The Post Office and Royal Mail have issued a joint and urgent reminder to customers across the United Kingdom, advising them to check final recommended posting dates for domestic services immediately. With the festive season fast approaching, both organisations are urging the public to act this week to ensure Christmas cards and parcels reach their destinations in time for December 25th.
Key Deadlines for UK Christmas Mail Services
The companies have published a comprehensive list of last recommended posting dates for a range of services. Royal Mail's 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For deadline has already passed on Wednesday, December 17. For those relying on faster services, critical upcoming dates include Royal Mail Tracked 48 on Friday, December 19, and Royal Mail 1st Class on Saturday, December 20. The final opportunity for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by Tuesday, December 23.
Courier Service Cut-Offs: DPD, Evri, and Parcelforce
Other major couriers have also outlined their festive schedules. For DPD Next Day services to most UK postcodes, the last day to post is Monday, December 22. However, customers in remote areas, including parts of Scotland (such as HS, KW15-KW17, and ZE postcodes), faced a much earlier deadline of Wednesday, December 17. Similarly, Evri's Standard Tracked service must be sent by Friday, December 19, while their Next Day Tracked cut-off is Monday, December 22. Parcelforce Worldwide's express48 service also concludes on Friday, December 19.
Post Early to Avoid Festive Disappointment
In their official guidance, Royal Mail emphasised the need for prompt action. They stated: "Allow plenty of time for posting this Christmas. Post items and gifts early, particularly for international deliveries. Last posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. It's always advisable to post as early as possible." The core message from both the Post Office and Royal Mail is clear: checking dates now and posting well ahead of the final deadlines is the only way to guarantee your festive greetings and gifts are delivered on time.
