Yes, the Post Office is open today. It is New Year’s Eve, and USPS is operating. But many counters are closing early, and blue boxes are getting cleared sooner. If your hobby or weekend plans hinge on a timely drop, the clock matters right now.
What is running at USPS today
USPS is delivering regular mail and packages today. Most Post Offices are open, with retail counters and lobbies available. Many locations are running reduced hours, especially in the late afternoon. If you need stamps, flat rate boxes, money orders, or a counter scan, go earlier.
Blue collection boxes are being picked up earlier than a normal weekday. The time printed on the box is the official last pickup, but trucks may come ahead of that posted time today. If you have pen pal letters, swap meet trades, or returns for craft supplies, drop them now.
Package drop counters are available at most locations. Lines are moving quickly this morning, then slowing near lunch. Self-service kiosks are open at many sites, but access varies by building. Bring your tape and a pen to avoid delays.
Check your local hours before you leave. Some stations close midafternoon, even if lobby doors stay open for PO boxes.
Fast way to confirm your local hours
- Use the official location finder or app to see today’s hours.
- Call the branch. Many list a holiday voice message.
- Look for a temporary hours flyer on the lobby door.
- Check the blue box label for today’s last pickup time.
What shuts down tomorrow
USPS is closed on New Year’s Day. There is no regular delivery, no retail service, and no collection pickups tomorrow. One service keeps moving, Priority Mail Express, which runs 365 days a year. If you must move something on January 1, that is your only guaranteed USPS option. For film rolls to your lab or rare cards headed to a grader, plan accordingly.
Do not wait until tomorrow for standard mail or retail counter help. It will not be available on January 1.
UPS and FedEx holiday reality
UPS and FedEx are also operating on modified schedules today. Store counters may close early. Air and some ground services are limited. On January 1, most services are paused, with only critical or express options active.
- Today, expect shorter retail hours and earlier drop deadlines.
- Many drop boxes see earlier pickups.
- Tomorrow, most services are paused, with limited express options.
- Franchise stores may set their own hours, so call ahead.
If you are shipping a board game trade, a framed print, or a delicate model kit, pack it securely now. Get a receipt scan before the early cutoff. That scan locks in today’s date, which can help with buyer expectations.
Make the most of today, hobby style
Treat today like a mini sprint before the ball drops. Sort your outgoing items now. Keep heavy pieces in flat rate boxes to control cost. Print labels at home to speed up your in-person stop. A clean label scans faster, which gets you out the door sooner.
Postcard writers and zine makers, slide your stack into a blue box before lunchtime for the best chance at a same-day movement. Crafters returning yarn or supplies, bring exact addresses and choose thicker mailers to prevent snags in automated sorters. Collectors shipping comics or cards should use rigid mailers with corner protection. You do not want a bent package waiting in a closed facility tomorrow.
If you have travel plans, consider holding your mail. A hold request placed today can protect your porch while you are at brunch tomorrow. You can also use tracking alerts to keep an eye on that vinyl you are expecting, so it is not sitting out on January 1.
Self-service kiosks can sell postage and print labels when counters are closed, but availability differs by location. Check the lobby schedule for kiosk access.
Quick packing checklist for a smooth drop
- Strong tape, not masking tape.
- One clear label with the full address.
- Padding at corners and edges.
- A printed receipt or tracking number saved to your phone.
The bottom line
USPS is open today, New Year’s Eve, with many counters closing early. Blue boxes are cleared ahead of normal times, so drop mail now. USPS is closed tomorrow, except for Priority Mail Express. UPS and FedEx are running modified service today, then are largely paused on January 1. If your hobby life thrives on timely shipping, move with purpose today. Get it mailed, then toast the new year with a clear head and an empty to-do list. 🎉📬
