CONNECTICUT – Connecticut residents take note: The U.S. Postal Service this week announced recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages.

For expected delivery before December 25, the following recommended shipping dates apply.

Holiday shipping and shipping dates in 2024 for items shipped to addresses in the contiguous United States (lower 48 states):

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 18
• First-class mail service: December 18
• Priority Mail Service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 21

Holiday shipping and shipping dates in 2024 for items shipped to Alaska and Hawaii addresses:

• USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
• First-class mail service: December 18
• Priority Mail Service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 20

For customers shipping packages internationally or to military addresses, the USPS suggests viewing the full list of recommended holiday shipping and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.

“The USPS urges customers to plan ahead and ship early during the holiday season,” post office officials said. “The sooner you ship, the better. Don’t delay: post and ship today.”