USPS Saturday Delivery on Holidays: Understanding the Rules

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a specific policy regarding Saturday delivery when there is a holiday. This article will clarify when and when not to expect deliveries on the weekend.

Overview of USPS Sunday and Saturday Delivery

USPS has consistently delivered mail on Saturdays for the past half-century, and this policy is now being legally mandated for the foreseeable future. However, this does not apply to all holidays. Whether the postal service delivers on a Saturday depends on the specific circumstances and the nature of the holiday.

Exceptions to USPS Saturday Delivery

When USPS Does Not Deliver on Saturday During Holidays

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the USPS will not deliver on that particular day. For example, during the 2022 Veterans Day holiday, which fell on a Friday, the USPS would deliver and its offices would open on Thursday, November 10th, and reopen on Monday, November 14th. However, there would be no delivery on Friday, November 11th or Saturday, November 12th.

Holidays with No Delivery

Here is a list of holidays where USPS will not deliver on a Saturday:

New Year’s Day Christmas Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents Day Memorial Day Independence Day (Fourth of July) Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

Exceptions With Contract Delivery

There are rare exceptions to this rule, particularly with contract deliveries. In these cases, while the USPS will not deliver on a Saturday, some mail may be delivered at an additional cost under contract. However, this is not a common practice and only applies to specific contracts.

USPS's Longstanding Commitment to Saturday Mail Delivery

USPS has historically delivered mail on Saturdays. This tradition has been in place since its inception, as the Post Office Department and the Postal Service since its establishment in 1971. In 2021, Congress passed legislation that mandates six-day mail delivery from Monday to Saturday.

This legislation ensures that USPS continues to deliver mail every Saturday, promoting reliability and customer satisfaction. While there have been occasional discussions about reducing Saturday mail delivery, these plans have not been implemented.

Freedom of Choice for USPS Deliveries

Despite the mandated six-day delivery schedule, USPS gives customers the freedom to choose whether they receive mail on Saturdays, Fridays, or both, through its delivery preference service. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor their mail delivery schedule to their specific needs.

Conclusion

Understanding when USPS will or will not deliver on a Saturday is crucial for planning and time management. The USPS has a strong commitment to delivery services, as demonstrated by its long-standing tradition of delivering mail every Saturday. By adhering to these rules, the USPS ensures a consistent and reliable service for its customers.

Always check the USPS website or contact local post offices for the most up-to-date information on delivery schedules and special events that might affect mail delivery.