DIY gift wrappers and shippers, here are your deadlines from USPS, UPS and FedEx

Experienced holiday shoppers know out-of-town gifts need their attention now.

It’s time to start shipping. UPS says the busiest days for shipping are Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. That makes sense since the organized among us follow a weekend of shopping with a packed box ready to go on Monday.

DIY shippers may notice a little bump up in prices in this year of inflation. FedEx and UPS have raised shipping rates by about 6%, a bit more than the usual annual rate increases.

Individual retailers have their own deadlines for free shipping and guaranteed deliveries. In major markets with lots of stores, last-minute deliveries are being offered as chains hire local services to drive your gift to the recipient.

But don’t expect Christmas miracles. Even Amazon Prime free same-day delivery isn’t available on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Nordstrom guarantees free shipping on orders made by 7 p.m. Dec. 17.

Walmart says for the best chance of getting shipped items by Christmas, check the estimated delivery date during checkout. Cutoff dates vary by carrier and depend on where the order is shipped.

U.S. Postal Service: The recommended send-by date for regular ground service and first-class mail is Dec. 17. After that, there are still send-by dates, but the rates are higher for Priority Mail sent by Dec. 19 and Priority Mail Express Service by Dec. 23.

UPS: Monday, Dec. 19, is the last day for normal pickup and delivery service. Next-day service on Dec. 24 will not mean Dec. 25. Packages picked on Christmas Eve will arrive Tuesday, Dec. 27. Tuesday, Dec. 20, is the last day to ship UPS 3 Day Select packages to be delivered on Dec. 23, and only some areas can expect Dec. 24 deliveries.

FedEx: The last day to ship FedEx Ground is Dec. 14. FedEx 3Day service ends Dec. 20, 2Day on Dec. 21 and 1Day on Dec. 22. FedEx SameDay service ends Dec. 23.

Tips for successful shipping

UPS principal scientist Ranganath Nuggehalli suggests three things consumers can do to make sure their shipped packages arrive on time:

1. Plan in advance. Give yourself a deadline for when you’re going to ship it.

2. Use a good shipping carton and make sure it can support the weight because it if breaks, that delays shipping. Someone will have to repackage it.

3. Make sure the address is correct and legible. Include the address label inside the package in case the carton is damaged and something happens to the label.