What Days Mail Is Not Delivered?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the largest postal service in the world. It serves millions of customers every day. However, even though USPS tries to get mail to people quickly and efficiently, there are some days when mail delivery is not possible.

So, let’s take a closer look at what days mail is not delivered, as well as some of the reasons why there are “no mail delivery” days.

No Mail Delivery on Federal Holidays

The USPS does not deliver mail on federal holidays. These are national holidays that many businesses and organizations, like the USPS, recognize and take time off for. 

Here is a list of the federal holidays and the days on which the USPS does not deliver mail:

No Mail Delivery on Sundays

In addition to federal holidays, the USPS also does not deliver mail on Sundays. This policy has been in place since the founding of the USPS in 1775, and it reflects the importance of Sundays as a day of rest and religious observance. 

So, while some package delivery services, such as FedEx, may deliver packages on Sundays in certain circumstances, the USPS does not.

Why Is No USPS Mail Delivered on Federal Holidays and Sundays?

Legal Requirements

The postal service operates under the provisions of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which mandates that the postal service be closed on Sundays and federal holidays. This ensures that it is operated in accordance with the law and that its employees are protected from unreasonable working conditions.

Postal Unions 

Unions help keep employers in check. In the case of the USPS, postal unions have negotiated contractual agreements that specify the days and hours their members will work. Holidays and Sundays are designated as days off, as is typical for many workplaces in the United States.

Cost Savings 

The USPS operates under tight budget constraints, and delivering mail on holidays, and Sundays would require paying premium pay and overtime to postal workers. By not delivering mail on these days, the USPS can reduce labor costs and save money.

Reduced Demand 

The demand for mail delivery is typically lower on holidays and Sundays, as many businesses and institutions are closed. By not delivering mail on these days, the USPS can preserve its resources, including fuel and manpower, which would otherwise be used for failed deliveries.

Historical Precedent 

The USPS has a long history, dating back to the founding of the USA, and has never traditionally delivered mail on holidays and Sundays. And this tradition has been passed down over generations, continuing to this day. Plus, the USPS delivery system is complex. Making changes to it requires a lot of time and resources. 

Better Work-Life Balance for Postal Workers

By not delivering mail on holidays and Sundays, postal workers are given the opportunity to take a break from their demanding work schedules and spend quality time with their families.

Customer Expectation 

Most customers expect that mail delivery will be disrupted on holidays and Sundays and will have made arrangements accordingly.

Now that we’ve answered what days mail is not delivered and why. Let’s move on to a few other…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there mail delivery on Saturdays?

Yes, USPS provides mail delivery services from Monday to Saturday. The only exception is if the Saturday falls on a federal holiday.

Are there any other days besides Federal holidays and Sundays on which the USPS does not provide delivery services?

Even though it doesn’t happen often, there may be other days when delivery services are affected by bad weather, natural disasters, worker strikes, or other unplanned events. The USPS may need to suspend deliveries on these days.

What happens to mail that was scheduled to be delivered on a federal holiday or Sunday?

Mail that was scheduled to be delivered on a federal holiday or Sunday will be delivered on the next available delivery day.

Can I still send mail on federal holidays and Sundays?

No, you can neither receive nor send mail on these days.

Are all postal classes affected by the no-delivery policy on federal holidays and Sundays?

The no-delivery policy applies to all delivery services provided by USPS, including first-class mail (standard mail), express mail, international mail, and package delivery services.

Can I track my mail on federal holidays and Sundays?

Yes, but the delivery status may not be updated until the next available delivery day.

Are there any exceptions to the no-delivery policy on Federal holidays and Sundays?

There may be exceptions in certain circumstances, such as during a national emergency, but these are extremely rare and would be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Is the no-delivery policy on federal holidays and Sundays different in different states or regions?

No, this applies nationwide, in all states and regions.

Are there any plans for the USPS to change the no-delivery policy on federal holidays and Sundays?

The USPS regularly reviews and updates its policies, but there are currently no plans to change this one. If they do in the future, any policy changes will be communicated to the public in advance.

Got Another Postal Service Question?

No problem! We can answer just about any postal service question you may have in 2023!

That’s right, any question! Like… Can I Drop a Package in a USPS Mailbox, Does USPS Notarize Documents, Does USPS Deliver At Night, Does USPS Ship to Puerto Rico, and How To Cancel A USPS Mail Hold?

What about the delivery days and times of private courier services?

Yup! Find out Does FedEx Deliver on Saturdays, Does FedEx Deliver To PO Boxes, and just How Late Does DHL Deliver?

Confused by postal service terminology? No worries! We can explain everything from What Does Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item Mean, What Does Available for Pickup Mean USPS, and What is USPS Informed Delivery, to What Does Missent Mean USPS The Ultimate Guide.

Just search our site for your question!

Ok, back to today’s question…

Final Thoughts

To summarize, the days USPS does not provide delivery services are on federal holidays and Sundays. This policy has been in place for a long time. It is based on the idea that postal workers need time to rest and refuel, as well as on legal and practical concerns. 

By understanding when mail delivery is not available, you are better able to plan and manage your mail needs.

Happy mailing!