The DTC Guide to Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2023

Posted on

December 13, 2023

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The DTC Guide to Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2023

As the holiday season approaches, it's crucial to stay informed about holiday shipping deadlines. This guide is designed to help you and your customers avoid any shipping woes during this bustling time of year.

The Critical Dates for Holiday Shipping 🕒

The holiday season is synonymous with tight deadlines and eager customers. This week, your priority should be to inform your customers about the last possible dates for Christmas orders. Clear communication now can prevent disappointment later.

Reminder and Incentive for Next Week 🏃‍♂️

Next week, keep the momentum going. Remind your customers of the approaching deadlines and offer an incentive to sweeten the deal. Consider offering free shipping upgrades to encourage those last-minute shoppers and boost your sales.

After the Deadline: Virtual Gift Cards 💌

Once the shipping deadlines have passed, pivot your strategy towards virtual gift cards. They're an excellent option for customers who missed the deadline and still want to give a thoughtful gift. Easy to purchase and send, virtual gift cards can be a holiday lifesaver.

Carrier Deadlines: Plan Accordingly 🚚

Staying aware of the specific carrier deadlines is key. Below is a list of the 2023 shipping deadlines for major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Use this information to plan your shipping strategy and communicate effectively with your customers.
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Carrier	Service Provider	Service Type	Deadline Date	Notes
FedEx	FedEx Ground Economy		Wed Dec 13
	FedEx Ground	5-Day Shipping	Fri Dec 15
	FedEx Home Delivery	5-Day Shipping	Fri Dec 15
	FedEx Ground	4-Day Shipping	Mon Dec 18
	FedEx Home Delivery	4-Day Shipping	Mon Dec 18
	FedEx Express	Express Saver	Tue Dec 19
	FedEx Express	3Day Freight	Tue Dec 19
	FedEx Ground	3-Day Shipping	Tue Dec 19
	FedEx International	Economy (to Puerto Rico)	Tue Dec 19
	FedEx Express	2Day and 2Day AM	Wed Dec 20
	FedEx Express	2Day Freight	Wed Dec 20
	FedEx Ground	2-Day Shipping	Wed Dec 20
	FedEx Home Delivery	3-Day Shipping	Wed Dec 20
	FedEx International	Priority (to Puerto Rico)	Wed Dec 20
	FedEx International	Priority Distribution (to Puerto Rico)	Wed Dec 20
	FedEx Express	FO , PO , SO, Extra Hours	Thu Dec 21	Friday, Dec. 22 with Sat. delivery selected
	FedEx Express	1Day Freight	Thu Dec 21
	FedEx Ground	1-Day Shipping	Thu Dec 21
	FedEx Home Delivery	2-Day Shipping	Thu Dec 21
	FedEx International	First (to Puerto Rico)	Thu Dec 21
	FedEx Express	SameDay	Fri Dec 22
	FedEx Home Delivery	1-Day Shipping	Fri Dec 22
	FedEx International	Next Flight (to Puerto Rico)	Fri Dec 22
UPS	UPS	3 Day Select	Tue Dec 19
	UPS	2nd Day Air Services	Wed Dec 20	Thu. Dec. 21 with Saturday Delivery options
	UPS	Next Day Air services	Thu Dec 21	Fri. Dec. 22 with Saturday Delivery options
	UPS	Ground shipping	Check with ups.com/ctc
USPS	U.S. Postal Service	Priority Mail Express Military Service	Fri Dec 15	For APO/FPO/DPO
	U.S. Postal Service	Ground Advantage	Sat Dec 16	For lower 48 states, Alaska, and Hawaii
	U.S. Postal Service	First-Class Mail	Sat Dec 16	For lower 48 states, Alaska, and Hawaii
	U.S. Postal Service	Priority Mail	Mon Dec 18	For lower 48 states, Alaska, and Hawaii
	U.S. Postal Service	Priority Mail Express	Wed Dec 20	For lower 48 states, Alaska, and Hawaii

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Final Thoughts 🎁

The holiday season is a crucial time for your SHAFT brand and a busy period for your customers. By keeping track of these shipping deadlines, you ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved. Let's work together to make this holiday season successful and stress-free.

Happy shipping, and here's to a prosperous holiday season!