INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): This week the U.S. Postal Service announced the 2015 holiday mailing and shipping deadlines for domestic, international and military services as customers begin to prepare for the busy shopping and shipping season. Customers are encouraged to ship early, whenever possible.

To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Christmas Day (Dec. 25), the Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

Mail-by Dates (Domestic Services)

• Dec. 15 – Standard Post (Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.)
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• Dec. 19 – First Class Mail (Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.)

• Dec. 21 – Priority Mail (Domestic service in 1, 2, or 3 business days based on where the package starts and where it’s being sent. Includes variety of Flat Rate options.)

• Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express (Fastest domestic service, with guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25.)