POOLER, Ga. — As the holiday season approaches, time is running out for those planning to send Christmas gifts. With shipping deadlines fast approaching, FedEx teams throughout Georgia are working tirelessly to meet the heightened demand.

Our team visited the Pooler facility to gain insight into the journey of holiday packages, ensuring they arrive on time to be placed under the tree. On Friday morning, additional staff were busy handling packages as the window for holiday shipping began to close.

In Pooler, it was a morning of constant activity as workers diligently sorted, scanned, and loaded deliveries destined to reach their recipients before Christmas Eve.

As the holiday shipping deadlines loom, FedEx management shared with us that this week is among the busiest of the season. December typically sees package volumes doubling. To manage this surge, the Coastal Empire facility has bolstered its workforce, extended operating hours, and increased the number of delivery trucks on the road.

FedEx advises customers that the best way to prevent delays is to ship early, particularly as demand increases and weather conditions can be unpredictable. Last year, the season was exceptionally busy due to disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene.

For those cutting it close, the company has several deadline options, from ground economy on December 15th all the way to same-day service on December 24th. While those faster services cost more, they’re designed to give last-minute gift-givers a safety net.

FedEx 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines to note:

• Ground Economy: Dec. 15
• Ground / Home Delivery: Dec. 17–23
• Express Saver & 2Day: Dec. 22–23
• Overnight & Same Day: Dec. 23–24

More than 40% of U.S. consumers say they’re unaware of these deadlines, so now’s the time to circle those dates and get those packages out the door. The team at the Pooler FedEx says they’ll be working hard all morning – and all season – to help make that happen.

Also, if you’re shipping gifts with the postal service this holiday season, time is running out for them to ensure your package arrives in time. You have less than a week to get them mailed for expected delivery before Christmas Day.

The deadline is next Wednesday, December 17th, to use ground advantage and first-class mail.
December 18th is the cutoff for priority mail. You have until December 20th to use Priority Mail Express.

 USPS shipping deadlines for the holiday season:

• Ground Advantage: Dec. 17
• First-class Mail Service: Dec. 17
• Priority Mail Service: Dec 18
• Priority Mail Express Service: Dec 20

According to a survey from Stamps.com, 66% of shoppers have experienced shipping delays in previous holiday seasons. Gen Z reported the highest rate of delays at 73%, compared to 49% of the Baby Boomer generation. The survey highlights that younger generations are less tolerant of delays and prioritize fast and efficient shipping.

FedEx employees want to share with residents happy shopping and happy holidays!