How Late Does USPS Deliver Packages on Weekdays?
How late does USPS deliver packages? USPS is an independent delivery agency that delivers packages to every address in the country in which it is situated.
The time frame USPS delivers packages depends on different factors. These factors most often revolve around package type and location.
Now the question is, how late does USPS deliver packages to its customers? Knowing the USPS delivery times is important.
How Late Does USPS Deliver Packages?
Weekday delivery hours for the USPS are officially from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time. However, things might become a little more complicated in reality.
Even though 5:00 PM is the standard latest delivery time, many carriers start their runs earlier and frequently finish much later.
During busy seasons like holidays, it is very common for USPS to deliver packages at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Does USPS Deliver on Saturdays?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers mail on Saturdays, except on federal holidays. This means you can expect Saturday delivery unless it’s a holiday.
For most types of mail, including First-Class Mail, Saturday delivery is standard. So, if you send a package out on a Wednesday, it could arrive any day between Thursday and Saturday.
However, USPS operates on a rotating schedule, so the exact delivery times on Saturdays can vary. This means you might not always get your usual mail carrier, and delivery times can differ.
It’s important to note that while Saturday delivery is generally available for most types of mail, only Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express guarantee a Saturday arrival.
This means other types of mail might be delivered on Monday if USPS is busy or short-staffed.
If your mail is scheduled for Saturday delivery, it could arrive anytime between 2 PM and 7 PM. Priority Mail Express items arrive by 10:30 AM.
What Time Does USPS Stop Delivering on Sundays?
On Sundays, the USPS primarily delivers Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages.
If you send something through Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, etc., it will likely be delivered on Monday instead.
Businesses should opt for Priority Mail Express if the delivery is urgent and can’t wait until Monday.
If you send something via Priority Mail Express on a Friday, it might arrive by Sunday at 6:30 PM.
It’s important to know when the USPS closes so you can post your items on time. Posting late in the evening won’t guarantee overnight shipping.
Delivery times on Sundays can vary, but many people receive their Amazon parcels by 10 PM, which falls within USPS’s standard delivery times for these packages.
For Priority Mail Express, shipments must arrive by 10:30 AM on Sunday. If your mail doesn’t arrive by 6 PM, you may be eligible for a refund under certain conditions.
USPS Domestic Delivery Times Per Service
Below is a table showing the delivery hours for popular domestic USPS services:
| Mail Class | Estimated Delivery Time | Estimated Cost |
| Priority Mail Express | Overnight delivery | $26.35 |
| Priority Mail | 1 – 3 business days | $7.50 |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate | 1 – 3 business days | $8.30 |
| Priority Mail Regional Rate | 1 – 3 business days | $9.98 |
| First class Package Service | 1 – 3 business days | $3.80 |
| Parcel Select | 2 – 8 business days | NA |
| USPS Retail Ground | 2 – 8 business days | $7.50 |
| First-Class Mail – Letters | 1 – 3 business days | $0.55 |
| First-Class Mail – Large Envelopes | 1 – 3 business days | $1.00 |
USPS International Delivery Times Service
The USPS provides several international services. Here are the USPS international delivery services:
| Mail Class | Estimated Delivery Time | Estimated Cost |
| Global Express Guaranteed | 1 – 3 business days | $67.80 |
| Priority Mail Express International | 3 – 5 business days | $5.95 |
| Priority Mail International | 6 – 10 business days | $36.35 |
| First Class Package International Service | 6 – 20 business days | $20.75 |
| First Class Mail International – Letters | 6 – 20 days | $1.20 |
Why is My Package Delivered Late by USPS?
Several factors can prompt a late delivery of your package from the USPS delivery service and these factors are:
1. Number of Staffs on Duty
USPS and other postal services’ late deliveries are mostly due to staff shortages.
When there are limited staff to deliver packages, it invariably means it will take a longer period for packages to get to most of the locations.
2. Growth in e-commerce
Another reason is the volume of packages coming and awaiting delivery.
The fact is, the number of packages USPS delivers annually keeps rising now and then. Part of the reason is the growth in e-commerce.
Many people are more comfortable ordering products online and having them delivered to their doorsteps.
3. Incorrect Address
Again, delays in USPS delivery could arise from incorrect address information provided. It happens when the address provided is misspelled or incomplete.
When such happens, it is really difficult for the delivery guy to locate the actual address for the package.
So you will need to be very accurate with your location to ease the delivery guys and have you receive your package on time.
4. Absence of Recipient
Attempting to deliver a parcel to an address will turn out futile if you are not available at the address when the staff of USPS visits.
Normally, it will take more attempts on different days to revisit the address and deliver the package afterward.
Where these subsequent attempts fail, USPS will then keep the package until the customer shows up.
5. Critical Weather Conditions
Very Critical weather conditions like storms can contribute to delays in delivery. It can make it really impossible for the delivery guy to get to you.
When such happens, then you can expect your package when the storm ends.
6. Internal Factors
Also, some internal factors in USPS can delay the delivery of packages.
The agency spends a lot of time sorting, processing, and imprinting bar codes on packages so your package will take some time to get to you.
Understanding the USPS cut-off time can help individuals be ready to receive their packages and mail.
If you’re worried about when USPS stops delivering and how it might impact your mail, go for a service with a guaranteed delivery time.