The question of whether packages are delivered on December 31st is answered not by a single rule, but by the specific policies of each major shipping company. New Year’s Eve delivery service is not uniform across the industry, meaning a package sent via one carrier may arrive while another is held until the new year. The varying schedules are dependent on the carrier’s relationship with the federal holiday calendar and their business model for the end-of-year period. Understanding the nuances of each service’s operation on this day is important for predicting the arrival of time-sensitive shipments.
Understanding the Delivery Landscape on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve (December 31st) is not recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. This is the primary reason why many commercial operations, including major carriers, continue to function. This differs significantly from New Year’s Day (January 1st), which is a federal holiday resulting in a widespread cessation of postal and delivery services. On December 31st, delivery services often modify their operating hours or limit service types rather than shutting down entirely.
United States Postal Service (USPS) Delivery Schedules
The United States Postal Service operates under the federal holiday calendar, which dictates its service levels for both mail and package delivery. On New Year’s Eve, the USPS typically maintains a regular schedule for the delivery of mail, which includes both letters and packages. Priority Mail Express, the USPS’s premium, expedited service, is guaranteed 365 days a year, including New Year’s Eve, regardless of whether it falls on a weekend or a weekday.
Local post office retail locations frequently operate on a modified schedule, often closing earlier in the afternoon. Customers needing to pick up mail or conduct in-person transactions should verify their local branch’s specific hours before visiting.
The distinction in service is most apparent when comparing December 31st to January 1st, which is a full federal holiday closure. If New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday, standard delivery operations remain. If it falls on a Sunday, the USPS follows the normal Sunday schedule, which is typically package delivery only. Regular mail collection from blue collection boxes may also be completed earlier in some areas.
FedEx Delivery Services on New Year’s Eve
FedEx generally treats New Year’s Eve as a period of normal operation for many of its core service tiers. Both FedEx Express (time-sensitive air shipments) and FedEx Ground (standard residential and business delivery) typically run their routes as usual. The FedEx Home Delivery service also operates on its standard schedule on December 31st.
Customers expecting packages via any of these services can rely on the posted estimated delivery dates. FedEx Office locations, which provide retail services for shipping and printing, are usually open but may close earlier than their standard operating times. The consistent operation across its major service types makes FedEx a reliable option for end-of-year shipments.
UPS Package Delivery and Store Operations
United Parcel Service (UPS) implements a selective delivery schedule on New Year’s Eve compared to its normal operating days. The company typically suspends its standard UPS Ground service for both delivery and pickup on December 31st. This means packages shipped via the most common and economical service will not move through the network on this day.
Delivery is restricted to expedited services, specifically UPS Air and International Air packages, which are considered premium, time-sensitive shipments. Pickup services are also only available for these Air and International Air packages, and often require prearrangement prior to the holiday.
The independently owned UPS Store locations generally have reduced hours or may be closed entirely, so checking with the local store is necessary for drop-offs or mailbox services. However, the specialized UPS Express Critical service remains available for extremely urgent shipments that require 24/7 service.
Amazon Delivery Logistics on December 31st
Amazon’s delivery logistics on December 31st are highly flexible due to their multi-carrier approach and extensive in-house network. Amazon uses its own delivery fleet, known as Amazon Logistics, which is not bound by the holiday constraints of traditional carriers. This operational independence allows Amazon to maintain a more aggressive delivery schedule, often extending into the evening, as Amazon Logistics works seven days a week in many regions.
The exact delivery window may be subject to minor shifts due to increased holiday volume and the general reduction in staffing across the broader logistics industry. Because Amazon utilizes the USPS, FedEx, and UPS for a portion of its shipments, the status of a specific package depends on which carrier handles the final mile delivery. The use of Amazon’s own drivers allows for a higher probability of delivery than with non-Amazon packages.
Tracking and Contingency Plans for Packages
Given the varied and modified schedules across the major carriers, the most effective tool for customers is the package tracking number. Users should rely on the carrier’s official tracking tool, which provides the most current status, including any unexpected delays or exceptions due to the holiday schedule. The estimated delivery date provided at the time of shipment may not fully account for the reduced staffing or service limitations imposed on New Year’s Eve.
If a tracking update indicates a package is “out for delivery” on December 31st but fails to arrive, the next step is to wait for the next business day. Since January 1st is a holiday for most carriers, the package will likely be held and processed for delivery on January 2nd when normal operations resume. Contacting the carrier before the third business day after the missed delivery is generally ineffective, as customer service representatives will only confirm the existing tracking status. Utilizing email or app notifications from the carrier can provide real-time alerts if a package is suddenly re-routed or delayed.