Whether you’ve just ordered the latest video game console or a new pair of shoes, waiting for the mail can feel so long. You can’t wait to get your hands on your new stuff, and you just want the mail carrier to arrive already!
If this sounds like you, step away from the window and stop checking your tracking updates. We’ve got a detailed guide about when USPS trucks go out for delivery. Keep reading to find out when you’ll get your new purchase.
When Do USPS Trucks Go Out For Delivery?
In general, USPS trucks leave their respective post offices Monday through Saturday around 9:00 AM. They start their deliveries soon after. Homes and businesses at the end of a route may have to wait until 5:00 PM for delivery. Traditionally Sundays are not delivery days, but there are exceptions for Amazon orders and Priority Mail packages.
If you still have questions about when you’ll receive your package, then keep reading!
What Time Do USPS Trucks Start Delivering Packages?
There’s no set time for USPS trucks to start delivering packages, however, the majority of carriers start their routes between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
What time carriers leave for their routes is dependent on a few factors. First is location. Rural mail carriers can arrive at their post office as early as 7:00 AM, whereas those in cities may not start until 8:00 AM.
Carriers spend the first hour or so of their day sorting mail and loading their trucks to get ready for their route.
If there’s a lot of mail or a carrier is subbing for a colleague, preparation may take longer.
How Late Do USPS Trucks Deliver?
Most carriers finish their routes around 5:00 PM, however, it can be later in some cases. If your home or business is at the end of a route, you’ll receive your mail and packages in the late afternoon.
If you’re located earlier on the route, you will receive your mail anytime from 9:00 AM onward.
What Time Do USPS Trucks Start Delivering Packages On Saturday?
For USPS mail carriers, Saturday is treated the same as Monday through Friday. They start their deliveries around 9:00 AM and finish at about 5:00 PM.
In general, most USPS packages arrive by 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. However, they can be delivered as late as 6:30 PM during peak seasons, like Christmas, or during times of disruption, like inclement weather.
Packages sent with a guaranteed delivery service like Priority Mail Express should arrive by 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
Still, once again, if things are particularly busy or the weather is bad, you may be waiting until 6:30 PM for guaranteed packages to arrive.
USPS Overnight packages should arrive between 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturdays. If they don’t, you can ask for a refund of the shipping fees.
Do USPS Trucks Deliver On Sundays?
As a general rule, USPS Trucks do not deliver personal mail on Sundays. However, there are some exceptions.
Priority Mail packages, as well as Amazon packages, can be delivered by USPS on Sundays.
In the case of Priority Mail, USPS engages in a contract with the customer to ensure delivery within a certain time frame.
If that means delivering on Sundays to fulfill that commitment, then you may receive a Priority Mail package on a Sunday.
It’s a similar situation with Amazon. USPS has a contract with the online retailer to fulfill shipments. If you pay for guaranteed delivery through Amazon, then it’s possible you’ll receive your package on a Sunday.
You may also see USPS trucks out for deliveries on Sundays during the holiday season. USPS gives their employees healthy bonuses and overtime hours to keep up with the massive shipping volumes seen in December.
Are There Any Days USPS Trucks Don’t Go Out For Delivery?
There are a few days of the year when USPS trucks don’t deliver.
These mail holidays almost always coincide with major federal holidays that close government offices and banks—think of holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Fourth of July.
You can see the full list of holidays here.
In addition to federal holidays, most USPS trucks don’t deliver on Sundays. That being said, USPS may deliver Amazon packages and Priority Mail on Sundays.
To know more about USPS delivery, you can also read our posts on whether or not USPS delivers on Saturdays, what “out for delivery” means in USPS, and if USPS sends text messages.
