Whether mail carriers work on Saturdays depends on the specific delivery service. For the United States Postal Service (USPS), Saturday is generally a standard delivery day, though the type of mail affects delivery expectations. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx have distinct Saturday service models, especially for package delivery, driven by the rise of e-commerce. Understanding these distinctions helps manage expectations for weekend arrivals.
Saturday Delivery Policies for USPS
Saturday is considered a regular operational day for the United States Postal Service, meaning mail carriers deliver across the nation. This service continuity is part of the USPS mandate. However, the service level differs significantly between packages and standard mail.
Packages shipped via services like Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are routinely delivered on Saturdays at no additional charge. Priority Mail Express offers guaranteed delivery, often by 10:30 a.m. to most locations. Delivery of standard First-Class Mail, including letters and bills, is not guaranteed on Saturday, though it is often delivered as part of the carrier’s regular route. Mail volume and local office staffing determine if all standard mail is delivered that day.
Saturday Delivery from Private Carriers
Major private shipping companies have expanded their weekend service, driven by the demand for rapid e-commerce fulfillment. UPS offers Saturday delivery for both residential and commercial addresses. This service is now standard for most UPS Ground residential shipments in over 100 metropolitan areas with no extra fee. Commercial ground delivery may still incur a small per-package fee unless the customer has a scheduled Saturday pickup.
FedEx also differentiates its service based on the recipient’s address. FedEx Home Delivery, used for residential addresses, includes Saturday delivery as a standard feature with no additional surcharge. However, the core FedEx Ground service, focused on business-to-business shipments, typically operates Monday through Friday. This service requires a specific Saturday delivery option to be selected and paid for if needed. Amazon Logistics provides robust Saturday service, frequently delivering until late evening.
Post Office Retail Hours and Counter Services
While carriers are delivering mail and packages, physical Post Office retail locations often operate on a reduced schedule. Many Post Offices close early on Saturday, typically operating for only a few hours in the morning. Some smaller or rural locations may be closed entirely. This limited operational window means counter transactions, such as purchasing money orders or sending certified mail, must be completed early.
Customers can access essential services outside of limited counter hours using Self-Service Kiosks (SSKs), which are available 24 hours a day in many Post Office lobbies. These automated machines allow patrons to weigh packages, purchase stamps, and print shipping labels for Priority Mail. Customers with a Post Office Box usually have access to their mail through the lobby even when the retail counter is closed.
Delivery Schedules on Sundays and Federal Holidays
Delivery services are significantly curtailed on Sundays and federal holidays for the USPS. Sunday delivery is strictly limited to Priority Mail Express shipments and packages delivered under a special contract with Amazon. These deliveries are generally handled by a separate workforce focused exclusively on packages, not the regular letter carrier.
The USPS observes 11 federal holidays throughout the year, including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. During these holidays, all regular mail delivery is suspended and Post Office retail locations are closed. The only exception is the Priority Mail Express service, which may still be delivered. Private carriers often maintain partial or full delivery service on some of the lesser-observed holidays.