If you’re planning to send or receive important packages or letters, knowing what happens with mail on Veterans Day 2025 is essential. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the United States will observe Veterans Day—a federal holiday honoring military veterans. As with every year, this observance directly affects mail services across the country. Here’s a comprehensive, reader-friendly guide detailing everything you need to know about postal schedules, delivery updates, and business impacts.
Table of Contents
USPS Schedule on Veterans Day 2025
The United States Postal Service (USPS) fully observes Veterans Day as a federal holiday. This means:
All post office branches nationwide will remain closed on November 11, 2025. Regular mail services—including First-Class Mail, Retail Ground, and Priority Mail (standard)—will not operate. However, Priority Mail Express will still function as it guarantees year-round, 365-day delivery.
For customers using self-service kiosks, select locations will remain accessible for purchasing postage, printing labels, and dropping off prepaid parcels. However, any mail deposited will not begin processing until Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when regular operations resume.
The USPS pause ensures employees can take part in Veterans Day observances, aligning with other federal institutions that close in recognition of the holiday.
Private Carriers: UPS and FedEx on Veterans Day 2025
While USPS completely halts regular operations, private carriers maintain partial or full service.
UPS (United Parcel Service) will operate normally on Veterans Day. Packages scheduled for pickup or delivery will be processed on time. However, services connected to USPS—such as UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations—will face delays since USPS facilities are closed.
FedEx will also operate, but with minor variations. Most FedEx Express, Ground, and Home Delivery services will run on regular schedules. Some FedEx Office store hours may differ depending on location, and freight services could follow modified timetables. Customers are encouraged to check local store hours before shipping.
If your mail depends on USPS at any point during transit, anticipate a one-day delay regardless of the private carrier used.
Key Points Summary (Quick Read)
- USPS post offices close on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
- No regular USPS deliveries occur, except Priority Mail Express.
- UPS and FedEx largely operate, though USPS-linked services experience delays.
- Self-service kiosks and mail drop boxes remain accessible but unprocessed.
- Normal USPS operations resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Why Mail Services Pause on Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, established to honor men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Because it’s one of the 11 official federal holidays, all non-essential government services pause operations—including the Postal Service.
The closure ensures that USPS workers, many of whom are veterans themselves, can observe the day without business interruption. It’s a long-standing tradition that emphasizes respect for military contributions rather than logistical convenience.
How the Holiday Impacts Individuals and Businesses
The temporary pause in mail on Veterans Day 2025 affects both individuals and organizations across the country.
For individuals: Any standard letters, bills, or packages scheduled for delivery on November 11 will arrive a day later. Outgoing mail placed in collection boxes won’t be processed until after the holiday.
For businesses: Operations that depend on daily mail flow—like invoicing, legal correspondence, or shipments—will see brief slowdowns. Many small businesses prepare by mailing out critical items one or two days early.
If you manage e-commerce or logistics, aligning shipping schedules with carrier calendars can prevent unnecessary delays in customer deliveries.
Mail Drop Boxes and Self-Service Kiosks
Even though full processing halts, some USPS facilities remain partially accessible.
You can still drop mail into blue USPS collection boxes. However, items placed there after the last scheduled pickup before the holiday will not move until Wednesday morning.
Self-service kiosks inside select post offices let you:
- Buy postage stamps.
- Print Priority or Express Mail labels.
- Weigh and pay for parcels.
- Drop prepaid mail into internal collection bins.
Remember, though, processing restarts only when postal centers reopen on November 12.
Understanding Priority Mail Express Service
Priority Mail Express is the only USPS service that continues uninterrupted on Veterans Day.
This option offers overnight or two-day guaranteed delivery, including Sundays and federal holidays. If you have urgent legal documents, time-sensitive business materials, or gifts that must arrive on the holiday, this service ensures delivery.
To guarantee arrival on November 11, items must be dropped off before the cutoff time on Monday, November 10. Check with your local post office for specific cutoff deadlines.
UPS and FedEx Holiday Adjustments
UPS:
UPS continues standard pickup and delivery operations. Store locations, known as The UPS Store, typically remain open. Customers can drop off parcels and print labels as usual.
FedEx:
FedEx continues to provide Express and Ground services, but certain locations—especially in smaller cities—may operate under holiday hours. Freight operations may adjust due to staffing. FedEx Office centers often post adjusted schedules locally, so checking ahead ensures a smooth shipping experience.
Both carriers provide tracking updates throughout the day, though customers should still anticipate minor delays if their shipment connects to the USPS for final delivery.
Tips to Avoid Mail Delays
To navigate the one-day pause smoothly, consider these smart strategies:
- Ship Early: Send mail by Monday, November 10, to avoid disruption.
- Use Priority Mail Express: Ideal for guaranteed delivery even on holidays.
- Check Carrier Calendars: UPS and FedEx may adjust hours; confirm ahead.
- Track Shipments: Use online tracking tools to monitor progress.
- Inform Recipients: If your recipient expects a delivery on Veterans Day, alert them to the possible delay.
- Digital Alternatives: For time-critical communication, email or electronic document transfer can bridge the gap.
Resumption of Normal Operations
After the one-day pause, full USPS operations resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
This includes:
- Regular mail delivery across all service categories.
- Reopening of post office retail counters nationwide.
- Clearing of mail accumulated in collection boxes over the holiday.
- Processing of business and commercial shipments delayed by the pause.
Private carriers resume normal activity simultaneously, ensuring all pending deliveries proceed without further holiday interruptions.
Holiday Mail Planning for 2025
Veterans Day is one of several USPS-observed holidays each year. Others include Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day. Planning around these dates can help businesses and households maintain steady communication and shipping reliability.
For the remainder of 2025, businesses should prepare for additional holiday impacts, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when demand and postal volume surge.
The Significance of Veterans Day
Beyond the logistics, Veterans Day carries deep meaning. It originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I in 1918. In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all American military veterans.
The USPS, alongside many organizations, commemorates the day to recognize those who served. Many postal employees themselves are veterans, making the closure both symbolic and respectful.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how mail on Veterans Day 2025 operates ensures you stay ahead of any mailing or shipping delays. The USPS pause is brief, and with proper planning—like using express services or scheduling early—you can easily avoid inconvenience.
Whether you’re sending heartfelt letters or time-sensitive business packages, plan accordingly and take advantage of available tools to track and manage deliveries effectively.
Have you ever experienced a mail delay during a federal holiday? Share your story in the comments below—your insights could help others prepare for the next mailing holiday.
