New USPS Service Standards Go Into Effect October 1st (May Take Mail 1-2 Days Longer to Arrive)

If you’re planning on sending out Christmas cards, note these new USPS Mail Service Standards, which could add 1-2 days for delivery.

New USPS Service Standards start October 1st!

Are you planning on mailing out Christmas cards this year? You may want to send them out a little earlier than usual!

Starting October 1st, the U.S. Postal Service will implement new service standards for First-Class Mail and Periodicals, resulting in a delivery window of up to 5 days, instead of the usual 2-3 days.

Note that more than 60% of First-Class Mail and 90% of Periodicals will be unaffected by the new service standard changes. However, there will be a 1-2 day time-in-transit increase for mail traveling longer distances. First-Class Mail traveling within a local area will continue to be 2 days.

What mail will be the most impacted? As you can see from the chart above, mail traveling the longest distances will be most impacted by this change. First Class Mail that currently has an estimated 3-day delivery time could change up to a 5-day delivery starting October 1st.

Here are a few helpful tips from the USPS –

1. Plan ahead!

For mail or correspondence that requires a deadline, the Postal Service encourages consumers to plan ahead and send their mail early. You likely wouldn’t wait to mail your mom a birthday card the day before or on her big day, so mail your letters and greeting cards with the Postal Service early so the Postal Service can ensure it reaches its final destination on-time.

2. When sending mail long distance, mail early.

If it would take you more than a day to drive your mail to its destination, be sure to give your long-distance mail extra time to travel with USPS.

3. Keep mailing letters!

The majority of First-Class Mail will be unaffected by the Postal Service’s new service standards. In fact, the USPS says these new standards will offer more reliability and consistency for your mail.

Go here for more details on these new service standards!

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