Will There Be Mail Delivery on November 12, 2018?

The upcoming November 12th holiday has many people wondering if there will be mail delivery on that day. The answer is no, there will not be any mail delivery on November 12th. If you are expecting a package or waiting for an important letter, it is important to plan ahead and consider the possible delay. In this article, we will dive into the reasons behind this decision and provide tips on how to prepare for it.

Why November 12, 2018 is Important for Mail Delivery?

November 12th is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that honors those who have served in the United States military. It falls on November 11th every year, but when it occurs on a Sunday as it does this year, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. This means that all non-essential federal offices, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), will be closed on November 12th.

This closure will affect mail delivery, as there will be no regular mail service on November 12th. However, priority mail express and some package delivery services will still be available. It is important to plan ahead and check with your local post office for any changes in their hours of operation during the holiday season.

In addition to honoring veterans, November 12th is also recognized as Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. This day celebrates the power of storytelling and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. It is a reminder to share our own stories and listen to the stories of others, as they can inspire, comfort, and connect us in meaningful ways.

The History of Mail Delivery on Holidays

The USPS has a long history of honoring federal holidays and closing its offices on those days. This policy can be traced back to the early days of the USPS when federal offices were closed on holidays like Christmas and Independence Day. Over time, the list of observed holidays has expanded to include other notable days such as Veterans Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

However, despite the closure of USPS offices on federal holidays, mail delivery has not always been suspended. In fact, during the early years of the USPS, mail delivery on holidays was common practice. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the USPS began to officially suspend mail delivery on federal holidays. This was due in part to the growing recognition of holidays as days of rest and celebration, as well as the need to give postal workers a break from their demanding schedules.

How USPS Determines Mail Delivery Schedules

The USPS is responsible for delivering mail to every address in the United States, six days a week. However, there are a few exceptions to this schedule, such as on federal holidays like Veterans Day. When determining its delivery schedule, the USPS takes into account a variety of factors such as the availability of employees, transportation, and the volume of mail that needs to be delivered.

Another important factor that the USPS considers when determining its delivery schedule is the weather. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or hurricanes can cause delays in mail delivery. In such cases, the USPS may have to suspend mail delivery until it is safe for its employees to resume their duties.

Additionally, the USPS also offers various delivery options to its customers, such as Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Parcel Select. These options come with different delivery times and prices, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget. The USPS also provides tracking information for most of its delivery options, allowing customers to track their packages and know exactly when they will be delivered.

Understanding USPS’ Holiday Schedule

The USPS has a specific holiday schedule that determines when its offices are closed and mail delivery is suspended. On these days, USPS employees are given the day off as part of their benefits package. This schedule varies slightly each year, so it is important to be aware of the specific days that mail delivery will be disrupted.

It is important to note that even though mail delivery may be suspended on certain holidays, USPS packages can still be tracked and scheduled for delivery on those days. Additionally, USPS offers a variety of shipping options, including Priority Mail Express, which guarantees overnight delivery 365 days a year, including holidays. It is always a good idea to check the USPS website or contact your local post office for more information on holiday schedules and shipping options.

Will Mail be Delivered on Other Holidays?

As previously mentioned, the USPS has a specific holiday schedule that determines when its offices are closed and mail delivery is suspended. This schedule applies to all federal holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Presidents Day. Other holidays, such as Columbus Day and Labor Day, are not considered federal holidays and do not necessarily result in mail delivery being suspended.

It is important to note that even on federal holidays when mail delivery is suspended, some packages may still be delivered. Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages are examples of packages that may still be delivered on these holidays. However, regular mail and other packages will not be delivered until the next business day.

If you are expecting an important package or mail delivery on a holiday, it is recommended that you check with your local post office to confirm their holiday schedule and whether or not they will be delivering packages on that day. This can help you plan accordingly and avoid any potential delays or issues with your mail delivery.

What to Expect from USPS on November 12, 2018

If you are expecting mail on November 12th, it is important to remember that there will be no mail delivery on this day. This means that any mail that was scheduled for delivery on November 12th will likely be delivered the following day. The USPS may also experience some delays during the days leading up to and following the holiday, so plan accordingly.

It is important to note that USPS retail locations will also be closed on November 12th in observance of Veterans Day. However, USPS self-service kiosks will still be available for use. Additionally, USPS Priority Mail Express service will still be available for delivery on November 12th, but an additional fee may apply.

If you need to send mail or packages on November 12th, you can still do so by using USPS Click-N-Ship or scheduling a package pickup. These services allow you to print shipping labels and schedule a pickup from your home or office, even on holidays. Keep in mind that delivery times may be affected by the holiday, so be sure to check the estimated delivery date before sending your package.

How to Prepare for a Possible Delay in Mail Delivery

If you are expecting an important package or letter, it is important to plan ahead and consider the possible delay in mail delivery. This might involve contacting the sender and asking them to send the package earlier, or finding alternative ways to receive important documents. It is also important to be patient and understanding during this time, as many USPS employees will be working hard to ensure that the backlog of mail is delivered as quickly as possible.

One way to prepare for a possible delay in mail delivery is to sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This service allows you to receive a daily email with images of the mail that will be delivered to your mailbox that day. This can help you keep track of important documents and packages, and give you a heads up if something is missing or delayed.

Another option is to consider using a private courier service, such as FedEx or UPS, for important deliveries. While these services may be more expensive than USPS, they often offer faster delivery times and more reliable tracking information. It is important to weigh the cost and benefits of using a private courier service versus USPS, depending on the urgency and importance of the delivery.

The Impact of Holidays on USPS Operations

Holidays like Veterans Day can have a significant impact on USPS operations. Millions of letters and packages are sent through the postal system every day, and disruptions to the system can cause delays and frustration for both senders and recipients. However, the USPS is committed to ensuring that mail delivery is as efficient and reliable as possible, even during times of increased demand.

During holiday seasons, the USPS often hires additional staff to help manage the increased volume of mail. This includes temporary workers who are trained to sort and deliver mail, as well as extra trucks and planes to transport packages and letters. Despite these efforts, there may still be delays in delivery times due to the sheer volume of mail being processed.

It’s important to note that not all holidays have the same impact on USPS operations. For example, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas typically see a much higher volume of mail than holidays like Columbus Day or Presidents Day. The USPS closely monitors mail volume and adjusts their operations accordingly to ensure that mail is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Alternatives to Traditional Mail Delivery on Holidays

If you are in need of urgent or time-sensitive mail delivery on a federal holiday like Veterans Day, there are a few alternative options available. Private delivery services like FedEx and UPS provide package delivery on federal holidays for an additional fee. Additionally, some retail stores and pharmacies offer same-day or next-day package delivery for a fee. These alternatives may be more costly than traditional mail delivery, but they can be a useful option in times of need.

In conclusion, while there will be no mail delivery on November 12th, it is important to remember that the USPS is committed to delivering mail as efficiently and reliably as possible. By planning ahead and being patient during times of increased demand, we can ensure that our mail is safely delivered to its intended destination.

It is also worth noting that many businesses and organizations have shifted towards digital communication methods, such as email and online messaging, which can be a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional mail delivery. By utilizing these digital options, we can reduce our reliance on paper mail and help to minimize our impact on the environment.