead for your local schedule.
- Unexpected weather: Winter storms can further slow down holiday-week mail, especially in regions susceptible to inclement weather.
Presidents Day and Other Federal Holidays
Presidents Day is just one of many federal holidays when USPS services are paused. Here’s a quick review of other days when you can expect similar closures:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
- Presidents Day (third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
On these dates, standard USPS services are suspended, but Priority Mail Express often still operates.
Practical Example: Mailing a Birthday Gift
Suppose your friend’s birthday is the day after Presidents Day and you want your gift to arrive on time. Here’s a step-by-step plan:
- Prepare and package your gift at least four days before Presidents Day.
- Mail your package before the Friday preceding the holiday to avoid weekend and holiday closures.
- Choose Priority Mail Express if one-day shipping is necessary.
- Use USPS tracking tools to follow the package and alert your friend of any delays.
- Consider shipping earlier to avoid the post-holiday backlog.
Key Takeaways
- USPS post offices are closed and standard mail is not delivered on Presidents Day.
- Only Priority Mail Express operates on this federal holiday.
- Plan shipments early and use online tools and self-service kiosks whenever possible.
- Watch for increased delivery times before and after the holiday.
- Cost-effective shipping is possible with some research and early planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will USPS deliver regular mail on Presidents Day?
No, all regular mail deliveries are paused on Presidents Day. Only Priority Mail Express shipments will be delivered.
Can I access my P.O. box on Presidents Day?
Many post office lobbies and P.O. box areas are accessible, but you won’t be able to pick up packages or interact with staff until the next business day.
Are drop boxes and self-service kiosks available when the post office is closed?
Yes, self-service kiosks in accessible lobbies are available even when the main office is closed. Drop-off boxes can be used, but mail will not be processed until after the holiday.
How soon should I ship items to avoid Presidents Day delays?
Aim to mail your items a few days before the holiday, especially if using standard services. For guaranteed delivery, opt for Priority Mail Express.
Are private shipping companies open on Presidents Day?
Private carriers like FedEx and UPS may offer limited or modified services. Exact hours and available service types vary by location and carrier; check their official schedules for details.
Navigating Presidents Day’s USPS schedule doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and smart use of available tools, you can keep your mail and packages on track, no matter the holiday.
