Table of Contents

Is USPS Closed on Memorial Day? Your Definitive Guide

Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed on Memorial Day. There will be no regular mail delivery, and post office locations will be shuttered in observance of this federal holiday honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Plan accordingly for your mailing and shipping needs!

Understanding USPS Operations on Memorial Day

Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of May, is a solemn day of remembrance. Consequently, most government agencies, including the USPS, observe this holiday with reduced or suspended services. It’s crucial to understand the implications for your mail and package handling.

Impact on Mail Delivery

On Memorial Day, you can expect the following concerning USPS mail delivery:

No Regular Mail Delivery: This includes letters, postcards, magazines, and standard packages. Your regular mail carrier will not be making their rounds.
Priority Mail Express Exceptions: While most services are suspended, Priority Mail Express is typically delivered even on holidays, albeit with potential delays depending on location. Check with your local post office for specific details.
No Package Pickups: Scheduled package pickups through USPS are generally not available on Memorial Day.

Post Office Closures

All USPS post office locations will be closed on Memorial Day. This means:

No Retail Services: You cannot purchase stamps, ship packages, or access other retail services at the post office.
No PO Box Access (in some cases): While some post offices allow 24/7 access to PO Boxes, this may be restricted on holidays. It’s best to check with your local post office beforehand.
Automated Postal Centers (APCs): Some APCs, offering self-service kiosks, might be available. However, their functionality could be limited, and it’s not a reliable option for all postal needs.

Planning Ahead for Mailing Needs

Knowing that the USPS is closed on Memorial Day, proactive planning is essential:

Mail Early: If you need to send mail or packages around Memorial Day, aim to do so before the holiday weekend.
Utilize Drop Boxes: For letters and smaller packages, consider using USPS drop boxes located in various areas. Keep in mind pickup times may be limited.
Explore Alternative Carriers: For urgent shipments, consider using private carriers like FedEx or UPS, though they might also have modified schedules. Check their holiday service information for details.
Online Services: Utilize the USPS website (usps.com) for online services like printing postage, scheduling pickups (for the following business day), and tracking packages.

Resumption of Regular Services

Regular USPS services will resume on the Tuesday following Memorial Day. Be prepared for potential delays as the postal service catches up with accumulated mail.

FAQs About USPS and Memorial Day

Here are answers to common questions regarding USPS operations on Memorial Day:

1. Will my Priority Mail be delivered on Memorial Day?

While Priority Mail Express generally operates on holidays, standard Priority Mail will not be delivered. Check with your local post office for specific details concerning Priority Mail Express in your area, as some locations may experience limited service.

2. Can I still access my PO Box on Memorial Day?

Access to PO Boxes may be restricted on Memorial Day, depending on the post office location. Some offer 24/7 access, while others might have holiday closures. Contact your local post office to confirm their PO Box access policy for the holiday.

3. Are UPS and FedEx also closed on Memorial Day?

While USPS is closed on Memorial Day, UPS and FedEx operate with modified schedules. Typically, they offer limited services, and it’s best to check their official websites or contact them directly for specific holiday service information. Expect potential delays.

4. What happens if I have a package to pick up at the post office on Memorial Day?

If you have a package to pick up at the post office, you will have to wait until the next business day (the Tuesday following Memorial Day). Post offices are closed on Memorial Day.

5. Can I schedule a package pickup for Memorial Day?

No, you cannot schedule a package pickup for Memorial Day through the USPS. Scheduled pickups are suspended on holidays. You can schedule a pickup for the following business day.

6. Will Informed Delivery still work on Memorial Day?

Yes, the USPS Informed Delivery service, which provides digital previews of your mail, will still send you a notification of what mail is scheduled to be delivered. However, keep in mind, mail delivery will not happen on Memorial Day.

7. What are my options for mailing something urgently on Memorial Day?

For urgent shipments on Memorial Day, consider using private carriers like FedEx or UPS, though they might also have modified schedules. Check their holiday service information for details. Priority Mail Express may also be an option, but confirm with your local post office.

8. Will the USPS website be operational on Memorial Day?

Yes, the USPS website (usps.com) remains operational 24/7, even on Memorial Day. You can use it to track packages, purchase postage, and access other online services, but note that no mail processing or delivery will occur on the holiday.

9. How far in advance should I mail something to ensure it arrives before Memorial Day?

To ensure your mail arrives before Memorial Day, aim to send it at least 3-5 business days prior. This allows for potential processing and transit delays.

10. Does the closure on Memorial Day affect international mail?

Yes, the closure of USPS on Memorial Day also affects international mail that is processed through the USPS. International shipments will experience the same delay as domestic mail.

11. If Memorial Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, is USPS still closed on the following Monday?

Yes, if Memorial Day falls on a Saturday, the USPS typically observes the holiday on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. In both cases, regular mail delivery and post office services are suspended.

12. Where can I find the USPS holiday schedule for the entire year?

The complete USPS holiday schedule can be found on the official USPS website (usps.com). This schedule outlines all the federal holidays observed by the postal service, providing a helpful resource for planning your mailing and shipping activities throughout the year. It’s a great bookmark for your browser!