Post Office Hours: Open Or Closed On Veterans Day?

# Are Post Offices Open on Veterans Day? What to Know

Navigating postal services around holidays can be tricky. If you're wondering whether you can mail a package or visit your local post office on Veterans Day, you're in the right place. In our experience, many people are unsure about holiday hours, especially for essential services like the post office. This article provides a clear answer and covers everything you need to know about postal services on Veterans Day.

## Understanding Post Office Operations on Veterans Day

So, are post offices open on Veterans Day? **The short answer is no.** In general, United States Postal Service (USPS) post offices are closed on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11th. This federal holiday is a day to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. As such, most government entities, including the USPS, observe this holiday with closures.

### Why Are Post Offices Closed on Veterans Day?

The closure is a mark of respect for veterans. It also allows postal employees to observe the holiday. This aligns with the broader federal holiday schedule, where many non-essential government services are suspended.

### Key Takeaways

*   USPS post offices are generally **closed** on Veterans Day.
*   Regular mail delivery is **not available**, with the exception of Priority Mail Express.
*   Plan your postal needs ahead of time or utilize alternative options.

## What Postal Services Are Affected?

It’s not just the physical post office locations that are affected. Several postal services are impacted by the Veterans Day holiday. Let's break down what you can expect:

### No Regular Mail Delivery

Regular mail delivery, including letters, packages, and marketing mail, is suspended on Veterans Day. This means you won't receive your usual mail, and carriers will not be making their typical routes.

### Limited Package Delivery

The only exception to the delivery suspension is for **Priority Mail Express**. This premium service offers delivery on Sundays and holidays, so if you're expecting an urgent package sent via Priority Mail Express, it should still arrive on Veterans Day.

### Post Office Locations Closed

As mentioned, physical post office locations are closed. This includes: 

*   Lobby services
*   Retail counters
*   Self-service kiosks (in some locations)

While some self-service kiosks located outside of closed post offices might be accessible, it's best not to rely on them.

### Mail Collection Suspended

Mail collection from blue collection boxes is also suspended on Veterans Day. If you deposit mail in these boxes on the holiday, it will be collected the following business day.

## Alternative Options for Your Postal Needs

If you have urgent mailing needs on Veterans Day, you do have a few alternatives to consider:

### Priority Mail Express

As mentioned earlier, Priority Mail Express is the only USPS service that operates on Veterans Day. If you absolutely need to send or receive a package on this day, this is your best bet.

### Third-Party Shipping Services

Consider using private carriers like FedEx or UPS. While their hours may be limited and holiday surcharges might apply, they often offer some level of service on federal holidays. Check their websites for specific holiday operating hours.

In our analysis, FedEx and UPS often maintain modified schedules on holidays, but it's crucial to confirm their hours of operation in your specific area.

### Online Services

You can still utilize online USPS services on Veterans Day. This includes:

*   Printing shipping labels
*   Scheduling package pickups for the next business day
*   Ordering stamps

Keep in mind that while you can prepare these tasks online, your packages won't be picked up, and your orders won't ship until the next business day.

## Planning Ahead for Postal Holidays

To avoid any postal disruptions, planning ahead is key. Here are some tips:

### Check the USPS Holiday Schedule

The USPS publishes a list of holidays each year when post offices are closed and regular mail delivery is suspended. Refer to this schedule to plan your mailing activities accordingly. You can find the official USPS holiday schedule on their website ([USPS.com](https://www.usps.com/)).

### Mail Early

If you have important documents or packages to send, aim to mail them a few days before Veterans Day. This ensures they'll be in transit before the holiday closure.

### Utilize Online Services in Advance

Print shipping labels and schedule pickups ahead of time to save time and ensure your packages are ready to go as soon as postal services resume.

## Veterans Day: Honoring Our Heroes

Veterans Day is more than just a day off; it's a day to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. The closure of post offices and other government services is a small way of recognizing this important day.

While the postal service might be closed, there are many ways to show your support for veterans. Consider attending a local Veterans Day event, volunteering at a veterans' organization, or simply taking a moment to thank a veteran for their service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ([VA.gov](https://www.va.gov/)) offers resources for supporting veterans and learning more about their contributions.

## FAQ: Post Office on Veterans Day

### 1. Will I receive mail on Veterans Day?

No, regular mail delivery is suspended on Veterans Day, with the exception of Priority Mail Express.

### 2. Are post office locations open on Veterans Day?

No, USPS post office locations are closed on Veterans Day.

### 3. Can I still ship packages on Veterans Day?

You can ship packages via Priority Mail Express or through private carriers like FedEx or UPS (check their holiday hours). You can also prepare shipments online for pickup on the next business day.

### 4. What if I have a package being delivered via Priority Mail?

If your package is being delivered via Priority Mail Express, it should still arrive on Veterans Day. Regular Priority Mail will be delivered the following business day.

### 5. Are self-service kiosks at post offices open on Veterans Day?

Some self-service kiosks may be accessible, but it's best not to rely on them as availability can vary by location.

### 6. How can I find out the holiday hours for FedEx and UPS?

Visit the FedEx ([FedEx.com](https://www.fedex.com/)) and UPS ([UPS.com](https://www.ups.com/)) websites to find information on their holiday operating hours.

## Conclusion

While USPS post offices are closed on Veterans Day, understanding your options and planning ahead can help you manage your postal needs effectively. Remember to check the USPS holiday schedule, mail early, and consider alternative services if you have urgent mailing requirements. Most importantly, take a moment to honor the veterans who have served our country on this significant day.