As Christmas approaches, Royal Mail has announced crucial deadlines for sending cards and parcels to ensure timely delivery across the UK. This period marks the busiest time of year for postal services as many people look to connect with loved ones through festive greetings and gifts.
For those sending items within the UK, the final posting dates are as follows: December 17 is the last day to send Second Class and Second Class Signed For items. Just two days later, on December 19, is the cut-off for Royal Mail Tracked 48 services, which also applies to Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 for returns to reach the sender before Christmas.
Those opting for First Class and First Class Signed For services must dispatch their items by December 20. For Royal Mail Tracked 24, the last posting date is December 21, while December 23 is the deadline for Special Delivery Guaranteed. Royal Mail emphasizes that these dates are accurate as of now and could change, advising customers to post early to avoid delays.
International deliveries also require attention, as demand surges during the festive season. Royal Mail urges customers to send international parcels as early as possible to ensure they arrive in time.
In addition to Royal Mail, Parcelforce has released its final dispatch dates for guaranteed Christmas delivery. For the express48 service, items must be posted by December 19. The cut-off for express10, expressPM, and express24 services is December 22.
The Post Office anticipates December 8 will be its busiest day of the season. A recent survey indicates that 33% of Britons plan to send more presents this year compared to last year, up from 20%. Furthermore, 34% view sending Christmas parcels and cards as an essential part of their holiday traditions.
Yet, only 33% of respondents intend to dispatch their gifts and cards by early to mid-December, while 8% admit they will wait until the last week before Christmas. Post Office branches provide convenient options for collecting or dropping off prepaid parcels from various carriers, including Amazon, DPD, DHL, and Evri, at selected locations.
With these deadlines now established, customers are encouraged to prepare their holiday mailings early to ensure their festive wishes reach friends and family in a timely manner.
