Holiday Shipping Deadlines Start This Week

It seems shipping holiday gifts becomes more and more popular each year. FedEx reportedly had its busiest day ever Monday, shipping more than 17 million packages around the world, according to the Associated Press.

With shipping becoming as busy as the mall on Black Friday, it might take some extra effort to ensure that your gifts arrive to their locations safely and on-time.

Derrick Jackson, community engagement director for the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, said package theft has not been an issue in the county this year, but encourages residents to exercise caution.

"We haven't seen anything out of the ordinary yet," Jackson said. "I'm sure (package theft) happens. During the holiday times we encourage residents to ensure that their packages are sent to a trustworthy location where someone they know can sign for the package."

Getting a tracking number for a package can also help residents keep an eye on their shipments.

Devik Patel, manager of the UPS Store in Chelsea, said the number of package shipments are up drastically this year.

"Every year around this time we're extremely busy with shipping," Patel said.

To ensure that your gifts arrive by Christmas, here's holiday shipping information from the three big companies in and around Dexter, according to their websites:

United States Postal Service

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon, closed Sunday.

USPS Shipping Deadlines for Mail to Arrive by Christmas

For more details on international and military shipping, visit the USPS website.

FedEx

There are several drop-off locations around Dexter:

• U.S. Postal Service (outside), 3140 Baker Rd., latest drop-off time is 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• , latest drop-off time is 7:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Birchwood West (outside), 6095 Jackson Rd., latest drop-off time is 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Chelsea Shopping Center (outside), 1040 S Main St., latest drop-off time is 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information on transit times, visit FedEx's website.

UPS

Holiday hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24.

Shipping deadlines: The company does not have a guaranteed shipping deadline for ground or standard delivery packages to arrive by Christmas. The recommended deadline for domestic shipping is Dec. 13.

Delivery times vary based on location. To calculate the estimated time and cost to mail your package, use UPS' online tool.

UPS Next Day Air packages picked up Dec. 22 will be delivered Dec. 23.