Every February, Americans pause to honor the nation’s leaders, past and present. But amidst the sales and the long weekend plans, a practical question often pops up for business owners and residents alike: Is the mail running?
It’s a valid concern. Whether you are waiting for a critical check, trying to ship out customer orders, or just wondering if you need to walk down to the mailbox, knowing the U.S. Postal Service schedule is essential.
This guide clarifies exactly how the USPS President’s Day closure affects mail delivery, post office hours, and what alternatives you have if you absolutely need to ship something on the holiday.
Is the Post Office Open on President’s Day?
The short answer is no. President’s Day is a federal holiday, which means most federal institutions, including the U.S. Postal Service, pause regular operations.
On President’s Day, you can expect the following:
- USPS Retail Locations: Closed. You cannot walk in to buy stamps, weigh packages, or speak to a clerk.
- Regular Mail Delivery: Suspended. There will be no residential or business delivery of standard mail, magazines, or standard packages.
- Blue Collection Boxes: Mail dropped in blue collection boxes on the holiday will not be picked up until the following business day.
While this might be inconvenient for some, it is consistent with how the USPS handles most major federal holidays. The break allows postal workers to observe the holiday alongside other federal employees.
USPS post offices are closed on President’s Day, and regular mail delivery is suspended. Only Priority Mail Express is delivered.
Exceptions to the Rule: Priority Mail Express
Although regular services are halted, the U.S. Postal Service does not shut down completely. Critical infrastructure still operates behind the scenes.
The most notable exception is Priority Mail Express. This service operates 365 days a year. If you have a Priority Mail Express package scheduled for delivery on President’s Day, it should still arrive. However, this applies only to this specific premium service. Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Media Mail will all wait until Tuesday.
When is President’s Day 2026?
President’s Day is observed on the third Monday of February each year. Because it is not a fixed date like Christmas or New Year’s Day, it shifts slightly every year.
- 2025: Monday, February 17
- 2026: Monday, February 16
Knowing these dates in advance helps small business owners and frequent shippers plan their schedules. If you are marking your calendar for next year, remember that the third Monday rule always applies.
Why Does the USPS Close on President’s Day?
The closure stems from the holiday’s status as a federal observance. President’s Day, officially designated as Washington’s Birthday in federal code (5 U.S.C. 6103), is one of several holidays where non-essential federal offices close.
The U.S. Postal Service operates as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States federal government. Consequently, when the federal government observes a holiday, the USPS usually follows suit.
This is distinct from private carriers like UPS or FedEx, which are private companies and set their own holiday schedules (though they often modify service on federal holidays as well).
USPS Holiday Schedule: What Other Days are Affected?
It is helpful to look at the bigger picture. The USPS announces post office closures generally for these federal holidays throughout the year:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday: Third Monday in January
- President’s Day: Third Monday in February
- Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19
- Independence Day: July 4
- Labor Day: First Monday in September
- Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
- Veterans Day: November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day: December 25
On these days, standard mail stops. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the USPS typically observes it on the following Monday, extending the closure.
How Does This Affect Small Businesses?
For e-commerce sellers and small business owners, a USPS President’s Day closure can cause a bottleneck if not managed correctly.
If you promised a customer 2-day shipping and shipped it the Saturday before President’s Day, the “clock” for shipping days essentially pauses on Monday. A package dropped off on Saturday afternoon might not move significantly until Tuesday morning.
Tips for Business Owners:
- Communicate Early: Put a banner on your website or send an email blast reminding customers that orders placed over the long weekend will ship on Tuesday.
- Adjust Handling Times: If you sell on platforms like eBay or Etsy, ensure your handling time accounts for the federal holiday to avoid “late shipment” penalties.
- Use Self-Service Kiosks: While the retail counter is closed, the lobby in many post offices remains open. You can use the Automated Postal Center (APC) kiosks to weigh packages, print labels, and buy postage. You can then drop packages in the self-serve drum (if they fit), ready for the first pickup on Tuesday.
Alternatives: Are UPS and FedEx Open?
If you have an urgent shipment that cannot wait until Tuesday, private carriers might be your solution.
UPS on President’s Day
Generally, UPS is open on President’s Day.
- Pickup and Delivery: Available for most services.
- UPS Store Locations: Most are open, though hours may vary by location.
- UPS SurePost: This service, which utilizes the USPS for final delivery, will likely be delayed since the postal leg of the journey won’t happen on Monday.
FedEx on President’s Day
Similarly, FedEx is typically open on President’s Day.
- FedEx Express and FedEx Ground: Operational.
- FedEx Home Delivery: Operational.
- FedEx Office: Most locations are open, but it is wise to call ahead.
- FedEx SmartPost: Like UPS SurePost, this service relies on the USPS for final delivery and will experience delays.
While these services are open, keep in mind that “standard” delivery times might still be impacted by the general slowdown of business commerce on a federal holiday.
What Can You Do at the Post Office on a Holiday?
Just because the counter is closed doesn’t mean the building is entirely inaccessible.
Lobby Access: Many post office lobbies remain unlocked 24/7 or have extended hours even when the counter is closed. This allows you to check your PO Box.
PO Box Mail: While no new mail is distributed to PO Boxes on President’s Day, you can still access any mail that was placed in your box on Saturday or before.
Postage Meters & Kiosks: As mentioned earlier, self-service kiosks are a lifesaver. You can print Priority Mail labels and purchase stamps. Just remember that anything you drop in the bin stays there until Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive Amazon packages on President’s Day?
It depends on the carrier. If Amazon is using its own delivery network (Amazon Logistics), UPS, or FedEx, you will likely receive your package. If Amazon shipped the item via USPS, it will not be delivered on President’s Day unless it is Priority Mail Express.
Can I still buy stamps on President’s Day?
You cannot buy them from a postal clerk. However, you can buy them from:
- Self-service kiosks in post office lobbies.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies that sell booklets of stamps.
- Stamps.com or the official USPS website (though they will be mailed to you later).
Does mail move between facilities on holidays?
Yes. While delivery to homes and businesses stops, the USPS distribution network often keeps moving. Trucks and planes transport mail between processing plants to ensure the system doesn’t get completely clogged for Tuesday.
Plan Ahead for the Next Federal Holiday
The USPS President’s Day closure is a standard annual event, but it still catches people off guard. By marking your calendar and understanding the limitations of the U.S. Postal Service on federal holidays, you can avoid the frustration of a wasted trip to the post office.
If you have urgent mail, turn to private carriers like UPS or FedEx. For everything else, patience is key. Normal operations, including residential delivery and retail counter service, will resume promptly on the Tuesday following the holiday.
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