Key Points:
- The absolute last posting date when sending packages in the UK in time for Christmas Day is December 23rd when shipping with Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
- With Easyship, you can save money on your shipping costs and view the cheapest and fastest shipping options for your convenience
The John Lewis advert is out and the lights have been switched on in Oxford Street. Christmas has arrived in the UK and with it, the need for online retailers to prepare for the rush of holiday shopping. You've probably been planning your campaigns and preparing your inventory for months now. But if you want to ensure your orders reach your customers in time, you'll want to be aware of the last posting dates for the UK and make sure your fulfillment processes can keep up with the holiday demand.
With the high street shops getting packed out during the holiday season and shoppers getting pressed for time, it's no surprise that British consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping to make their Christmas purchases. In 2021, sales over the Christmas period in the UK reached a whopping £84.17 billion! In 2022 sales are expected to reach around £82.2 billion which is a drop of 6.3%. According to Statista, 36% of British shoppers between 18-35 years old were likely to spend more money on Christmas gifts than other ages.
That's why it's so important to know the last UK posting dates ahead of the holidays. And if you need help managing couriers, Easyship is here to make sure your fulfillment solutions are prepped and ready for the holiday rush.
Table of Contents
2022 Holiday Delivery Cutoffs in the UK
During the holiday season, you'll probably need to deliver your customers' orders by key dates, like December 25. Of course, that means everyone needs to be aware of the last posting dates possible with each courier. So once you've updated your website with holiday shipping rates and methods, don't forget to make sure to tell your customers the last posting dates for Christmas.
What are Royal Mail’s Last Christmas Posting Dates for 2022?
The UK's Royal Mail last posting dates for Christmas are pretty generous, but if you're going to cut it that close, there's no room for error.
| Service | Holiday Ship By Date |
|---|---|
| Royal Mail 2nd Class | December 19, 2022 |
| Royal Mail First Class | December 21, 2022 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 48 | December 21, 2022 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | December 22, 2022 |
| Royal Mail Special Delivery (Guaranteed by 9 am) | December 23, 2022 |
Parcelforce Worldwide Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2022
For last-minute shoppers, Parcelforce will make sure any panic orders will be sitting under the Christmas tree before the big day even, as their last day for Christmas post is two days before the holiday.
| Service | Holiday Ship By Date |
|---|---|
| Two-day Services | December 21, 2022 |
| Next Day Services | December 22, 2022 |
Evri Last Posting Dates for 2022
Earlier orders make your job as an eCommerce retailer much easier. If you can encourage customers to place their orders well before the last day for Christmas post, you can use Evri's Courier Collection to have all your orders picked up and shipped off with minimal hassle to you. Just remember to meet the UK's last posting dates for 2022.
| Service | Holiday Ship By Date |
|---|---|
| Courier Collection | December 20, 2022 |
| Standard Parcelshop Dropoff | December 21, 2022 by 12pm |
| Next Day Parcelshop Dropoff | December 22, 2022 by 12pm |
2022 Domestic and International Holiday Delivery Deadlines
Now that you're aware of all the last posting dates in the UK, try our free shipping calculator to see how much you can save on your shipping costs this holiday season.
The holiday season is the busiest — and most profitable — day for every business. Do you have your holiday logistics ready? If not, we're happy to help. We've got a shipping checklist ready for you to tick off, so you're all ready to give your customers a memorable Christmas. Remember, the dates above are the latest recommended posting dates so don't leave it too late.
Happy shipping, and happy holidays! Sign up for a free Easyship account today for stress-free holiday shipping.
Last Posting Dates UK FAQ
When are the Christmas holidays?
Christmas Day 2022 falls on Sunday the 25th of December. This means that Boxing Day falls on Monday the 26th, and Tuesday the 27th is a Christmas Day (substitute) bank holiday.
When is the best time to start sending out Christmas shipments?
It is always best to be prepared and get your Christmas shipments out as early as possible before the mad rush. However, if you have left things to the last minute then referring to the last posting dates guide in this article will ensure that your packages will still arrive in time for Christmas.
Is Royal Mail delivering over Christmas?
Yes, Royal Mail will be working hard and delivering packages up until Christmas Eve.
