It can be frustrating waiting for a USPS package or letter, especially if you don’t know how late they deliver. How late does USPS deliver packages and mail?
Generally, USPS delivers up to 5 p.m. local time. However, some post offices deliver past 5 p.m. if the mail load and route size are large. Most USPS post offices stop delivering only after they have delivered all mail and packages.
So when the office has few available postal carriers, the deliveries tend to be delivered late, at around 8 p.m. Also, during the year’s busiest time, Dec. 14 to Dec. 21, your package may be delivered as late as 10 p.m.
USPS’s general rule is to deliver all packages and mail by 5 p.m. local time Monday through Saturday. Postal carriers are expected to finish their routes by 6 p.m., but they usually extend their working hours until they have finished their route.
There are exceptions to this rule during unusual occurrences, such as natural disasters, inclement weather, traffic jams, and carrier route changes.
Read on to learn more about how late USPS delivers packages on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Furthermore, you will learn what to do when your package gets delayed.
How Late Does USPS Deliver Packages and Mail?
USPS usually delivers up to 5 p.m. local time. Nevertheless, some post offices deliver past 5 p.m., depending on the route’s size and if the mail load is large.
Most post offices stop only after they have delivered all mail and packages for that day. When the office is understaffed, the deliveries tend to get delivered late at around 8 to 10 p.m.
Factors That Determine How Late USPS Delivers
- A large volume of deliveries
- Inclement weather
- Long-distance of the warehouse to post office
- Number of working package/mail carriers
- Traffic jams
USPS delivers Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express items on Saturdays. These items are delivered within one to three business days. The delivery time will depend on the volume of the items for delivery too.
Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail offers free package pickup service starting at $6.65. Included in the service is the insurance of $50 for most of the packages.
How Late Does USPS Deliver on Saturday?
The delivery time for USPS delivery on Saturdays is the same as other weekdays. The factors affecting delivery time are also the same.
How late does USPS deliver mail? Since the letter or package carriers have to finish their delivery route for the day, some items may be delivered late. Thus, it can be as late as 8 p.m., depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
U.S. Post Offices Saturday Hours
To understand more about a late package or mail deliveries, here are some post office’s Saturday hours:
1. Michigan, 2nd Street, Royal Oak
- Carrier Facility Hours – 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Self-Service Kiosk availability – 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
2. California, 1150 Garden View Road, Encinitas
- Carrier Facility Hours – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Self-Service Kiosk availability – 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
3. Oregon, SW Town Center Wilsonville
- Carrier Facility Hours – 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Self-Service Kiosk availability – 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
How Late Does USPS Deliver on Sunday?
USPS delivers overnight only Priority Mail Express items and Amazon packages by 10:30 a.m. But delivery time may vary according to the location and volume of mail.
For some post offices, they may deliver by 3 p.m. The pickup or delivery time could vary according to the mail volume and location.
USPS Sunday delivery offers free package pickup services. You can use the Priority Mail Express services with charges starting at $22.95.
U.S. Post Offices Sunday Hours
Here are some US post services delivery times to give you an idea of your package’s delivery time.
1. Lakewood, 10799 W. Almeda Avenue
- Delivery Time – 1:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Denver Sullivan, E. Jefferson Avenue
- Delivery Time – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
3. Aurora Main, E. Almeda Parkway
- Delivery Time – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Again, how late does USPS deliver packages? USPS generally delivers all items up to 5 p.m. local time. But some post offices deliver past 5 p.m. depending on the mail load and the size of the route. If the mail load is large, it will delay the quick delivery of the items.
Nonetheless, don’t worry. If your item’s scheduled delivery is that day, you will certainly receive it. Most post offices stop only after they have delivered all mail and packages for that day.
Therefore, you can expect deliveries as late as 8 p.m. During the busiest days, such as holidays, your package delivery could be as late as 10 p.m.
How Late Does USPS Deliver Priority Mail?
USPS delivers Priority Mail within one to three business days with no guarantee. Meanwhile, the Priority Mail Express is delivered within one to two business days, but this time, you get your money back if USPS does not deliver on time.
The Priority Mail is delivered Monday to Saturday, except holidays, while the Priority Mail Express gets delivered 365 days a year, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Hence, USPS carriers may deliver your mail late based on your location, the volume of deliveries, and the number of delivery staff. USPS carriers usually deliver all the items in their route for the day; thus, you may receive your mail as late as 8 p.m.
What Should You Do If USPS Does Not Deliver Your Package on Time?
Here are actions you can do when your package is late. Note that to do these steps, you have to know your tracking number. So, keep your shipping label secure for future reference:
1. Get a Refund
If your package service fee comes with a money-back guarantee, you can get a refund. Examples of money-back guarantee mail are Priority Mail Express items. It would be best to opt for guaranteed mail/packages. This is because you can recover the value of your package if it gets lost in transit.
You’ll not be able to refund the value of your package unless you have paid additional insurance.
2. Track the Item
You could contact the mailer of the item and track the package using its tracking number. In cases when the package is supposed to arrive that day, you could also email USPS to inquire about it.
Go to the USPS tracking website to track your package. [1] Sign in and enter your tracking number found at the bottom of your shipping label. Do not include spaces or dashes. Click on “Check Status” and view your package’s status information.
3. Submit an Online Request Form
If you cannot track your package, submit an online help request form by signing in on the website. [2] USPS responds to reports usually within 24 hours, and you would get results within seven business days.
If your package still does not arrive after seven days, you must report a missing package.
4. Submit a Missing Package Search
If you still do not receive your package after 7 days of submitting the online help request form, you can submit a missing package search. [3]
You have to sign in and provide the recipient’s and sender’s mailing addresses, a description of the contents, the shipping container’s type and size, the tracking number, and all information to help identify your package.
USPS will contact the post office assigned to your package and help locate it. You could also inquire about the status of your package. [4]
What to Do If Your Package Is Delivered to the Wrong Address?
You have to immediately contact customer service if the USPS delivery person has delivered your package to the wrong address.
You should inform them of the mistake and provide them your correct address and your package’s tracking number. Do not worry because USPS will retrieve your package successfully.
Again, how late does USPS deliver packages? In general, USPS delivers until 5 pm local time. But there are cases wherein they deliver until 8 pm due to the large mail load or the wide route they have to travel in a day. During the busiest times of the year, they deliver packages until 10 pm.
Delivery Time of USPS Package/Mail Services
You must learn the package’s expected time of delivery for the USPS services you choose, so you will know if the post office will deliver your item late in the day.
Below are the types of USPS services and a brief description of each:
1. Priority Mail Express
This USPS service usually delivers your package within 1 to 2 business days within 365 days, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. USPS will offer a flat rate for packages below 70 pounds, with 70 pounds as the maximum weight.
This USPS service delivers even during Sundays and holidays. It also offers $100 insurance and an overnight delivery schedule by 10:30 a.m. The service provides proof of delivery signature and complete tracking information for your convenience.
If you expect a Priority Mail Express package, ensure that you are there to sign for your package. If you are not home to sign the delivery, the carrier may or may not re-attempt a delivery.
2. Priority Mail
Priority Mail service will deliver your package within 1 to 3 business days, including Saturdays, except Holidays. Unlike Priority Mail Express, this service provides no guarantees.
The charges start at $6.45 with a flat rate of up to 70 pounds. With $50 insurance, you can track your package online with no surcharges for fuel and Saturday deliveries for both home and residential locations.
How late does USPS deliver priority mail packages? Normally, all deliveries should be made before 5 pm, Mondays through Saturdays. However, due to some unforeseen events, the delivery of priority mail packages may reach you as late as 10 pm.
3. First-Class Mail
The First-Class Mail service will deliver your package within 1 to 3 business days with no guarantee. The price will depend on the package’s or mail’s shape, size, and weight. This service is the best choice for businesses as the service’s insurance can cover up to $5,000 worth of merchandise.
This service also offers the best price of 13 oz-mail items that are in rectangular envelopes. If the envelope has a different shape, USPS may add charges. You could combine this with other USPS services to ensure that your package arrives on time.
4. USPS Retail Ground
This service is the standard USPS post and will deliver your package within 2 to 8 business days. Post office charges start at $6.75. Retail Ground services only larger packages not accommodated in Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.
Shipments weighing up to 70 pounds, with a girth and length of 130 inches, can use Retail Ground services. USPS offers different prices for lightweight or large packages. You should choose according to your type of item.
5. Media Mail
The Media Mail service offers unguaranteed 2 to 8 business days delivery, just like Retail Ground. Post office charges start at $2.72. This service is your best option when sending books or other school materials.
The maximum allowable weight is 70 pounds. The service does not accept the delivery of computer drives, video games, digital drives, and similar items.
You can choose one of these options that suit your package best. In summary, only Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express deliver on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Meanwhile, only Priority Mail Express delivers on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. All the other USPS services deliver only during weekdays or business days.
First Class Mail, retail Ground, and Media Mail offer no guarantees, and the delivery time is not specified. Take note of the holidays, so you will not waste time waiting for your package’s delivery.
Of course, if you have chosen Priority Mail Express, USPS will deliver your package even during the holidays.
Conclusion – How Late Does USPS Deliver?
Generally, USPS delivers up to 5 p.m. local time. However, some post offices deliver past 5 p.m. if the mail load is large and depending on the route’s size.
Many post office carriers stop only after they have delivered all mail and packages scheduled for the day. Thus, you may receive your package at 8. p.m. Furthermore, during the year’s peak seasons, USPS may deliver your package as late as 10 p.m.
Based on the services USPS offers, you can expect Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express to deliver more actively during weekends or holidays and even late nights.
Be smart and avoid delays in your package’s delivery. You can do this by choosing the appropriate USPS service for your particular package.
Related reading:
Does USPS Deliver on Sunday? [USPS Sunday Delivery]
USPS Regional Facility – Arrived or Departed [What Does It Mean?]
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