With Christmas approaching, Royal Mail has announced essential deadlines for sending cards and parcels within the UK. These dates are crucial for anyone looking to ensure their festive greetings and gifts arrive by December 25.
Royal Mail’s timeline underscores the importance of early posting, particularly during the busy holiday season. For those dispatching items domestically, the last day to send Second Class and Second Class Signed For items is Wednesday, December 17. Just two days later, on Friday, December 19, individuals must send Royal Mail Tracked 48 items to guarantee delivery. This date also marks the final opportunity to post Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 to ensure they reach the sender before Christmas.
For First Class and First Class Signed For items, the cutoff is set for Saturday, December 20. If using Royal Mail Tracked 24, customers need to post their items by Sunday, December 21. The absolute last chance to use the Special Delivery Guaranteed service is on Tuesday, December 23. Royal Mail has noted that these deadlines are accurate as of this publication date but may be subject to change. They strongly encourage customers to send their items as early as possible to avoid delays.
International deliveries also face tighter timelines. Royal Mail has highlighted that the volume of parcels and letters increases significantly during the holiday season. To ensure timely arrival, they recommend early posting for any international shipments.
Parcelforce has also released its deadlines to ensure delivery by Christmas Day. For their express48 service, items must be dispatched by Friday, December 19. The cutoff for express10, expressPM, and express24 services is Monday, December 22.
In anticipation of the holiday rush, the Post Office expects December 8 to be its busiest day for sending items. A recent survey conducted for the Post Office revealed that the number of Britons planning to send presents this Christmas has risen from 20% last year to 33% this year. Additionally, 34% of respondents view sending cards and parcels as a vital part of their festive traditions. Despite this, only 33% plan to post their items by early to mid-December, while 8% admit they will wait until the final week before Christmas.
Post Office branches offer a convenient option for customers, not only for Royal Mail and Parcelforce deliveries but also for other services including Amazon, DPD, DHL, and Evri at selected locations. As the holiday season approaches, timely mailing is essential for connecting with loved ones from afar.
