Post Office confirms final dates to send Christmas cards and parcels
The Post Office has published key Christmas shipping dates, advising customers to send gifts and cards promptly to ensure they arrive before the Christmas period.
The guidance follows a survey that found a significant 67 per cent of Britons had previously received Christmas mail after 25 December.
Postmasters are encouraging people to send mail early to avoid a repeat of the 17 percent of previous years who left holiday deliveries too late.
While the majority of international shipping dates have passed, some carriers continue to offer Christmas delivery to select countries through December 15th.
For those needing guaranteed next day delivery within the UK, the last opportunity to send gifts and cards via Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guarantee or DPD Gold is 23 December.
Postmaster Arif Matadar said: “After 15 years working as a postmaster, I’ve seen it all when it comes to festive shipping and a little preparation really helps everything go smoothly, so here are my top tips for ensuring precious gifts arrive on time.
“When we send a package we always ask what’s inside because we need to know if it’s safe to send and make sure your item can be sent to its destination. For example, perfume can be sent within the UK but not overseas.
“We will also check the value, how quickly you want it delivered and the tracking method which will help us recommend the best delivery option.”
Mr Matadar urged consumers to package parcels securely and write addresses as clearly as possible, including for returns, to ensure they are protected.
If shipping abroad, content details will need to be provided to ensure accurate customs information complies with international regulations.
The Post Office offers delivery options from carriers other than Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, while Evri and DPD options are also offered at selected branches.
Post Office mail and parcel manager Candice Ohandjanian said: “It’s that time of year when celebrations are in full swing, but we still have some important last-minute gift buying to do.
“We know customers want to make the most of the festive season, not wait at home for delivery, so our convenient Pickup and Drop off service remains a favourite, especially during this busy period.
“Customers who choose your local Post Office branch as their delivery address can collect parcels at their convenience, with the assurance that we will keep everything safe and secure. It’s all part of our commitment to being a one-stop shop for all your postal and parcel needs this festive season.”
The latest announcement dates are as follows:
Final Royal Mail 2nd Class: Wednesday 17 December
Last Parcelforce express48 date: Friday, December 19
Latest Royal Mail Followed 48 dates: Friday, December 19
Last Evolution Standard date: Friday, December 19
Last Royal Mail 1st Class date: Saturday 20 December
Last DPD 2Day date: Saturday, December 20
Last Parcelforce express24 date: Monday, December 22
Latest Royal Mail Followed 24 dates: Monday, 22 December
Last Evri Next Day date: Monday, December 22
Final DPD Boxing Day date: Monday 22 December (some postcode exceptions)
Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guarantee: Tuesday 23 December
DPD Gold: Tuesday, December 23
