LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Christmas is 12 days away, and while a lot of you are probably done with all of your holiday shopping and shipping, a lot are not.
Early Friday morning, employees at the post office in Lakewood were already busy as elves sorting holiday mail. The postal service says between now and Christmas, they'll deliver around 28 million packages every single day.
If you're a last-minute shopper, there are some important deadlines to remember to make sure those presents are present by Christmas morning.
USPS
Starting with the U.S. Postal Service, the most important date to remember is Saturday, Dec. 14. That's the last day to send ground shipments.
If that's cutting it too close December 20, a week away, is the deadline to ship out First Class mail, but you will have to pay more.
UPS
Better get going because Friday, Dec. 13 is the last day to send out ground packages.
And again, a week from now, December 20, is the last day to send Second Day Air Mail.
FedEx
You have until Monday, December 16 for ground delivery.
December 20 for two-day shipping.
If you are really last minute, they offer same-day city delivery on Christmas Day, but that comes with a hefty price tag.
Amazon
Lastly, if you’re ordering gifts from Amazon, Saturday, Dec. 14 is the last day for free shipping if you're not a Prime member.
December 22 is the deadline Prime members.
Check the shipping options on your items, as many third-party items aren’t eligible for Prime shipping.
Other Online Vendors
Of course, if you’re ordering online, all of the shipping time lines are different, so make sure to check it out before you buy.
Avoid shipping mistakes
The employees as the post office in Lakewood showed News 5's Jessi Schultz some common mailing mistakes, and how to avoid them to make sure your gifts arrive on time and intact at the right house. Watch her video to learn more:
