Holiday Shipping Deadlines Are Approaching In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — Like everything else since early this year, holiday gift giving habits look a lot different in Lakeland because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Postal Service and major package delivery companies have set shipping deadlines, but as holiday buying kicks into full swing, they advise building in some cushions to ensure delivery by Christmas Day.

Americans began their holiday shopping earlier than normal, and both local retailers and large internet sellers report that more people are doing their holiday shopping online this year.

Are you committed to shopping locally this year to help out businesses hurt by the pandemic? Check out the Lakeland local business directory.

A recent survey by Coresight Research found that current spikes in confirmed coronavirus cases are sending more people online and could affect the availability of some in-demand products.

About 25 percent of those surveyed said they began their holiday shopping earlier this year, and many retailers have stretched out their Black Friday deals over a longer period to accommodate social distancing.

Here are the deadlines you need to know:

U.S. Postal Service

• USPS Retail Ground: Tuesday, Dec. 15
• First-Class Mail: Friday, Dec. 18
• Priority Mail: Saturday, Dec. 19
• USPS Priority Mail Express: Wednesday, Dec. 23

If you’re shipping abroad or to a member of the U.S. military, special deadlines apply.

UPS

• UPS Ground Shipping: Wednesday, Dec. 16
• UPS Next Day Air: Friday, Dec. 18
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Friday, Dec. 18
• UPS 3 Day Select: Saturday, Dec. 19

FedEx

• FedEx Ground/Home Delivery: Saturday, Dec. 19
• FedEx Express Saver: Monday, Dec. 21
• FedEx 2Day: Tuesday, Dec. 22
• FedEx Overnight: Wednesday, Dec. 23