Is USPS Closed on Presidents’ Day? The Definitive Guide

Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed on Presidents’ Day. This means that there will be no regular mail delivery, and post office locations will be shuttered for the federal holiday. If you’re planning to send a package or need to visit your local post office, make sure to plan accordingly!

Navigating Mail Delivery on Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, falls on the third Monday of February each year. It’s a federal holiday, and like many other federal holidays, it impacts the operations of the USPS. While the absence of mail delivery can be inconvenient, understanding the implications allows you to manage your postal needs effectively.

Understanding the Holiday’s Impact on USPS Services

The closure extends beyond just your friendly neighborhood mail carrier taking the day off. It affects a wide range of USPS operations, including:

• Mail Delivery: No regular mail, including letters, flats, and packages, will be delivered.
• Post Office Locations: All brick-and-mortar post office locations will be closed.
• Package Pick-Up: Scheduled package pick-ups will not occur.
• Customer Service: Access to in-person customer service will be limited, as post office locations are closed.

Alternatives for Urgent Mailing Needs

Despite the closure, there are still some alternatives for those with urgent mailing needs:

• USPS Website: The USPS website remains operational, allowing you to track packages, order supplies, and access certain services online.
• Self-Service Kiosks: Some post office locations have self-service kiosks that may be accessible even on holidays. These kiosks allow you to purchase postage, ship packages, and perform other basic functions.
• Private Carriers: Companies like FedEx and UPS operate on Presidents’ Day, although they may have modified schedules. If you absolutely need to send something urgently, consider using a private carrier.

Presidents’ Day and Beyond: Planning Your Postal Activity

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead around federal holidays. Consider these tips for managing your postal activity around Presidents’ Day:

• Mail Early: If you need to send something around Presidents’ Day, aim to send it a few days earlier to ensure it reaches its destination on time.
• Track Your Packages: Utilize the USPS tracking feature to monitor the progress of your packages.
• Check the USPS Website: The USPS website is your go-to source for information about holiday closures, service disruptions, and other important updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About USPS and Presidents’ Day

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with more insights and clarity on how Presidents’ Day affects USPS operations:

FAQ 1: Will Priority Mail be delivered on Presidents’ Day?

No, Priority Mail is generally not delivered on Presidents’ Day. However, Priority Mail Express, the USPS’s premium service, might be delivered in certain areas. Check with your local post office for specific details.

FAQ 2: Will USPS tracking still work on Presidents’ Day?

Yes, the USPS tracking system will still be functional on Presidents’ Day. You can track your packages online even though there is no active delivery. The system will reflect any updates once mail service resumes.

FAQ 3: Can I still drop off mail in a blue collection box on Presidents’ Day?

While you technically can, it’s generally not recommended. Mail will not be collected until the next business day, so your mail will sit in the box for longer. If it contains sensitive information, it’s better to wait until the day after Presidents’ Day to drop it off.

FAQ 4: Are all USPS employees off on Presidents’ Day?

While the majority of USPS employees have the day off, some essential personnel may be working behind the scenes to ensure smooth operations when mail service resumes.

FAQ 5: Will passport services be available at USPS on Presidents’ Day?

No, passport services at USPS locations will not be available on Presidents’ Day, as the post offices are closed.

FAQ 6: Does Presidents’ Day affect international mail delivery?

Yes, international mail delivery is also affected by the USPS closure on Presidents’ Day. Expect delays in the processing and delivery of international packages.

FAQ 7: If I have a P.O. Box, can I still access it on Presidents’ Day?

Access to P.O. Boxes may vary by location. Some post offices allow 24/7 access to P.O. Boxes, while others do not. Check with your local post office to confirm their policy.

FAQ 8: What other holidays does USPS observe with closures?

Besides Presidents’ Day, the USPS observes several other federal holidays with closures, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

FAQ 9: Where can I find the official USPS holiday schedule?

The official USPS holiday schedule is available on the USPS website. It’s a good resource to bookmark for future reference.

FAQ 10: If I have a business account with USPS, will that be affected?

Yes, business accounts are also affected by the Presidents’ Day closure. There will be no mail pick-up or delivery services for business customers on that day.

FAQ 11: Will the Postal Police be working on Presidents’ Day?

Yes, the Postal Police continue their essential law enforcement duties even on federal holidays, ensuring the security and integrity of the mail system.

FAQ 12: What happens if Presidents’ Day falls on a Sunday?

If Presidents’ Day falls on a Sunday, the USPS typically observes the holiday on the following Monday, meaning that the closure and service disruptions will still occur on that Monday.