Post Messenger Recorder -

The New Glarus Post Office has announced the 2016 holiday mailing and shipping deadlines for domestic and international destinations as customers begin to prepare for the busy shopping and shipping season. Customers are encouraged to ship early.

“To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages during the holidays within the United States by December 25th, the Postal Service recommends that customers ship early this year,” said New Glarus Postmaster Ann Marty. The Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

Mail-by Dates Domestic Services

December 15 – USPS Retail Ground: Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

December 20 – First-Class Mail: Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in three business days or less.

December 21 – Priority Mail: Domestic service in one, two or three business days based on where the package is mailed and where it’s being sent, variety of flat-rate options.

December 23 – Priority Mail Express: Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed between December 22 and December 25.

Complete details on Mailing and Shipping services can be found on usps.com.

Mail-by Dates International Services

Customers mailing internationally during the holidays are advised to review the chart below for specific deadlines based on the locations they are mailing to and the service they are using. When mailing and shipping internationally, customers must also follow necessary customs guidelines. Visit the International Shipping page on usps.com for more information.

International Mail Addressed to Africa: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 20, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 8, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 1, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 1, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Asia/Pacific Rim: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 20, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 15, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 8, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Australia/New Zealand: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 20, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 15, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 8, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Canada: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 22, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 17, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 10, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Caribbean: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 22, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 15, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 10, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Central and South America: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 21, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 10, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 1, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 1, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Mexico: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 21, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 15, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 8, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Europe: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 21, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 15, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 10, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

International Mail Addressed to Middle East: Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)*** – December 19, 2016. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) – December 15, 2016. Priority Mail International (PMI) – December 10, 2016. First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – December 8, 2016.

***GXG Notes: 1 – Cutoff date does not take into account time needed for customs clearance. 2 – Should allocate extra transit day(s) for delivery outside major cities.

Mail-by Dates (Military)

The Postal Service is committed to ensuring those serving in the nation’s armed forces and diplomatic service receive their presents, care packages and cards in time for the holidays. Complete military mailing deadlines to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide, as well as tips and guidelines, can be found at: http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2016/pr16_080.htm.

Shipping Supplies

As an added convenience, the Postal Service offers a wide variety of shipping supplies in multiple sizes at local Post Offices and online at usps.com. Some supplies, such as Priority Mail products, can also be delivered to the sender free of charge by going to usps.com/freeboxes.

Customers may also ship using their own materials. As a reminder, all packages weighing more than 13 ounces and bearing only stamps as postage cannot be deposited in collection boxes or given to letter carriers. These packages must be presented to a Postal Service employee at a retail window counter.