Is the Mail Delivered on Veterans Day? A Complete Guide

Veterans Day is an important occasion in the United States, honoring the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This federal holiday is observed annually on November 11 and is a day of remembrance, appreciation, and tribute to veterans. Many people pause to reflect and honor those who served, and numerous public ceremonies are held nationwide.

However, Veterans Day raises practical questions, particularly about whether certain services, like mail delivery, will operate. Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day, or should you expect delays? In this guide, we will break down which mail services remain available, if any, and provide essential tips for managing your mail around this holiday.

Keynotes

1. USPS does not deliver regular mail on Veterans Day, except for USPS Priority Mail Express.
2. Only express services like FedEx Express, FedEx Custom Critical, and UPS Express Critical operate on Veterans Day.
3. Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so most mail services pause operations to allow employees to honor veterans.
4. Plan shipments early, use express options for urgent needs and check with local couriers that may still operate.
5. Besides Veterans Day, major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas also see limited mail services.

1. Is the USPS Mail Delivered on Veterans Day?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is often the first point of inquiry for people wondering, “Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day?” The USPS is a government-run entity, meaning it adheres to federal holiday schedules. Veterans Day is recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, so regular USPS services, including mail pickup and delivery, are paused for the day.

However, there is one exception: USPS Priority Mail Express. This premium service is the only USPS option that continues operating on Veterans Day. USPS Priority Mail Express is designed for urgent shipments, offering guaranteed overnight to 2-day delivery, even on holidays. So, while standard mail and packages will not be delivered, items shipped with Priority Mail Express will still reach their destination.

• For those wondering, "Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day by USPS?" the answer is generally no, except for Priority Mail Express.

2. FedEx and Veterans Day Delivery: What to Expect

Aside from USPS, many people turn to FedEx for their delivery needs. FedEx operates independently of the federal government, so their holiday schedule is slightly different. On Veterans Day, FedEx provides limited services:

• FedEx Express and FedEx Custom Critical are operational on Veterans Day, ensuring that urgent or time-sensitive shipments are delivered. However, most other FedEx services, including FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery, will not operate as usual.
• If you rely on standard FedEx services, it’s best to plan for delivery on the day before or after Veterans Day.

So, for anyone asking, "Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day through FedEx?", the answer is yes, but only with specific, expedited services.

3. UPS Veterans Day Schedule: Will UPS Deliver Mail on Veterans Day?

Much like FedEx, UPS (United Parcel Service) does not follow federal holiday closures, but they do have a modified schedule for certain holidays, including Veterans Day. UPS provides the following limited services:

• UPS Express Critical remains available for urgent deliveries, ensuring that time-sensitive shipments reach their destinations. This service includes customized transportation for critical shipments and operates on holidays.
• UPS Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air, and other standard delivery services do not operate on Veterans Day, so customers using these options should plan for alternative delivery dates.

For those wondering, "Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day by UPS?" the answer is yes, but only via UPS Express Critical, while other services are paused.

Why Does Mail Not Get Delivered on Veterans Day?

The reason mail services are often limited on Veterans Day is tied to the nature of the holiday. Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning that all non-essential government services, including USPS, close to allow employees time to honor the contributions of military veterans. Similar to holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day, the day is recognized by closing government offices and suspending regular postal operations.

FedEx and UPS, though private entities, also observe Veterans Day with modified schedules out of respect for the holiday. By limiting services, these companies give employees time to participate in Veterans Day events, be with their families, or take a well-deserved break.

Tips for Managing Your Mail Around Veterans Day

Knowing that Veterans Day can cause delays in mail delivery, here are some helpful tips to manage your mailing needs effectively:

1. Plan Your Shipments: If you need to send an important document, gift, or package around Veterans Day, try to ship it a day or two in advance to avoid holiday delays.
2. Consider Using Express Options: For urgent items, consider using USPS Priority Mail Express, FedEx Express, or UPS Express Critical. While these options are typically more expensive, they ensure that your package arrives on time.
3. Double-Check with Your Courier Service: It’s always a good idea to check the latest holiday schedules of USPS, FedEx, or UPS, as some local or region-specific adjustments could be made for the holiday.
4. Explore Local Courier Alternatives: Some local delivery services may remain open on Veterans Day, so if you have a same-day or next-day delivery need, check with local couriers to see if they offer services on this federal holiday.

Are There Any Other Holidays with Limited or No Mail Delivery?

In addition to Veterans Day, other federal holidays also result in limited or no mail delivery. These include:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

On these dates, regular mail services are typically closed, and only select express services may operate. Being aware of these holidays can help you plan your mail delivery needs throughout the year.

Final Thoughts: Prepare in Advance for Veterans Day

In summary, the answer to "Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day?" largely depends on the courier and the specific service level. For most standard services, Veterans Day means a pause in operations, but express options like USPS Priority Mail Express, FedEx Express, and UPS Express Critical are available for urgent needs. Knowing the schedules and planning can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that your shipments arrive on time.

Veterans Day serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. military veterans, and pausing certain services allows everyone to take a moment to honor them. Whether you’re sending or receiving mail around this holiday, a little preparation can help everything go smoothly.

Disclaimer: 

This article provides general information regarding mail services on Veterans Day. Please check with USPS, FedEx, or UPS for any specific updates or changes to their holiday schedules.

FAQs

1. Is the mail delivered on Veterans Day for standard services? 

No, standard USPS, FedEx, and UPS services are generally not available on Veterans Day, though certain express options remain active. 

2. Will packages from Amazon be delivered on Veterans Day?

Amazon uses a variety of couriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, so delivery may depend on the carrier. Check your tracking information for updates. 

3. Are all post offices closed on Veterans Day?

Yes, all USPS post offices are closed on Veterans Day in observance of the federal holiday.