Christmas mail alert as Royal Mail shares 5 important deadlines to remember

CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and many people will be planning to send cards and presents to their loved ones ahead of the big day.

To help with preparations, Royal Mail has released the latest recommended shipping dates to ensure cards, letters and parcels arrive on time.

Postal Service officials have said that if mail is posted before these dates in December, it should arrive before Santa.

And as always, the sooner you list items, the less likely that unforeseen delays could result in them being delivered after Christmas.

However, please note that if you need to ship items overseas, they will take longer to be delivered.

Please note that final booking dates are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

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Important dates

So here are the dates you need to know – from early to late.

• The last post date for 2nd class mail is Wednesday December 17th
• The last post date for 1st class mail is Saturday 20th December
• The last post date for Royal Mail Tracked 24 is Sunday 21st December
• The last booking date for Guaranteed Special Delivery is Tuesday, December 23

Meanwhile, Friday 19 December is the last shipping date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 which will reach the sender before Christmas.

This date is also the end date for Express48 Parcelforce Worldwide UK domestic services.

And Express10, ExpressPM and Express24 are all due by Monday, December 22.

Reminders by post

To ensure smooth delivery, Royal Mail reminded people to ensure their cards, letters and parcels contain the recipient’s full address, including full postcode.

People were also reminded to pay the correct postage amount to avoid unnecessary delays or additional costs.

Royal Mail also told its customers to be aware of scams and counterfeit stamps.

It says fraudsters may be looking for opportunities to steal money and valuable information from people expecting a delivery.

Britain’s largest parcel delivery company has also confirmed final shipping dates to ensure Christmas presents are delivered on time.

Evri is also encouraging customers to send their packages as early as possible, but said Friday, December 19 is the last chance for courier collections.

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